King James Version

What Does Matthew 21:9 Mean?

Matthew 21:9 in the King James Version says “And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that c... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

Matthew 21:9 · KJV


Context

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.

9

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

10

And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?

11

And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The crowds' cry 'Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest' quotes Psalm 118:25-26, a messianic psalm. 'Hosanna' means 'save now' or 'save, we pray'—a plea for deliverance. 'Son of David' explicitly identifies Jesus as Messiah. The crowd hailed Jesus as deliverer, expecting political salvation from Rome. Within days, many would cry 'Crucify him,' showing the fickleness of crowd enthusiasm based on misunderstood expectations.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 118 was sung during Passover, celebrating God's deliverance. The crowd's application to Jesus declared Him Messiah. The palm branches (John 12:13) symbolized Jewish nationalism and victory. The crowd expected Jesus to overthrow Rome and establish earthly kingdom. Their later rejection came when He didn't meet these expectations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you impose wrong expectations on Jesus rather than submitting to His agenda?
  2. What does the crowd's fickleness warn about popularity-based faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
οἱ1 of 24
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 24

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ὄχλοι3 of 24

the multitudes

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

οἱ4 of 24
G3588

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

προάγοντες5 of 24

that went before

G4254

to lead forward (magisterially); intransitively, to precede (in place or time (participle, previous))

καὶ6 of 24

and

G2532

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

οἱ7 of 24
G3588

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

ἀκολουθοῦντες8 of 24

that followed

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

ἔκραζον9 of 24

cried

G2896

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

λέγοντες10 of 24

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ὡσαννὰ11 of 24

Hosanna

G5614

oh save!; hosanna (i.e., hoshia-na), an exclamation of adoration

τῷ12 of 24
G3588

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

υἱῷ13 of 24

to the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

Δαβίδ·14 of 24

of David

G1138

david, the israelite king

Εὐλογημένος15 of 24

Blessed

G2127

to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)

16 of 24
G3588

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

ἐρχόμενος17 of 24

is he that cometh

G2064

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

ἐν18 of 24

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὀνόματι19 of 24

the name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

κυρίου·20 of 24

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ὡσαννὰ21 of 24

Hosanna

G5614

oh save!; hosanna (i.e., hoshia-na), an exclamation of adoration

ἐν22 of 24

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς23 of 24
G3588

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

ὑψίστοις24 of 24

the highest

G5310

highest, i.e., (masculine singular) the supreme (god), or (neuter plural) the heavens


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 21:9 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 21:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study