Devine Scripture

John 12:14

What does John 12:14 mean?

A plain-English look at John 12:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 12:14 means

Jesus actively embraces the prophetic script for His entry by finding and sitting upon a young donkey. He does not ride a warhorse; He chooses the humble beast of burden, signaling a different kind of kingship—peaceful, meek, and righteous. His action is intentional fulfillment, not accident. He allows the praise but defines its meaning through this symbolic choice. The verse underscores Jesus’ control over the moment: He receives the crowd’s honor while directing their expectations toward Scripture, where the nature of His rule is already described.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Jesus, having found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Jesus, having found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus saw a young ass and took his seat on it; as the Writings say,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Jesus having found a young ass did sit upon it, according as it is written,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it, as it is written:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus, having found a young ass, sat upon it; as it is written,

Context

The people have hailed Jesus as King. John now highlights Jesus’ deliberate act that aligns their acclamation with Scripture. Immediately, a quotation from prophecy will explain the sign of the donkey, assuring Zion not to fear. The disciples’ initial lack of understanding will be noted, showing that only after Jesus’ glorification did they perceive how their actions matched what was written. The testimony about Lazarus continues to swell the crowd and pressure the Pharisees.

v.13took the branches of the palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried out, Hosanna: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.

v.14This passage

v.15Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 11:1

    And when they draw nigh unto Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth two of his disciples,

  • Luke 19:29

    And it came to pass, when he drew nigh unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples,

  • Zechariah 9:9

    Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy king cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, even upon a colt the foal of an ass.

  • Matthew 21:1

    And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore John 12

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 12.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to John 12:14.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary