King James Version

What Does Luke 19:31 Mean?

Luke 19:31 in the King James Version says “And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 19:31 · KJV

Context

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.

32

And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.

33

And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?

Read Luke 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because the Lord hath need of him (ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ χρείαν ἔχει, ho kyrios autou chreian echei)—this striking phrase reveals Jesus's divine prerogative. Lord (κύριος, kyrios) is the title used for both human masters and divine sovereignty. The phrase could mean 'its master needs it' or 'the Lord needs it,' creating deliberate ambiguity that Jesus's disciples would understand christologically.

The sovereign God who owns 'the cattle on a thousand hills' (Psalm 50:10) here asserts His right to requisition what is His. Yet He does so with courtesy through His messengers, modeling how divine authority respects human property even while superseding it. This anticipates how Christ later taught His disciples to give to Caesar what is Caesar's—while implicitly claiming all things as His own.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In the Roman Empire, military and governmental officials had the right of 'angaria'—requisitioning animals or supplies for official use. Jesus exercises a higher authority, claiming the colt not by Roman law but by messianic right. The phrase would simultaneously identify Jesus to the owner (who may have been a disciple or sympathizer) while asserting His lordship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Christ's 'need' of the colt teach about how divine sovereignty relates to ordinary human possessions?
  2. How should Jesus's example here shape your attitude toward lending or giving your resources for Kingdom purposes?
  3. In what sense does Jesus, who created all things, 'need' anything from His creatures?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

“And”

G2532

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

ἐάν2 of 16

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τις3 of 16

“any man”

G5100

some or any person or object

ὑμᾶς4 of 16

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐρωτᾷ5 of 16

“ask”

G2065

to interrogate; by implication, to request

Διατί6 of 16

“Why”

G1302

through what cause ?, i.e., why?

λύετε7 of 16

“do ye loose”

G3089

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

οὕτως8 of 16

“him thus”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ἐρεῖτε9 of 16

“shall ye say”

G2046

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

αὐτοῦ10 of 16

“of him”

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

ὅτι11 of 16

“Because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Ὁ12 of 16
G3588

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

κύριος13 of 16

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

αὐτοῦ14 of 16

“of him”

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

χρείαν15 of 16

“need”

G5532

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

ἔχει16 of 16

“hath”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

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 19:31 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 19:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 50:10-12Psalms 24:1Mark 11:3-6Matthew 21:2-3Acts 10:36

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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