John 12:15

Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.

Fear {G5399} not {G3361}, daughter {G2364} of Sion {G4622}: behold {G2400}, thy {G4675} King {G935} cometh {G2064}, sitting {G2521} on {G1909} an ass's {G3688} colt {G4454}.

“Daughter of Tziyon, don’t be afraid!
Look! your King is coming,
sitting on a donkey’s colt.”

“Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion. See, your King is coming, seated on the colt of a donkey.”

Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.

Context

John 12:15 is a pivotal verse within the narrative of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event traditionally commemorated as Palm Sunday. This moment occurred just days before His crucifixion, marking a significant public declaration of His Messiahship. The verse itself is a direct quotation from Old Testament prophecy, emphasizing that Jesus' actions were not random but were the fulfillment of divine foretelling.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The most prominent theme is the precise fulfillment of Messianic prophecy. This verse directly quotes or alludes to Zechariah 9:9, which foretold the humble manner of the Messiah's arrival. This demonstrated to the Jewish people and to us that Jesus was indeed the long-awaited King of Israel.
  • The Humility of the King: Unlike earthly kings or conquerors who would ride magnificent warhorses, Jesus chose to enter Jerusalem "sitting on an ass's colt." This act powerfully symbolizes His humble nature and His mission as a King of peace, not of military might or political dominance. His kingdom was spiritual, not of this world.
  • Assurance and Comfort: The opening command, "Fear not, daughter of Sion," serves as an assurance to the people of Jerusalem and, by extension, to all believers. It signals that the arrival of their King was not a cause for fear or alarm, but for joyful recognition and hope, despite the tumultuous events that would soon follow.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "daughter of Sion" (or Zion) is a poetic and endearing term used in the Old Testament to refer to the city of Jerusalem and its inhabitants, often personifying the people of Israel. It conveys a sense of intimate relationship and divine protection. The description "ass's colt" (Greek: polos onou) specifically denotes a young, unbroken donkey, further underscoring the humility and simplicity of Jesus' entry, contrasting sharply with the grandeur expected of a worldly king.

Practical Application

John 12:15 encourages believers to trust in God's perfect timing and His sovereign plan, which unfolds precisely as prophesied, often in ways that challenge human expectations. Jesus' humble entry teaches us that true power and kingship in God's economy are found in service, humility, and peace, not in worldly show or force. This verse calls us to welcome Jesus as our King, not with fear, but with joyful anticipation and to emulate His humble spirit in our own lives, recognizing that His ultimate victory came through self-sacrifice, as foreshadowed in passages like Isaiah 53:4-5.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Zechariah 9:9

    ¶ Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he [is] just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

  • Isaiah 62:11

    Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward [is] with him, and his work before him.

  • Isaiah 35:4

    Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.

  • Isaiah 35:5

    ¶ Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

  • Zephaniah 3:16

    In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: [and to] Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.

  • Zephaniah 3:17

    The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

  • Zechariah 2:9

    For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me.

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