King James Version

What Does Luke 19:29 Mean?

Luke 19:29 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent tw... — study this verse from Luke chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

Luke 19:29 · KJV


Context

27

But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

28

And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.

29

And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

30

Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat : loose him, and bring him hither.

31

And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives—these villages lay on Jerusalem's eastern approach, separated by the Kidron Valley. Bethphage (Βηθφαγή, Bēthphagē) means 'house of unripe figs,' while Bethany (Βηθανία, Bēthania) means 'house of affliction' or 'house of dates.' The Mount of Olives (τὸ ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν, to oros tōn Elaiōn) held messianic significance from Zechariah 14:4, where the Messiah's feet would stand on this mountain at His return.

Luke alone mentions both villages, emphasizing geographical precision. Jesus had ministered in Bethany (at Lazarus's home, John 11-12) and now orchestrates His royal entry from this staging ground. The Mount of Olives overlooks the Temple Mount—from here, Jesus would survey the city He came to redeem yet must judge.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Bethphage and Bethany were small villages within two miles of Jerusalem's eastern wall. The Mount of Olives rises about 200 feet above the Temple Mount, offering a panoramic view of the city. Jewish tradition held that the Messiah would appear from the east, making this approach symbolically charged. Roman governors typically entered Jerusalem from the west with military pomp.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why might Jesus have chosen to enter from the Mount of Olives rather than through Jerusalem's main gates?
  2. How does Jesus's intimate knowledge of Bethany (Lazarus's town) inform His emotions during this triumphal entry?
  3. What does Christ's careful staging of His entry teach about the relationship between divine sovereignty and human detail?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐγένετο2 of 19

it came to pass

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ὡς3 of 19

when

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἤγγισεν4 of 19

he was come nigh

G1448

to make near, i.e., (reflexively) approach

εἰς5 of 19

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Βηθφαγὴ6 of 19

Bethphage

G967

fig-house; beth-phage, a place in palestine

καὶ7 of 19

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Βηθανίαν8 of 19

Bethany

G963

date-house; beth-any, a place in palestine

πρὸς9 of 19

at

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸ10 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄρος11 of 19

the mount

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

τὸ12 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καλούμενον13 of 19

called

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

Ἐλαιῶν14 of 19

the mount of Olives

G1636

an olive (the tree or the fruit)

ἀπέστειλεν15 of 19

he sent

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

δύο16 of 19

two

G1417

"two"

τῶν17 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθητῶν18 of 19

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ,19 of 19
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 19:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 19:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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