King James Version
What Does Luke 19:33 Mean?
“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.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAs 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.
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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
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
- How do you respond when your obedience to Christ is questioned or challenged by others?
- What does this interaction teach about Jesus's concern to respect human ownership even while asserting His ultimate lordship?
- 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 wordsαὐτούς3 of 15
“them”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
κύριοι8 of 15
“the owners”
G2962supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
αὐτούς9 of 15
“them”
G846the 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”
G4314a 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”
G846the 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 19:33 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.