Devine Scripture

Matthew 21:15

What does Matthew 21:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 21:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 21:15 means

The chief priests and scribes reacted with indignation and anger to Jesus' miracles and the children's praise of Him as the "son of David." They were less concerned with the wonderful things He did and more offended by His perceived challenge to their authority and the enthusiastic adoration He received. Their focus on protocol and their own status blinded them to the divine power and messianic significance of Jesus' actions.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children that were crying in the temple and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were moved with indignation,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children that were crying in the temple and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were moved with indignation,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the works of power which he did, and the children crying out in the Temple, Glory to the son of David, they were angry and said to him,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the chief priests and the scribes having seen the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, `Hosanna to the Son of David,' were much displeased;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the chief priests and scribes, seeing the wonderful things that he did and the children crying in the temple and saying: Hosanna to the son of David, were moved with indignation,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonders which he wrought, and the children crying in the temple and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David, they were indignant,

Context

This verse describes the religious leaders' negative reaction to Jesus' miracles and the children's praise, immediately following Jesus' healing of the blind and lame. Their indignation sets up their direct challenge to Jesus in the next verse, highlighting the escalating tension. This response reveals their spiritual blindness and attachment to earthly power, contrasting with the children's pure worship.

v.14And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

v.15This passage

v.16and said unto him, Hearest thou what these are saying? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea: did ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

Cross references

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

  • Luke 20:1

    And it came to pass, on one of the days, as he was teaching the people in the temple, and preaching the gospel, there came upon him the chief priests and the scribes with the elders;

  • Matthew 21:23

    And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

  • Matthew 9:27

    And as Jesus passed by from thence, two blind men followed him, crying out, and saying, Have mercy on us, thou son of David.

  • John 11:57

    Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given commandment, that, if any man knew where he was, he should show it, that they might take him.

  • John 7:42

    Hath not the scripture said that the Christ cometh of the seed of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?

  • Luke 19:39

    And some of the Pharisees from the multitude said unto him, Teacher, rebuke thy disciples.

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