King James Version

What Does Luke 19:37 Mean?

Luke 19:37 in the King James Version says “And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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;”

Luke 19:37 · King James Version


Context

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;

38

Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

39

And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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 (ἅπαν τὸ πλῆθος τῶν μαθητῶν...αἰνεῖν τὸν θεὸν φωνῇ μεγάλῃ, hapan to plēthos tōn mathētōn...ainein ton theon phōnē megalē). The phrase whole multitude emphasizes unanimous worship—not just the Twelve, but all disciples present. Praise (αἰνέω, aineō) means to tell forth God's excellence; with a loud voice (φωνῇ μεγάλῃ, phōnē megalē) indicates unrestrained exuberance, likely singing the Hallel Psalms (113-118).

Luke uniquely specifies they praised God for all the mighty works (περὶ πασῶν ὧν εἶδον δυνάμεων, peri pasōn hōn eidon dynameōn)—the healings, exorcisms, nature miracles, and especially Lazarus's resurrection. Their worship flows from witnessed evidence, not mere emotion. The descent of the Mount of Olives brought Jerusalem into view, triggering this crescendo of praise as Jesus appeared to claim His city.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The descent from the Mount of Olives provided a dramatic vantage point where pilgrims would catch their first view of Jerusalem's Temple gleaming in the sun. Jewish pilgrims traditionally sang the Hallel Psalms (including Psalm 118:25-26, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!') as they approached Jerusalem for Passover. The crowd's praise fulfilled these liturgical expectations while directing them explicitly at Jesus.

Reflection Questions

  1. How would your worship deepen if it were rooted more in 'mighty works you have seen' rather than abstract theology?
  2. What does the phrase 'whole multitude' teach about corporate worship—is your praise joining with or isolated from the church?
  3. Why do you think the sight of Jerusalem triggered this explosion of praise from those who knew Jesus's predictions about the city?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
Ἐγγίζοντος1 of 28

“And when he was come nigh”

G1448

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

δὲ2 of 28

“even”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτοῦ3 of 28
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

ἤδη4 of 28

“now”

G2235

even now

πρὸς5 of 28

“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,

τῇ6 of 28
G3588

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

καταβάσει7 of 28

“the descent”

G2600

a declivity

τοῦ8 of 28
G3588

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

Ὄρους9 of 28

“of the mount”

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

τῶν10 of 28
G3588

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

Ἐλαιῶν11 of 28

“of Olives”

G1636

an olive (the tree or the fruit)

ἤρξαντο12 of 28

“began”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

ἅπαν13 of 28

“the whole”

G537

absolutely all or (singular) every one

τὸ14 of 28
G3588

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

πλῆθος15 of 28

“multitude”

G4128

a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace

τῶν16 of 28
G3588

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

μαθητῶν17 of 28

“of the disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

χαίροντες18 of 28

“to rejoice”

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

αἰνεῖν19 of 28

“and praise”

G134

to praise (god)

τὸν20 of 28
G3588

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

θεὸν21 of 28

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

φωνῇ22 of 28

“voice”

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

μεγάλῃ23 of 28

“with a loud”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

περὶ24 of 28

“for”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

πασῶν25 of 28

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὧν26 of 28

“that”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εἶδον27 of 28

“they had seen”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

δυνάμεων28 of 28

“the mighty works”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)


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 19:37 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 19:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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