What is the Most Quoted Psalm in the New Testament
Quick Summary
Psalm 110 is the most quoted psalm in the New Testament. This royal psalm, attributed to David, is frequently cited by Jesus and the apostles to affirm His identity as the Messiah and Lord. Its repeated use highlights the deep interconnection between the Old and New Testaments.
Introduction
The Book of Psalms was the songbook of ancient Israel and remains one of the most quoted Old Testament books in the New Testament. Within its poetic verses are cries of lament, hymns of praise, and prophecies of the Messiah. But among its 150 chapters, one stands out in New Testament usage: Psalm 110.
Psalm 110 is short—just seven verses—but it looms large in Christian theology. Quoted or alluded to at least 27 times in the New Testament, it plays a central role in understanding Jesus' identity, His priestly role, and His reign as Lord.
Psalm 110 in the Old Testament
Psalm 110 opens with a striking verse:
"The Lord says to my lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.’" (Psalm 110:1, NRSV)
Traditionally attributed to David, this psalm is unique in its use of divine speech, royal enthronement, and priestly language. It blends the themes of kingship and priesthood, echoing ancient Israelite ideas while pointing forward to something more.
Verse 4 is equally significant:
"The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.’"
This reference to Melchizedek, a priest-king from Genesis 14, adds a mysterious layer that would later take on immense theological importance.
How Psalm 110 Is Used in the New Testament
Psalm 110 is referenced in a wide range of New Testament books, including the Gospels, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Colossians, Hebrews, and Revelation. Here are some of the most important ways it appears:
Jesus Quotes Psalm 110
In Matthew 22:41–46, Jesus uses Psalm 110 to question the Pharisees:
"He said to them, ‘How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.’” If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?’"
Jesus isn’t just asking a riddle; He is inviting reflection on His divine identity. The implication is clear: the Messiah is not merely a descendant of David but his Lord.
Acts and Apostolic Preaching
Peter references Psalm 110:1 in his Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:34-35):
"For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool."'
This passage affirms Jesus' exaltation and resurrection, key themes in early Christian preaching.
Paul and the Reign of Christ
Paul alludes to Psalm 110:1 in 1 Corinthians 15:25:
"For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet."
Here, the psalm supports Paul's theology of Christ's kingship and final victory over death.
In Ephesians 1:20-22, Paul draws on the language of enthronement to describe Christ seated at God's right hand:
"He put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places."
The Letter to the Hebrews
Hebrews makes more use of Psalm 110 than any other New Testament book. The priesthood of Melchizedek (Psalm 110:4) becomes the basis for understanding Jesus' eternal priesthood.
Hebrews 5:6:
"You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek."
Hebrews 7 offers an extended meditation on Melchizedek, emphasizing that Jesus' priesthood is not based on lineage or temple regulations, but on divine appointment and eternal life.
Psalm 110:1 is also quoted in Hebrews 1:13:
"But to which of the angels has he ever said, 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet'?"
This reinforces the unique status of the Son over the angels.
Why Psalm 110 Matters
The frequency of Psalm 110 in the New Testament speaks to its theological depth and prophetic power. It bridges the royal imagery of the Old Testament with the exaltation of Jesus Christ in the New. Its brevity only sharpens its impact.
Psalm 110 helps the early church articulate two crucial truths:
Jesus is exalted to God's right hand (divine authority)
Jesus is the eternal priest-king (spiritual intercession)
This dual role is central to Christian doctrine and worship.
Historical and Liturgical Usage
In early Christianity, Psalm 110 was often used in baptismal, Eucharistic, and enthronement liturgies. The enthronement motif—"sit at my right hand"—echoes in many hymns and creeds. The Apostles' Creed, for example, includes the phrase: "He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty."
Church Fathers such as Augustine, Chrysostom, and Origen wrote about Psalm 110 in their theological treatises, often interpreting it christologically.
Scholarly Commentary and Resources
Psalm 110 continues to receive attention from biblical scholars due to its rich Christological implications. Recommended resources include:
Craig C. Broyles, Psalms (Understanding the Bible Commentary Series)
Derek Kidner, Psalms 73–150: A Commentary (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries)
Bruce K. Waltke, An Old Testament Theology
David M. Howard Jr., "Psalms," in The Expositor's Bible Commentary, vol. 5
These works explore Psalm 110 in its ancient Israelite context as well as its theological role in Christian Scripture.
FAQ
Q: Why is Psalm 110 so important in Christian theology?
A: It affirms Jesus' identity as both king and priest, bridging Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment.
Q: Who is Melchizedek and why does Psalm 110 mention him?
A: Melchizedek was a mysterious priest-king in Genesis 14. His mention in Psalm 110 foreshadows Jesus' eternal priesthood, later explained in Hebrews.
Q: How many times is Psalm 110 quoted in the New Testament?
A: Psalm 110 is quoted or alluded to at least 27 times, more than any other psalm.
Q: Did Jesus quote Psalm 110?
A: Yes. In Matthew 22:44, Jesus uses it to point to His divine identity as the Messiah.
