Luke 19:31
What does Luke 19:31 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 19:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 19:31 means
Jesus further instructed the disciples that if anyone questioned them about untying the colt, they were simply to say, "The Lord hath need of him." This response asserts Jesus's authority and sovereignty, indicating His divine claim over all provisions. It highlights His unique status and the divine ordination of His actions, silencing potential opposition with His direct command.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And if any one ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say, The Lord hath need of him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And if any one ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say, The Lord hath need of him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And if anyone says to you, Why are you taking him? say, The Lord has need of him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and if any one doth question you, Wherefore do ye loose <FI>it<Fi> ? thus ye shall say to him--The Lord hath need of it.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And if any man shall ask you: Why do you loose him? You shall say thus unto him: Because the Lord hath need of his service.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And if any one ask you, Why do ye loose [it]? thus shall ye say to him, Because the Lord has need of it.
Context
This verse anticipates and provides the disciples with the exact response to any potential challenge regarding taking the colt. It immediately follows the instructions to retrieve the animal and highlights Jesus's divine authority and ownership. This detail is crucial for demonstrating Jesus's control over the events leading up to his entry into Jerusalem.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 50:10
For every beast of the forest is mine, And the cattle upon a thousand hills.
- Acts 10:36
The word which he sent unto the children of Israel, preaching good tidings of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all)—
- Mark 11:3
And if any one say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye, The Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him back hither.
- Psalms 24:1
The earth is Jehovah’s, and the fulness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein.
- Matthew 21:2
saying unto them, Go into the village that is over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
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