King James Version

What Does Matthew 21:1 Mean?

Matthew 21:1 in the King James Version says “And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two discip...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,”

Matthew 21:1 · KJV

Context

1

And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

2

Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.

3

And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As Jesus approaches Jerusalem for His final Passover, the narrative states: 'And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples.' This geographical precision marks the beginning of Passion Week—the culmination of Jesus's earthly ministry. The phrase 'drew nigh unto Jerusalem' (ἤγγισαν εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα/ēngisan eis Hierosolyma) carries momentous weight: Jesus deliberately approaches the city that kills prophets (Matthew 23:37), fully aware of what awaits Him. Bethphage (בֵּית פַּגֵּי/'house of unripe figs') was a small village on the Mount of Olives' eastern slope, less than a mile from Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives held prophetic significance—Zechariah 14:4 prophesied Yahweh would stand there on the Day of the Lord. Jesus's intentional sending of two disciples to procure a donkey reveals His sovereign orchestration of events fulfilling prophecy. Reformed theology emphasizes Christ's voluntary self-offering—He wasn't victim of circumstances but actively accomplished redemption according to divine plan (John 10:18). This verse begins the 'Triumphal Entry' narrative, which is actually profoundly paradoxical: a King riding to His coronation via cross.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of Judaism, held approximately 40,000-50,000 residents but swelled to perhaps 200,000+ during Passover as pilgrims from throughout the Roman Empire and beyond gathered for the feast. The city sat on elevated terrain, requiring ascent from any direction. The Mount of Olives, rising 2,660 feet above sea level, provided the primary eastern approach. Bethphage lay along the road from Jericho—the route Jesus's pilgrim company would have traveled. The timing was deliberate: Jesus arrived during Passover week, when messianic expectations intensified. Pilgrims sang the 'Hallel' psalms (Psalms 113-118) including Psalm 118:25-26—'Hosanna! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord'—which the crowds would soon shout (Matthew 21:9). The Romans maintained heightened military presence during feasts to suppress potential uprisings. Into this volatile mix, Jesus rode deliberately, openly claiming messianic identity while subverting expectations of political revolution by riding a donkey rather than a warhorse.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's deliberate approach to Jerusalem, knowing what awaited Him, demonstrate the voluntary nature of His sacrifice?
  2. What does it mean that Jesus orchestrated the details of His entry, fulfilling specific prophecies?
  3. How should Christ's purposeful movement toward suffering inform Christian discipleship when facing difficult obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

“And”

G2532

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

ὅτε2 of 20

“when”

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἤγγισαν3 of 20

“they drew nigh”

G1448

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

εἰς4 of 20

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἱεροσόλυμα5 of 20

“Jerusalem”

G2414

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine

καὶ6 of 20

“And”

G2532

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

ἦλθον7 of 20

“were come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

εἰς8 of 20

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Βηθφαγὴ9 of 20

“Bethphage”

G967

fig-house; beth-phage, a place in palestine

πρὸς10 of 20

“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,

τὸ11 of 20
G3588

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

Ὄρος12 of 20

“the mount”

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

τῶν13 of 20
G3588

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

Ἐλαιῶν14 of 20

“of Olives”

G1636

an olive (the tree or the fruit)

τότε15 of 20

“then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ὁ16 of 20
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς17 of 20

“Jesus”

G2424

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

ἀπέστειλεν18 of 20

“sent”

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

δύο19 of 20

“two”

G1417

"two"

μαθητὰς20 of 20

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 21:1 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 Matthew 21:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 14:4Mark 11:1-10Acts 1:12Matthew 24:3John 8:1Luke 21:37

Places in This Verse

BethphageSettlement · Modern: Et Tur · 31.78°N, 35.25°E3 verses across 3 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
Mount of OlivesHill · Modern: Mount of Olives · 31.78°N, 35.25°E18 verses across 9 books
View all places in Matthew 21 →

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