Psalms 110:1 Meaning: David's Son and David's Lord
A Psalm by David. Yahweh says to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet.”
The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
A Psalm of David. The affirmation of Jehovah to my Lord: `Sit at My right hand, Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.'
Jehovah said unto my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I put thine enemies [as] footstool of thy feet.
Meaning in one sentence
What does it mean that David called the Messiah his Lord? This verse is a prophecy of Christ's exaltation and victory over his enemies.
Context
This psalm carries David's name, and it is unlike any other. It opens with a scene that reaches beyond David's own time: God the Father speaks to someone David calls his Lord. The whole psalm is a prophetic glimpse of a king who is also a priest, one who will rule with absolute authority while serving in the order of Melchizedek. The verse you are reading introduces that conversation. The Lord is told to sit at God's right hand, the place of highest honor and shared power. And a promise is given: every enemy will be subdued. The New Testament takes this as a direct word about Jesus Christ, quoting it again and again to show that he is both David's son and David's Lord.
Key Words
The Hebrew word behind “says” in this verse is ne'um, a prophetic term. This is not casual speech. It is a solemn divine utterance, like a royal decree read aloud in a courtroom. God is making an official announcement before all heaven. The word for “Lord” in “my Lord” is adon, a title of respect and authority. David uses it for his own superior, and for God. But here he uses it for his own descendant. The son becomes the master. That reversal is the heart of the mystery. Then comes the invitation: “Sit at my right hand.” The right hand was the place of co-rulership. A king seated his most trusted advisor there. God invites the Messiah to share his own throne. And the footstool imagery comes from ancient conquest: a victorious king would place his foot on the neck of a defeated enemy. It is not a piece of furniture; it is the picture of complete, public victory.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across every tradition have read this verse as a prophecy of Jesus Christ. Jesus himself used it in Matthew 22 to show that the Messiah is both David's son and David's Lord, and the Pharisees could not answer him. The apostles Peter and Paul quoted it to prove Christ's exaltation (Acts 2:34; 1 Corinthians 15:25). Most Jewish interpreters of Jesus' day also saw it as messianic, though later some suggested it referred to Abraham or Hezekiah. The New Testament writers treat the messianic reading as the clear and intended meaning.
A common misunderstanding
Some read “my Lord” and think it simply refers to King David himself or one of his successors, a human king being honored. In fact, the verse distinguishes Yahweh from “my Lord,” and David calls this figure his Lord. That means the Messiah is greater than David. Jesus pointed to this very verse to show that the Christ is not merely a son of David but also his divine Lord.
Living This Out
This week, you may face situations that feel like defeat. A broken relationship, a stubborn sin, a fear that will not leave. This verse says that Christ is already seated at God's right hand, and his enemies will become a footstool. That includes every power that opposes him. Your struggle is not outside his authority. You can ask him to remind you of his victory, and you can rest today knowing the final outcome is secure.
Main takeaway: Jesus Christ, David's son and David's Lord, sits at God's right hand and will completely overcome all his enemies.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
This verse tells us that God invited Jesus to sit in the most important seat in heaven. Jesus is stronger than any bad guy. He wins in the end.
For ages 9, 12
David wrote this to say that God gave the Messiah a throne of honor. Even though Jesus is David's descendant, David calls him 'my Lord' because Jesus is God. When things seem out of control, remember that Jesus is ruling from heaven and will make everything right.
Questions People Ask
Who is 'my Lord' in Psalm 110:1?
Most Christians understand 'my Lord' as Jesus the Messiah. The verse shows a conversation between God the Father and the Son. Jesus quoted it in Matthew 22 to prove the Messiah is more than David's son.
What does 'sit at my right hand' mean?
It is a position of highest honor and shared authority. In ancient courts, the king's right hand was the seat of the most powerful advisor. Here God invites the Messiah to share his own rule.
What does it mean that enemies will be a footstool?
This is an image from ancient warfare. Conquerors would put their feet on the necks of defeated kings. It means total victory. Christ's enemies, such as sin, death, and Satan, will be completely subdued.
Why does David call his descendant 'my Lord'?
David knew the Messiah would be more than a human king. He would be divine. So David, though a king himself, acknowledges the Messiah as his superior and Lord.
How does the New Testament use this verse?
It quotes this verse in Matthew, Acts, Hebrews, and 1 Corinthians to show Jesus's exaltation and his priestly role after his resurrection. It proves his divine sonship and his victory over all enemies.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study