Luke 19:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:31 captures a moment of profound divine foresight and authority as Jesus dispatches two disciples to retrieve a specific colt for His entry into Jerusalem. This seemingly simple instruction, accompanied by a precise answer to any potential inquiry—"Because the Lord hath need of him"—underscores Jesus' sovereign control over all circumstances and His deliberate orchestration of events to fulfill ancient prophecy, publicly presenting Himself as the long-awaited King.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the immediate narrative leading up to Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, a pivotal event often commemorated as Palm Sunday. Preceding this verse, in [Luke 19:28-30](/luke/19-28-30 "Luke 19:28-30 - Jesus Sends Disciples for the Colt"), Jesus gives remarkably detailed instructions to two disciples as they approach Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives. He commands them to enter a village, find a specific colt tied, one that no one had ever ridden, and bring it to Him. The precision of Jesus' foreknowledge, down to the exact location of the colt and the anticipated question from its owners, sets the stage for His public declaration of kingship. Following this verse, [Luke 19:32-36](/luke/19-32-36 "Luke 19:32-36 - The Disciples Retrieve the Colt") describes the disciples finding everything exactly as Jesus had foretold, confirming His divine insight. The narrative then culminates in the jubilant [Triumphal Entry](/luke/19-37-40 "Luke 19:37-40 - The Triumphal Entry") itself, where crowds hail Jesus as King, laying cloaks and branches on the road.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of riding a donkey or a colt into a city held significant cultural and historical symbolism in the ancient Near East. While warhorses were used by conquering kings, a donkey or a colt often symbolized peace and humility, yet still indicated royal status, particularly for a king coming to his own people. This mode of entry directly contrasts with the pomp and military might typically associated with Roman rulers entering a city. Furthermore, the practice of using an animal that had never been ridden before was common for sacred purposes, emphasizing its dedication and purity for a divine task. Jerusalem, as the capital and spiritual heart of Judea, was accustomed to pilgrims and religious processions, but this entry would be uniquely charged with Messianic expectation, especially during the Passover season when the city swelled with people anticipating the deliverance of Israel.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 19:31](/luke/19-31 "Luke 19:31 - The Lord Has Need") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**, as Jesus' precise instructions and foreknowledge demonstrate His absolute control over circumstances, even mundane ones like the location of an unridden colt. His declaration, "Because the Lord hath need of him," is not a polite request but a sovereign command, asserting His inherent right and ownership over creation, echoing themes of God's universal dominion found in [Psalm 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's"). Another crucial theme is **Humble Kingship**, as Jesus' choice of a colt, an animal of peace, deliberately fulfills the ancient prophecy of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the Humble King"). This highlights the nature of His kingdom—one not established by military might or earthly power, but by peace, humility, and spiritual authority. Finally, the event serves as a powerful instance of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, meticulously orchestrated by Jesus to publicly declare His identity as the promised Messiah, aligning His actions with the specific predictions of the Old Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Why (Greek, _diatí'_):** This interrogative adverb, derived from "through what cause," directly asks for the reason or purpose behind an action. In the context of the disciples' anticipated encounter, it highlights the natural human curiosity or challenge they might face from the colt's owners. Jesus' pre-emptive answer provides a divine, unquestionable justification, immediately elevating the situation beyond mere human transaction.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term signifies "supreme in authority" or "controller," often used as a respectful title for a master or owner. In this specific context, the use of _ho Kyrios_ (the Lord) by Jesus referring to Himself is a profound assertion of His divine identity and sovereign authority. It's not merely a polite address but a declaration of inherent right and ownership over all creation, including the colt. This self-designation implies that Jesus is the ultimate Master, whose needs supersede all others.
* **need (Greek, _chreía'_):** This noun denotes "employment," "occasion," "demand," or "requirement." When Jesus states that "the Lord hath need of him," it conveys a divine imperative, a necessity that stems from His sovereign plan and purpose. It's not a lack or a desperate plea, but a statement of divine intention and requirement for the unfolding of His redemptive mission. The colt is not merely convenient; it is essential for the fulfillment of prophecy and the public presentation of the Messiah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose [him]?"**: This opening clause demonstrates Jesus' omniscience and foresight. He anticipates the exact question the disciples would face, indicating His complete awareness of the situation before it even unfolds. The question itself, "Why do ye loose [him]?", implies a challenge to their actions, as they would be untying property that did not belong to them. This sets up the critical response Jesus provides.
* **"thus shall ye say unto him,"**: This phrase serves as a direct command from Jesus, providing the precise verbal instruction the disciples are to deliver. It emphasizes the authority behind the message and ensures that the divine justification for taking the colt is communicated clearly and without deviation. It highlights the importance of their obedience to Jesus' specific directives.
* **"Because the Lord hath need of him."**: This is the pivotal statement, revealing Jesus' identity and authority. The declaration "the Lord hath need" is a powerful assertion of divine ownership and sovereign right. It implies that the one speaking is the ultimate authority, to whom all things belong and for whom all things exist. This statement is not a request but a non-negotiable decree, demonstrating Jesus' control over the circumstances and His Messianic claim.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 19:31 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological significance. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jesus' precise instructions and the subsequent Triumphal Entry directly foreshadow His public declaration as King and the nature of His kingdom. The detailed foreknowledge displayed by Jesus is a form of **Divine Authority**, emphasizing His supernatural insight and control over events, reinforcing His identity as the Son of God. The entire scenario is an act of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, meticulously orchestrated by Jesus to align with the ancient prophecy of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the Humble King"), thereby validating His Messianic claims. Furthermore, the choice of the colt itself carries profound **Symbolism**, representing peace and humility, contrasting with the typical imagery of a conquering king on a warhorse. This symbolizes the peaceful and spiritual nature of Jesus' kingdom, distinct from earthly political power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:31 powerfully articulates Jesus' divine sovereignty and His deliberate orchestration of events to fulfill His redemptive mission. The statement "the Lord hath need of him" is a profound theological assertion, demonstrating Jesus' inherent right as the Creator and Sustainer over all creation. It underscores that His authority is not derived but intrinsic, and His purposes are paramount. This moment also highlights the theme of humble kingship, as Jesus chooses a humble animal for His entry, aligning with prophetic expectations and contrasting with worldly displays of power. It signifies that His kingdom is not of this world, but one founded on spiritual truth and sacrificial love.

* [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Prophecy of the Humble King")
* [Matthew 21:1-7](/matthew/21-1-7 "Matthew 21:1-7 - Jesus Enters Jerusalem on a Donkey")
* [John 12:12-16](/john/12-12-16 "John 12:12-16 - The Triumphal Entry in John's Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 19:31 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, inviting us to consider our posture towards the Lord's sovereign purposes. Just as the colt was made available for Jesus' divine "need," we are called to a posture of readiness and availability for God's service. This means being willing to surrender our resources, time, talents, and even our plans, recognizing that the Lord has a perfect plan for how He might "have need" of us. It encourages a deep trust in God's meticulous foresight and provision, knowing that He orchestrates even the smallest details for His grand design. Our obedience to His call, even when it seems unusual or inconvenient, is an act of worship and an acknowledgment of His supreme authority over our lives. This verse reminds us that true discipleship involves a willingness to be used by the Lord in ways that may not always be clear to us, but are always aligned with His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might the Lord "have need of" you today?**
* **How does Jesus' divine foresight in this passage encourage your trust in His sovereign plan for your own life?**
* **What does it mean for you to truly recognize Jesus' supreme authority in your daily decisions and priorities?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus specifically request a colt that no one had ever ridden?**

Answer: The request for a colt that had never been ridden (ἀνθρώπων οὐδεὶς πώποτε ἐκάθισεν ἐπ' αὐτόν, [Luke 19:30](/luke/19-30 "Luke 19:30 - The Unridden Colt")) carries multiple layers of significance. Firstly, in ancient Near Eastern cultures, an animal that had never been ridden was considered pure and consecrated, suitable for sacred purposes or for use by a king or deity. This practice elevated the event beyond the mundane, signifying the divine and holy nature of Jesus' entry. Secondly, it fulfilled a specific detail of the prophecy in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Prophecy of the Humble King"), which speaks of the king coming "upon a colt the foal of an ass." Thirdly, an unridden animal would typically be wild and difficult to control, yet the colt's immediate submission to Jesus' disciples, and then to Jesus, subtly highlights His supernatural authority and control over creation, further demonstrating His divine identity.

**What is the deeper meaning of Jesus saying, "Because the Lord hath need of him"?**

Answer: This statement, "Because the Lord hath need of him," is a powerful assertion of Jesus' divine authority and ownership, rather than a mere request. The Greek word for "Lord" (κύριος, _kýrios_) here refers to Jesus Himself, a title that signifies supreme authority and mastery. By declaring that "the Lord" has need, Jesus is not asking for permission but stating a divine imperative. It implies that all creation belongs to Him, and He has the inherent right to command and utilize anything for His purposes. This declaration is a direct claim to His Messianic identity and sovereign power, indicating that His will is paramount and cannot be gainsaid, even by the colt's owners. It underscores His pre-eminence and the divine necessity of His actions in fulfilling God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:31, with its simple yet profound declaration, "Because the Lord hath need of him," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' identity as the sovereign Lord and the King of Glory. His humble entry on a colt, meticulously orchestrated to fulfill [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Prophecy of the Humble King"), foreshadows not a worldly conquest but a spiritual one, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection. The "need" of the Lord in this passage points to the divine necessity of His mission: to come as the humble servant-king who would lay down His life for the redemption of humanity. This act of humble kingship on Palm Sunday contrasts sharply with His glorious return, when He will come not on a colt, but on a white horse, as the King of kings and Lord of lords, to judge and to reign, as described in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse"). The colt, freely given because the Lord had need, symbolizes all creation's submission to Him, a submission that will be fully realized when "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Thus, [Luke 19:31](/luke/19-31 "Luke 19:31 - The Lord Has Need") is a microcosm of the entire Gospel message: Jesus, the sovereign Lord, came humbly to fulfill God's redemptive plan, and He will return in glory to complete it.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.