


Luke 19:29
Bible Versions
And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called [the mount] of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,
As he approached Beit-Pagei and Beit-Anyah, by the Mount of Olives, he sent two talmidim,
As He approached Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, He sent out two of His disciples,
And it came to pass, when he drew nigh unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples,
-
Matthew 21:17
And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there. -
Matthew 21:1
¶ And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, -
Matthew 21:11
And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. -
Acts 1:12
¶ Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. -
Zechariah 14:4
And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which [is] before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, [and there shall be] a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. -
Mark 11:1
¶ And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, -
Mark 11:11
And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.
Context
Luke 19:29 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, setting the stage for His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. As Jesus approached the city, He passed by two villages, Bethphage ("house of figs") and Bethany ("house of dates/affliction"), both situated on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. This geographical detail is crucial, as the Mount of Olives overlooks Jerusalem and holds significant prophetic importance. This verse initiates the final approach to Jerusalem before the events of Passion Week, leading to His crucifixion and resurrection.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "nigh to" (Greek: eggizo) emphasizes Jesus' close proximity to these villages, signaling the immediate prelude to the dramatic events. The location, the "Mount of Olives" (Greek: Oros Elaion), is not just a geographical marker but a place rich in biblical history and future prophecy, often associated with significant messianic events and the return of Christ.
Practical Application
This verse reminds us that God's plans unfold with perfect precision and timing. Just as Jesus deliberately approached Jerusalem, knowing the purpose of His journey, we can trust that God is sovereign over the details of our lives. Even seemingly small or ordinary actions (like sending disciples to find a colt) can be part of a much larger, divine purpose. It encourages us to be attentive to God's leading and to trust in His perfect timing, knowing that He works all things according to His will (Romans 8:28).