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 · 2000

And 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 · 1611

And 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 · 1901

And 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 · 1949

And 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 · 1862

and 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) · 1752

And 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 · 1890

But 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.

v.7and brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their garments; and he sat thereon.

v.8This passage

v.9And the multitudes that went before him, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

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.

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