The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The profound insight here is that the Father addresses the Son not just as a subordinate, but as a co-ruler with equal authority, inviting Him to "sit" – a posture of rest after victory and active reign – at His own right hand. This isn't merely about honor, but about a divine partnership in ruling the cosmos until all opposition is utterly vanquished.
The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm opens with a divine declaration from God the Father to God the Son, the Messiah. It's not just a poetic thought but an eternal decree, spoken from the very throne room of heaven. David, inspired by the Spirit, recognizes this figure as both his descendant and his Lord, signaling a divine status far beyond any earthly king. The passage sets the stage for Christ's ultimate triumph, inviting Him to reign at God's right hand until every opposing force is completely subdued beneath His authority.
Ever wondered about the ultimate authority behind Jesus' reign? This verse reveals a divine conversation at the highest level.
This verse isn't just poetry; it's a royal decree from God the Father to God the Son (Jesus Christ).
A Conversation of Divine Authority
This establishes Jesus not just as a prophet or king, but as the divine Son reigning with the Father.
Sitting isn't always about relaxing; sometimes, it's about the ultimate authority. Discover what 'sitting at God's right hand' truly means.
The command to 'Sit at my right hand' is far more than a sign of honor. It signifies both the completion of Christ's redemptive work and the beginning of His sovereign reign.
Ask a follow-up
From Suffering to Supreme Authority
This Psalm speaks of enemies being made a 'footstool.' What does this intense imagery reveal about Christ's ultimate victory?
The imagery of enemies becoming a 'footstool' is powerful and points to Christ's absolute and final triumph over all opposition.
The Ultimate Victory March
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the covenant God of Israel (YHWH). He is the self-existent One who enters into a personal, faithful relationship with His people.
Adonai · Hebrew Noun
A title denoting authority, master, or lord. In this context, it refers to the Davidic king or the promised Messiah who holds supreme authority under God.
yamin · Hebrew Noun
A position of supreme power, honor, and authority next to a king. To sit at the right hand indicates sharing in the sovereign rule and judicial authority of the monarch.
hadom · Hebrew Noun
A place of total subjugation and defeat. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, placing feet on a conquered enemy signified the complete victory and dominion of the victor.
Psalm 110, a royal psalm, was likely written during or after the Babylonian exile. The declaration of the LORD to 'my Lord' sitting at God's right hand until enemies are subdued, offers a powerful message of hope and ultimate divine victory, contrasting sharply with the present reality of defeat and exile.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
King David unifies Israel, establishing Jerusalem as the capital and a strong monarchy.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Reign and Temple
David's son Solomon succeeds him, building the First Temple in Jerusalem and ushering in an era of peace and prosperity.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Divides
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
c. 740 BC
Assyrian Threat Grows
The powerful Neo-Assyrian Empire begins its expansion, posing a significant military and political threat to both Israel and Judah.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Assyrians, its people deported, and its territory incorporated into the empire.
c. 605 BC
Babylonian Conquest Begins
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon defeats the Egyptians and begins asserting Babylonian dominance over Judah, leading to initial deportations.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar conquers Judah, destroys Jerusalem and the First Temple, and exiles most of the remaining population to Babylon.
Jesus himself quotes this verse to demonstrate that the Messiah is David's Lord, highlighting the divine nature and exalted authority of Christ.
Hebrews 1:3This passage directly links the Messiah to Psalm 110:1, explaining that after accomplishing purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, signifying His supreme authority and finished work.
1 Corinthians 15:25Paul echoes the promise of Psalm 110:1, stating that Christ must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet, underscoring the ultimate triumph and dominion He will exercise.
Acts 2:34-35Peter quotes this psalm to show that David spoke of the Messiah's ascension and enthronement at God's right hand, proving Christ's present reign and authority after His resurrection.
Joshua 10:24This Old Testament account provides the cultural imagery behind the 'footstool' metaphor, where Joshua commanded his warriors to place their feet on the necks of captured kings, illustrating complete subjugation.
gillPsalms 110:1: "A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."
The Lord said unto my Lord,.... The Targum is, "the Lord said in his Word.'' Galatinus (q) says the true Targum of Jonathan has it, "the Lord said to his Word;'' and produces an authority for it. These are the words of Jehovah the Father to his Son the Messiah; the "Adon", or Lord, spoken of in Isaiah 6:1, the one Lord Jesus, and only Potentate; the Lord of all, the…
wesleyPsalms 110:1: "<> The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."
110:1 The Lord - God the father. Said - Decreed it from eternity, and in due time published this decree, and actually executed it; which he did when he raised up Christ from the dead, and brought him into his heavenly mansion. Unto - Unto his son the Messiah, whom David designedly calls his Lord, to admonish the whole church, that although he was his son according to his human nat…
The profound insight here is that the Father addresses the Son not just as a subordinate, but as a co-ruler with equal authority, inviting Him to "sit" – a posture of rest after victory and active reign – at His own right hand. This isn't merely about honor, but about a divine partnership in ruling the cosmos until all opposition is utterly vanquished.
This psalm opens with a divine declaration from God the Father to God the Son, the Messiah. It's not just a poetic thought but an eternal decree, spoken from the very throne room of heaven. David, inspired by the Spirit, recognizes this figure as both his descendant and his Lord, signaling a divine status far beyond any earthly king. The passage sets the stage for Christ's ultimate triumph, inviting Him to reign at God's right hand until every opposing force is completely subdued beneath His authority.
This psalm opens with a divine declaration from God the Father to God the Son, the Messiah. It's not just a poetic thought but an eternal decree, spoken from the very throne room of heaven. David, inspired by the Spirit, recognizes this figure as both his descendant and his Lord, signaling a divine status far beyond any earthly king. The passage sets the stage for Christ's ultimate triumph, inviting Him to reign at God's right hand until every opposing force is completely subdued beneath His authority.
"The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”" — The profound insight here is that the Father addresses the Son not just as a subordinate, but as a co-ruler with equal authority, inviting Him to "sit" – a posture of rest after victory and active re…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026