Matthew 21:5
What does Matthew 21:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 21:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 21:5 means
This verse quotes Zechariah 9:9, explicitly identifying Jerusalem's coming King as meek and riding on a donkey and a colt. This powerful prophecy revealed the manner of the Messiah's arrival, contrasting with a conquering general on a warhorse. Jesus' humble entry on a donkey signifies His peaceful, righteous reign and His servant-leadership, perfectly aligning with the prophetic description of Zion's true King.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, Meek, and riding upon an ass, And upon a colt the foal of an ass.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, Meek, and riding upon an ass, And upon a colt the foal of an ass.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Say to the daughter of Zion, See, your King comes to you, gentle and seated on an ass, and on a young ass.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Lo, thy king doth come to thee, meek, and mounted on an ass, and a colt, a foal of a beast of burden.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Tell ye the daughter of Sion: Behold thy king cometh to thee, meek and sitting upon an ass and a colt, the foal of her that is used to the yoke.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Say to the daughter of Zion, Behold thy King cometh to thee, meek, and mounted upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
Context
This verse provides the specific prophecy that Matthew emphasizes in relation to Jesus' entry, directly following the interpreter's note about fulfillment. It gives crucial detail to the manner of Jesus' arrival, directly preceding the disciples' execution of Jesus' command. This prophecy clarifies the profound spiritual meaning of the event, establishing Jesus' identity as the prophesied Messiah.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 49:10
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh come; And unto him shall the obedience of the peoples be.
- Psalms 72:1
Give the king thy judgments, O God, And thy righteousness unto the king’s son.
- Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
- 1 Kings 1:33
And the king said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon:
- Isaiah 62:11
Behold, Jehovah hath proclaimed unto the end of the earth, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.
- Ezekiel 34:24
And I, Jehovah, will be their God, and my servant David prince among them; I, Jehovah, have spoken it.
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