Devine Scripture

Matthew 21:1

What does Matthew 21:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 21:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 21:1 means

As Jesus and His disciples approached Jerusalem, they arrived at Bethphage, a village near the Mount of Olives. This marks the beginning of the climactic week of Jesus' earthly ministry, often called Passion Week. His deliberate instructions to His disciples signal His divine foreknowledge and sovereign control over the unfolding events, demonstrating that His journey to Jerusalem was not accidental but part of God's predetermined plan for His redemptive work.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when they were near Jerusalem, and had come to Beth-phage, to the Mountain of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when they drew nigh to Jerusalem and were come to Bethphage, unto mount Olivet, then Jesus sent two disciples,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, at the mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,

Context

This verse sets the scene for Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a pivotal moment in His ministry. It immediately precedes the instructions Jesus gives to His disciples regarding the donkey and colt, essential for fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. The location, bordering Jerusalem and near the Mount of Olives, highlights the strategic and symbolic significance of the events about to unfold, indicating Jesus' intentional approach to the heart of Jewish life.

v.1This passage

v.2saying 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.

Cross references

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

  • Zechariah 14:4

    And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east; and the mount of Olives shall be cleft in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

  • Luke 21:37

    And every day he was teaching in the temple; and every night he went out, and lodged in the mount that is called Olivet.

  • John 8:1

    but Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

  • 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,

  • Mark 14:26

    And when they had sung a hymn, they went out unto the mount of Olives.

  • Luke 19:28

    And when he had thus spoken, he went on before, going up to Jerusalem.

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