King James Version

What Does Psalms 110:5 Mean?

Psalms 110:5 in the King James Version says “The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 110 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.”

Psalms 110:5 · KJV

Context

3

Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. from: or, more than the womb of the morning: thou shalt have, etc

4

The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

5

The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.

6

He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries. many: or, great

7

He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse returns to the theme of judgment and vindication. 'The Lord at thy right hand' reinforces the close association established in verse 1, where the Messiah sits at God's right hand. The repetition emphasizes ongoing divine support and partnership. 'Shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath' presents the Messiah as an instrument of divine judgment against hostile rulers. The word 'strike through' (Hebrew 'makah') is the verb used of God's plagues against Egypt and suggests overwhelming, decisive judgment. 'Kings' likely refers to the world powers that oppose God's kingdom, encompassing both historical adversaries and eschatological enemies. 'In the day of his wrath' indicates a specific time of divine judgment - the day when God's long-suffering patience ends and justice is executed. This is consistent with apocalyptic imagery throughout Scripture regarding the 'day of the Lord.' The Messiah, though appearing vulnerable in His earthly ministry, is revealed as God's agent of judgment against those who reject His authority. This verse would have encouraged persecuted believers to recognize that apparent defeat is temporary; ultimate judgment belongs to Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The theme of judgment through God's anointed one appears throughout the prophetic tradition (Psalm 2:8-9, Isaiah 63:1-6, Revelation 19:11-16). The specific mention of 'striking through kings' connects to warnings against resisting God's Messiah (Psalm 2:10-12). First-century Jewish expectations often included a militant Messiah who would overthrow Rome, which partly explains why Jesus' crucifixion scandalized His followers. However, Psalm 110:5 indicates judgment would come 'in the day of his wrath' - a future event. The apostolic church understood this as describing the eschatological judgment at Christ's return rather than the earthly ministry. Paul describes this in 1 Thessalonians 1:7-10, where he mentions Jesus 'revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance.' The timing of this judgment was understood as the Parousia (return) when Christ would be revealed in power and glory. Early Christians expected both Christ's gentle first coming and His righteous judgment at His second coming. Some passages (like 1 Corinthians 15:25) describe an interim period where Christ reigns while His enemies are progressively subdued.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Messiah 'at thy right hand' correlate with His role as judge, and what does this reveal about His relationship to God?
  2. What is the significance of judgment being executed 'in the day of his wrath' rather than continuously throughout history?
  3. How did early Christians reconcile the gentle, merciful Jesus of the gospels with the wrathful judge described in Psalm 110:5?
  4. In what ways does the judgment of 'kings' represent judgment against all human rebellion against God's authority?
  5. What comfort or warning does this verse offer to believers regarding the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אֲדֹנָ֥י1 of 7

“The Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

עַל2 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְמִֽינְךָ֑3 of 7

“at thy right hand”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

מָחַ֖ץ4 of 7

“shall strike”

H4272

to dash asunder; by implication, to crush, smash or violently plunge; figuratively, to subdue or destroy

בְּיוֹם5 of 7

“in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אַפּ֣וֹ6 of 7

“of his wrath”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

מְלָכִֽים׃7 of 7

“through kings”

H4428

a king

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 110:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 110:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 2:5Psalms 16:8Revelation 17:12-14Revelation 6:15-17Psalms 68:14Mark 16:19

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