Matthew 21:2

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible:

with these instructions: "Go into the village ahead of you, and you will immediately find a donkey tethered there with its colt. Untie them and bring them to me.

Berean Standard Bible:

saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to Me.

American Standard Version:

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

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Saying^{G3004} unto them^{G846}, Go^{G4198} into^{G1519} the village^{G2968} over against^{G561} you^{G5216}, and^{G2532} straightway^{G2112} ye shall find^{G2147} an ass^{G3688} tied^{G1210}, and^{G2532} a colt^{G4454} with^{G3326} her^{G846}: loose^{G3089} them, and bring^{G71} them unto me^{G3427}.

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Commentary for Matthew 21:2

Matthew 21:2 is a verse that sets the stage for one of the most symbolic events in the life of Jesus Christ, known as the Triumphal Entry. This event is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and is significant both historically and thematically within Christianity.

**Historical Context:**
The verse is situated during the final week of Jesus' life, just before his crucifixion and resurrection, which coincides with the Jewish festival of Passover. During this time, Jerusalem would have been filled with pilgrims. The Passover was a commemoration of the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, and it held deep national and religious significance for the Jewish people.

**Thematic Elements:**
The themes present in this verse include prophecy, kingship, and humility. Jesus' instructions to his disciples to fetch an ass and her colt fulfill the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9, which foretells the coming of a humble king who will bring salvation. The use of a donkey, as opposed to a horse which was associated with war and conquest, emphasizes the peaceful nature of Jesus' kingship.

**Textual Specifics:**
In the verse, Jesus gives specific instructions to his disciples to find an ass and her colt in a nearby village. The detail that the animals are tied and must be loosed can be seen as a metaphor for the liberation that Jesus represents. The act of bringing the animals to Jesus also prefigures the bringing of the good news of the Gospel to all nations.

**Symbolism:**
The ass and the colt are laden with symbolism. The ass is a beast of burden, signifying service and peace. The fact that the colt has never been ridden suggests innocence and purity, resonating with the Christian belief in Jesus as sinless. The use of these animals for Jesus' entry into Jerusalem contrasts with the Roman style of triumphal processions, highlighting Jesus' rejection of earthly power structures.

**Conclusion:**
Matthew 21:2 is a verse that captures the moment Jesus orchestrates his entry into Jerusalem in a manner that deliberately invokes messianic prophecy and emphasizes his role as a different kind of Messiah—one who comes not to conquer by force but to bring peace and spiritual liberation. This event marks the commencement of the climax of Jesus' earthly ministry, leading to his sacrificial death and resurrection, which are central to Christian faith and theology.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G3004
   There are 1244 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: λέγω
   Transliteration: légō
   Pronunciation: leg'-o
   Description: a primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas ἔπω and φημί generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while ῥέω is properly to break silence merely, and λαλέω means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean:--ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.
   
2. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
3. Strong's Number: G4198
   There are 147 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πορεύομαι
   Transliteration: poreúomai
   Pronunciation: por-yoo'-om-ahee
   Description: middle voice from a derivative of the same as πεῖρα; to traverse, i.e. travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.); --depart, go (away, forth, one's way, up), (make a, take a) journey, walk.
   
4. Strong's Number: G1519
   There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἰς
   Transliteration: eis
   Pronunciation: ice
   Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
   
5. Strong's Number: G2968
   There are 27 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: κώμη
   Transliteration: kṓmē
   Pronunciation: ko'-may
   Description: from κεῖμαι; a hamlet (as if laid down):--town, village.
   
6. Strong's Number: G561
   There are 622 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀπέναντι
   Transliteration: apénanti
   Pronunciation: ap-en'-an-tee
   Description: from ἀπό and ἔναντι; from in front, i.e. opposite, before or against:--before, contrary, over against, in the presence of.
   
7. Strong's Number: G5216
   There are 503 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὑμῶν
   Transliteration: hymōn
   Pronunciation: hoo-mone'
   Description: genitive case of ὑμεῖς; of (from or concerning) you:--ye, you, your (own, -selves).
   
8. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
9. Strong's Number: G2112
   There are 80 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εὐθέως
   Transliteration: euthéōs
   Pronunciation: yoo-theh'-oce
   Description: adverb from εὐθύς; directly, i.e. at once or soon:--anon, as soon as, forthwith, immediately, shortly, straightway.
   
10. Strong's Number: G2147
    There are 168 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: εὑρίσκω
    Transliteration: heurískō
    Pronunciation: hyoo-reh'-o
    Description: a prolonged form of a primary , which (together with another cognate form) is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect; to find (literally or figuratively):--find, get, obtain, perceive, see.
    
11. Strong's Number: G3688
    There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ὄνος
    Transliteration: ónos
    Pronunciation: on'-os
    Description: apparently a primary word; a donkey:--an ass.
    
12. Strong's Number: G1210
    There are 41 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: δέω
    Transliteration: déō
    Pronunciation: deh'-o
    Description: a primary verb; to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively):--bind, be in bonds, knit, tie, wind. See also δεῖ, δέομαι.
    
13. Strong's Number: G4454
    There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: πῶλος
    Transliteration: pōlos
    Pronunciation: po'-los
    Description: apparently a primary word; a "foal" or "filly", i.e. (specially), a young ass:--colt.
    
14. Strong's Number: G3326
    There are 445 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: μετά
    Transliteration: metá
    Pronunciation: met-ah'
    Description: a primary preposition (often used adverbially); properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession) with which it is joined; occupying an intermediate position between ἀπό or ἐκ and εἰς or πρός; less intimate than ἐν and less close than σύν):--after(-ward), X that he again, against, among, X and, + follow, hence, hereafter, in, of, (up-)on, + our, X and setting, since, (un-)to, + together, when, with (+ -out). Often used in composition, in substantially the same relations of participation or proximity, and transfer or sequence.
    
15. Strong's Number: G3089
    There are 40 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: λύω
    Transliteration: lýō
    Pronunciation: loo'-o
    Description: a primary verb; to "loosen" (literally or figuratively):--break (up), destroy, dissolve, (un-)loose, melt, put off. Compare ῥήγνυμι.
    
16. Strong's Number: G71
    There are 97 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἄγω
    Transliteration: ágō
    Pronunciation: ag'-o
    Description: a primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce:--be, bring (forth), carry, (let) go, keep, lead away, be open.
    
17. Strong's Number: G3427
    There are 227 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: μοί
    Transliteration: moí
    Pronunciation: moy
    Description: the simpler form of ἐμοί; to me:--I, me, mine, my.