Devine Scripture

Matthew 21:3

What does Matthew 21:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 21:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 21:3 means

Jesus anticipated a potential question about taking the animals and provided His disciples with a simple, authoritative answer: "The Lord hath need of them." This phrase would immediately convey divine authority and ensure cooperation. The assurance that the owner would "straightway he will send them" underscores Jesus' sovereign power and His ability to orchestrate events according to His will, even in seemingly minor details.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And if any one say aught unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And if any one say aught unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And if anyone says anything to you, you will say, The Lord has need of them; and straight away he will send them.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and if any one may say anything to you, ye shall say, that the lord hath need of them, and immediately he will send them.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And if any man shall say anything to you, say ye that the Lord hath need of them. And forthwith he will let them go.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And if any one say anything to you, ye shall say, The Lord has need of them, and straightway he will send them.

Context

This verse provides the critical detail for the disciples to acquire the animals without hindrance, directly following Jesus' instruction to retrieve them. It anticipates any objection and ensures the smooth execution of His plan, leading directly into the disciples' obedience and the fulfillment of prophecy. This preparation highlights Jesus' deliberate control over His entry into Jerusalem.

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.

v.3This passage

v.4Now this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying,

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 8:1

    Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;

  • 2 Corinthians 8:16

    But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.

  • Ezra 1:5

    Then rose up the heads of fathers’housesof Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, even all whose spirit God had stirred to go up to build the house of Jehovah which is in Jerusalem.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:9

    For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich.

  • John 17:2

    even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life.

  • Psalms 50:10

    For every beast of the forest is mine, And the cattle upon a thousand hills.

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