King James Version

What Does Matthew 21:6 Mean?

Matthew 21:6 in the King James Version says “And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, — study this verse from Matthew chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,

Matthew 21:6 · KJV


Context

4

All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

5

Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.

6

And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,

7

And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon .

8

And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them—Simple obedience (ὑπήκουσαν, hypēkousan) without recorded hesitation. Jesus had given unusual instructions (take a colt you don't own, tell the owner 'the Lord needs it'), yet the disciples trusted His authority.

This verse models discipleship: immediate compliance with Christ's directives even when the reasoning isn't apparent. Their obedience became instrumental in fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy and revealing Jesus's sovereign knowledge (He knew the colt would be there and the owner would consent).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Bethphage was a small village on the Mount of Olives' eastern slope, less than a mile from Jerusalem. The 'certain village' (v.2) was likely within the Sabbath day's journey, showing Jesus's meticulous planning for this prophetic moment.

Reflection Questions

  1. When has God asked you to obey instructions that seemed unusual or unclear at the time?
  2. How does the disciples' immediate obedience challenge your own response time to clear biblical commands?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
πορευθέντες1 of 11

went

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

δὲ2 of 11

And

G1161

but, and, etc

οἱ3 of 11
G3588

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

μαθηταὶ4 of 11

the disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

καὶ5 of 11

and

G2532

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

ποιήσαντες6 of 11

did

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

καθὼς7 of 11

as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

προσέταξεν8 of 11

commanded

G4367

to arrange towards, i.e., (figuratively) enjoin

αὐτοῖς9 of 11

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

10 of 11
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς11 of 11

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 Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 21:6 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 21:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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