Luke 19:33

What does Luke 19:33 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 19:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 19:33 means

As the disciples were untying the colt, its owners appeared and questioned their actions, asking why they were doing so. This natural human reaction to strangers taking property provides a realistic detail within the narrative. It also sets up the opportunity for the disciples to deliver Jesus's pre-arranged message, further demonstrating His foresight and control.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when they were getting the young ass, the owners of it said to them, Why are you taking the young ass?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and while they are loosing the colt, its owners said unto them, `Why loose ye the colt?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said to them: Why loose you the colt?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And as they were loosing the colt, its masters said to them, Why loose ye the colt?

Context

This verse introduces the owners' understandable questioning as the disciples untie the colt, immediately following the confirmation that everything was as Jesus said. This query creates a moment of potential conflict, which is resolved by the disciples' pre-arranged response. It adds a layer of realism and a minor obstacle quickly overcome through Jesus's foreknowledge.

v.32And they that were sent went away, and found even as he had said unto them.

v.33This passage

v.34And they said, The Lord hath need of him.

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