41He said to them, "How is it that they say the Anointed One is David's son? [20:42] For David himself says in the book of Psalms: 'The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand [20:43] until I place your enemies as a footstool under your feet.' [20:44] David then calls him Lord — so how is he his son?"
LUK 20:41-44
Whose Son Is the Christ?
In the world it was spoken into
In this exchange, Jesus challenges the scribes' understanding of the Messiah by referencing Psalm 110:1, a text widely recognized as messianic in Second-Temple Judaism. The psalm depicts David addressing the Messiah as 'Lord' , a term reserved for God or one of divine authority. This would have been striking to Jesus' audience, as it subverted the common expectation that the Messiah would merely be a descendant of David , a human king who would restore Israel's political fortunes. By invoking the image of enemies being made a 'footstool' , Jesus emphasizes the Messiah's role as a divine conqueror, not just a human heir. In the honor-shame culture of the time, this would have been provocative, as it elevated the Messiah's status beyond human lineage and into the realm of divine authority. The scribes, steeped in Torah and tradition, would have recognized the implications: the Messiah is not merely David's son but David's Lord, a figure of cosmic significance.
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How other translations render this
LUK 20:41
- KJV
- And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David’s son?
- BSB
- Then Jesus declared, “How can it be said that the Christ is the Son of David?
- Koinōnos
- He said to them, "How is it that they say the Anointed One is David's son?
LUK 20:42
- KJV
- And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
- BSB
- For David himself says in the book of Psalms: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand
- Koinōnos
- For David himself says in the book of Psalms: 'The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand
LUK 20:43
- KJV
- Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
- BSB
- until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’
- Koinōnos
- until I place your enemies as a footstool under your feet.
LUK 20:44
- KJV
- David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?
- BSB
- Thus David calls Him ‘Lord.’ So how can He be Davidʼs son?”
- Koinōnos
- David then calls him Lord — so how is he his son?
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
LUK 20:41
- Christ:The word translated 'Christ' literally means 'anointed one' and was a title for the expected Messiah, the kingly deliverer of Israel.
LUK 20:42
- Said:The term used here, translated 'Said', is a title of respect and authority, often used for God or a master, indicating a position of power.
- Lord:The word translated 'Lord' was a common term of address for someone in authority, but in this context, it refers to God, emphasizing divine sovereignty.
LUK 20:43
- [as] a footstool:The phrase 'as a footstool' refers to a literal object placed under the feet, symbolizing complete subjugation and victory over enemies.