Matthew 21:2
What does Matthew 21:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 21:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 21:2 means
Jesus sent two disciples ahead with specific instructions to find a donkey and her colt in a nearby village. His detailed knowledge of their location and availability demonstrates His omniscience. The command to "loose them, and bring them unto me" indicates His authority and His expectation of immediate obedience. This seemingly ordinary task serves as a direct setup for fulfilling prophecy and publicly declaring His Messiahship as He enters the holy city.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000saying 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901saying 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Saying to them, Go into the little town in front of you, and straight away you will see an ass with a cord round her neck, and a young one with her; let them loose and come with them to me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862saying to them, `Go on to the village over-against you, and immediately ye shall find an ass bound, and a colt with her--having loosed, bring ye to me;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Saying to them: Go ye into the village that is over against you: and immediately you shall find an ass tied and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890saying to them, Go into the village over against you, and immediately ye will find an ass tied, and a colt with it; loose [them] and lead [them] to me.
Context
This verse directly follows Jesus' arrival near Jerusalem and precedes the disciples' faithful execution of His command. The specific request for a donkey and its colt is crucial for the prophetic fulfillment detailed in the subsequent verses. This instruction frames the entire entry as a divinely orchestrated event, not a spontaneous procession, emphasizing Jesus' active role in bringing about what was foretold.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 14:13
And he sendeth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him;
- Matthew 26:18
And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Teacher saith, My time is at hand; I keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.
- Mark 11:2
and saith unto them, Go your way into the village that is over against you: and straightway as ye enter into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon no man ever yet sat; loose him, and bring him.
- John 2:5
His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
- Luke 19:30
saying, Go your way into the village over against you; in which as ye enter ye shall find a colt tied, whereon no man ever yet sat: loose him, and bring him.
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