King James Version

What Does Luke 19:35 Mean?

Luke 19:35 in the King James Version says “And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 19:35 · KJV

Context

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.

36

And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.

37

And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon (ἐπιρίψαντες αὐτῶν τὰ ἱμάτια ἐπὶ τὸν πῶλον ἐπεβίβασαν τὸν Ἰησοῦν, epiripsantes autōn ta himatia epi ton pōlon epebibasan ton Iēsoun). The disciples' garments (ἱμάτια, himatia) function as an improvised saddle and royal cushion. This action echoes Jehu's coronation, when captains spread their garments under him (2 Kings 9:13). The verb cast upon (ἐπιρίπτω, epiriptō) suggests enthusiastic haste—they honor Jesus as king without hesitation.

By setting Jesus thereon (ἐπεβίβασαν, epebibasan), the disciples physically enthroned Him for His approach to Jerusalem. This is Luke's only description of Jesus riding an animal—He normally walked. The mounting marks a deliberate departure from His usual humble transportation, a visible claim to Davidic kingship precisely at the moment when He approaches David's city to fulfill David's covenant.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Spreading garments for someone to walk or ride upon was an ancient Near Eastern gesture of homage to royalty. Outer garments (himatia) were valuable—often a person owned only one or two. The disciples' willingness to use their clothing as a saddle showed lavish devotion. This occurred on the Sunday before Passover, traditionally called Palm Sunday in Christian tradition.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'garments'—symbols of your identity, comfort, or status—is Jesus asking you to lay down for His purposes?
  2. How does the disciples' immediate, enthusiastic service contrast with religious service done grudgingly or for show?
  3. Why do you think Luke emphasizes this as the only time Jesus rode an animal during His ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

ἤγαγον2 of 17

“they brought”

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

αὐτὸν3 of 17

“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

πρὸς4 of 17

“to”

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,

τὸν5 of 17
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦν6 of 17

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ7 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

ἐπιῤῥίψαντες8 of 17

“and”

G1977

to throw upon (literally or figuratively)

ἑαυτῶν9 of 17

“their”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

τὰ10 of 17
G3588

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

ἱμάτια11 of 17

“garments”

G2440

a dress (inner or outer)

ἐπὶ12 of 17

“upon”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸν13 of 17
G3588

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

πῶλον14 of 17

“the colt”

G4454

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

ἐπεβίβασαν15 of 17

“thereon”

G1913

to cause to mount (an animal)

τὸν16 of 17
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦν17 of 17

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

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 19:35 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 19:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 12:14Matthew 21:7Mark 11:7-82 Kings 9:13Galatians 4:15-16

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