King James Version

What Does Luke 19:33 Mean?

Luke 19:33 in the King James Version says “And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?” — study this verse from Luke chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 19:33 · KJV

Context

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?

34

And they said, The Lord hath need of him.

35

And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

Read Luke 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? (λυόντων...τῶν κυρίων αὐτοῦ, lyontōn...tōn kyriōn autou). The verb loose (λύω, lyō) will become thematically significant—Christ came to 'loose' (same root) those bound by sin. The owners (κύριοι, kyrioi—plural of 'lord') challenge the disciples, creating potential conflict that Jesus had foreseen and prepared them to navigate.

This seemingly mundane encounter reveals Christ's meticulous preparation. He arranged this beforehand, either supernaturally or through prior contact with sympathetic disciples in Bethany. The owners' question tests whether the disciples will faithfully deliver the message exactly as instructed. Their obedience to Christ's word, even when challenged, models faithful discipleship under pressure.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Property rights were sacred in Jewish law (Exodus 20:15). Taking someone's animal without permission constituted theft. The disciples were in a legally and socially awkward position, relying entirely on the authority of Jesus's name. This scenario would test whether they truly believed He was the Messiah with authority to requisition property.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when your obedience to Christ is questioned or challenged by others?
  2. What does this interaction teach about Jesus's concern to respect human ownership even while asserting His ultimate lordship?
  3. In what situations might you need to use the simple explanation 'The Lord has need of it' to justify seemingly unusual obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
λύετε1 of 15

“as they were loosing”

G3089

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

δὲ2 of 15

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτούς3 of 15

“them”

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

τὸν4 of 15
G3588

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

πῶλον5 of 15

“the colt”

G4454

a "foal" or "filly", i.e., (specially), a young ass

εἶπον6 of 15

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

οἱ7 of 15
G3588

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

κύριοι8 of 15

“the owners”

G2962

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

αὐτούς9 of 15

“them”

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

πρὸς10 of 15

“unto”

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,

αὐτούς11 of 15

“them”

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

Τί12 of 15

“Why”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

λύετε13 of 15

“as they were loosing”

G3089

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

τὸν14 of 15
G3588

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

πῶλον15 of 15

“the colt”

G4454

a "foal" or "filly", i.e., (specially), a young ass

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 19:33 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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