Luke 19:31

And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose [him]? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.

And {G2532} if {G1437} any man {G5100} ask {G2065} you {G5209}, Why {G1302} do ye loose {G3089} him? thus {G3779} shall ye say {G2046} unto him {G846}, Because {G3754} the Lord {G2962} hath {G2192} need {G5532} of him {G846}.

If anyone asks why you are untying it, tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

And if any one ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say, The Lord hath need of him.

Luke 19:31 is a pivotal verse in the narrative leading up to Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, often associated with Palm Sunday. It highlights Jesus' divine foresight and authority as He prepares to publicly present Himself as King.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' specific instructions to two of His disciples. As they approached Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent them ahead into a village with an unusual directive: to find a colt tied, which no man had ever ridden. He knew exactly where it would be and what response they would receive from its owners. This detailed instruction, including the precise words to use if questioned, underscores Jesus' supernatural knowledge and control over circumstances. This event directly precedes the jubilant Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, where crowds would hail Him as King.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Authority: The most prominent theme is Jesus' absolute authority. His statement, "Because the Lord hath need of him," is not a request but a declaration. It implies His right to command and His foreknowledge of the colt's availability and the owners' willingness. This demonstrates Jesus' omniscience and power, even over seemingly mundane details.
  • Humble Kingship: The choice of a colt, an animal of peace and humility, rather than a warhorse, aligns with the prophetic vision of Israel's king coming humbly. This was a deliberate act to fulfill ancient prophecy while showcasing the nature of His kingdom.
  • Prophetic Fulfillment: This event is a direct fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, which foretold that Zion's king would come "riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." Jesus meticulously orchestrated events to demonstrate that He was indeed the promised Messiah.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the Lord hath need of him" is significant. The Greek word for "Lord" here is ho Kyrios (ὁ Κύριος), which in this context refers to Jesus Himself. It is a title that implies divine authority and ownership. The statement is not a polite request but a sovereign declaration, indicating that the Creator has a right to His creation. It’s a powerful assertion of Jesus' identity and inherent right to command.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 19:31 offers several insights:

  • Trust in God's Plan: Just as Jesus knew where the colt would be and what would be said, God has a sovereign plan for our lives. We can trust His foresight and provision in all circumstances.
  • Availability for Service: The colt was readily available for the Lord's use. This encourages believers to be willing and available for whatever God "has need of" in their lives, whether it's a talent, time, or resources.
  • Recognizing Jesus' Authority: The verse reminds us of Jesus' supreme authority over all creation. Our obedience to Him is a recognition of His rightful place as Lord of our lives.
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.

  • Psalms 24:1

    ¶ A Psalm of David. The earth [is] the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

  • Mark 11:3

    And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.

  • Mark 11:6

    And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.

  • Psalms 50:10

    For every beast of the forest [is] mine, [and] the cattle upon a thousand hills.

  • Psalms 50:12

    If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world [is] mine, and the fulness thereof.

  • Matthew 21:2

    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.

  • Matthew 21:3

    And if any [man] say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.

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