Psalms 110:1 - Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool. -- American Standard Version.
(This study is being edited)
Psalm 110:1 is frequently cited in discussions about the identity of Jesus and his relationship to Jehovah (Yahweh). Many trinitarian interpreters argue that because David refers to “my Lord,” and because the New Testament applies this verse to Jesus, David must have been addressing a divine person within a triune Godhead. According to this view, one “person” of Jehovah speaks to another “person” of Jehovah, implying that Jesus is Jehovah Himself.
A closer examination of the biblical text, however, shows that Psalm 110:1 does not require such a conclusion. The passage is prophetic, and its fulfillment occurs only after Jesus’ resurrection and exaltation—not during David’s lifetime, nor during Jesus’ earthly ministry.
Did David Speak to Jesus in Psalm 110:1?
Scripture does teach that Jesus existed before the creation of the world of mankind (John 1:1–3; 17:5). In that sense, David could have addressed the pre-human Jesus. Yet Psalm 110:1 provides no evidence that David was doing so. Even if he were, this would not mean that David’s Lord is Jehovah Himself.
David often speaks prophetically in the Psalms, and Psalm 110 is no exception. The New Testament writers consistently interpret Psalm 110:1 as a prophecy fulfilled after Jesus’ resurrection.
When Did Jesus Sit at God’s Right Hand?
The biblical record is clear: Jesus sat at Jehovah’s right hand only after his resurrection and ascension.
Mark 16:19 – Jesus “was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.”
Acts 2:34–36 – Peter explains that David did not ascend to heaven but spoke prophetically of the exalted Christ. God “made him both Lord and Christ.”
Ephesians 1:17–21 – Paul states that “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ” raised Jesus and seated him at His right hand, far above all authorities.
Hebrews 1:3 – After making purification for sins, Jesus “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
1 Peter 3:22 – Jesus is now at God’s right hand, with angels and powers subject to him.
These passages confirm that Jesus became the enthroned “Lord” of Psalm 110:1 only after his resurrection—not before.
Jesus’ Question About David’s Lord
Jesus himself raised the issue in Matthew 22:42–45 (cf. Mark 12:35–37; Luke 20:41–44). He asked how the Messiah could be both David’s son and David’s Lord. Revelation 22:16 provides the answer: Jesus is both “the root and the offspring of David.” As the resurrected, life-giving spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45), Jesus becomes Lord even over David, for he will raise David from the dead (Romans 14:9).
“Lord” as a Title of Superiority, Not Deity
In ancient times, angels sent by God were addressed as “lord” because they were superior to humans. Likewise, the pre-human Jesus was superior to mankind. During his earthly life, Jesus remained sinless (Hebrews 5:7; 10:5), making him morally superior to those around him. As Jehovah’s appointed agent and teacher, he rightly said, “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you say well, for so I am” (John 13:13).
Yet this is not the same “Lord” of Psalm 110:1. Jesus did not become that Lord until after his resurrection (Romans 14:9).
The Importance of God’s Name in Psalm 110:1
Many English translations obscure the meaning of Psalm 110:1 by replacing God’s personal name, Jehovah (Yahweh), with the title “the Lord.” This creates the appearance of two identical “Lords,” which can mislead readers into thinking the verse supports Trinitarian theology.
Translations that preserve the divine name make the distinction clear:
“Jehovah said unto my Lord…” — Darby
“The affirmation of Jehovah to my Lord…” — Young’s Literal
“A declaration of Yahweh to my Lord…” — Rotherham
“Yahweh says to my Lord…” — World English Bible
In every case, Jehovah is one person—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 3:14–15)—and David’s “lord” is someone distinct from Jehovah.
Does “My Lord” Refer to David Himself?
Some Jewish interpreters argue that “my lord” refers to David, supposedly spoken by Levitical singers. This interpretation fails for several reasons:
Psalm 110 never mentions Levitical singers.
The context identifies the speaker as David himself.
David could not be “a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4), since David died.
The New Testament explicitly applies Psalm 110:1 to Jesus, not David (Acts 2:34–36; Hebrews 1:13).
The psalm speaks of a living, eternal priest-king—fulfilled only in the resurrected Christ.
The New Testament Identifies David’s Lord
The New Testament provides the inspired interpretation of Psalm 110:
Jesus is the exalted Lord at God’s right hand.
Jesus is the eternal priest after the order of Melchizedek.
Jesus inherits the throne of David and brings the promised blessings to all nations.
This theme appears throughout Scripture: Genesis 3:15; 2 Samuel 7:11–13; Psalm 2:6–8; Isaiah 9:6–7; Daniel 7:27; Luke 1:32–33; Acts 2:22–36; Ephesians 1:20–22; Hebrews 1:3,13; 1 Peter 3:22; Revelation 22:16, and many others.
Conclusion
Psalm 110:1 does not depict two persons within a triune God. Instead, it presents:
Jehovah, the one God of Israel, speaking.
David’s Lord, the Messiah, who would be exalted after his resurrection.
A prophetic declaration fulfilled in Jesus’ ascension and enthronement.
The psalm distinguishes Jehovah from the Messiah while affirming the Messiah’s exalted role in God’s plan. Jesus becomes David’s Lord not because he is Jehovah, but because Jehovah raised him, exalted him, and appointed him as the eternal priest-king who will rule in righteousness and restore life to all humanity.
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