Matthew 21:8
What does Matthew 21:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 21:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 21:8 means
A significant portion of the crowd enthusiastically participated in the arrival, laying their garments and tree branches on the road before Jesus. This act was a traditional sign of honor and homage for a king or esteemed leader. It signified their recognition of Jesus' special status and their eager anticipation of His reign, creating a celebratory and reverent atmosphere for His entry into Jerusalem.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the most part of the multitude spread their garments in the way; and others cut branches from the trees, and spread them in the way.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the most part of the multitude spread their garments in the way; and others cut branches from the trees, and spread them in the way.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And all the people put their clothing down in the way; and others got branches from the trees, and put them down in the way.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the very great multitude spread their own garments in the way, and others were cutting branches from the trees, and were strewing in the way,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way: and others cut boughs from the trees and strewed them in the way.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But a very great crowd strewed their own garments on the way, and others kept cutting down branches from the trees and strewing them on the way.
Context
This verse describes the visual aspects of the crowd's acclamation, building upon Jesus' sitting on the donkey and leading directly into their verbal praise. It provides the backdrop against which the shouts of "Hosanna" occur, illustrating the immediate and widespread public recognition of Jesus. This collective act transforms a simple procession into a triumphal entry.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 12:13
took the branches of the palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried out, Hosanna: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.
- 2 Kings 9:13
Then they hasted, and took every man his garment, and put it under him on the top of the stairs, and blew the trumpet, saying, Jehu is king.
- Leviticus 23:40
And ye shall take you on the first day the fruit of goodly trees, branches of palm-trees, and boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before Jehovah your God seven days.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 21
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 21.
Devotionals
Devotional
Small Faith, Real Faith
A mustard seed is enough. Not a mountain of certainty — a seed of trust.
Devotional
The Weight We Were Not Built to Carry
Jesus does not promise the absence of burden. He offers an exchange.
Devotional
Consider the Lilies
Worry forgets that the same God who clothes the field clothes you.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Rejection
Rejection is a painful human experience, but the Bible offers comfort, guidance, and a divine perspective on feeling excluded or unaccepted.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
Topic
Bible Verses About Anger
The Bible addresses anger directly, offering wisdom on its destructive potential and how believers can manage it righteously.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Morning Work Anxiety
Start the workday from a steadier place — verses to pray with coffee.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Can't Sleep Because of Anxious Thoughts
Verses to read in bed when your mind won't stop.