


Luke 19:33
Bible Versions
And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?
As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
As they were untying the colt, its owners asked, “Why are you untying the colt?”
And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?
No cross-references found for this verse.
Context
Luke 19:33 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. This verse immediately follows Jesus' specific instructions to two of His disciples in Luke 19:29-32, where He tells them to go into a village and find a colt tied, which no man had ever ridden. He also forewarns them that if anyone asks why they are untying it, they should simply say, "The Lord hath need of him." This verse captures the exact moment the disciples encounter the owners as they follow Jesus' divine directive, setting the stage for the dramatic fulfillment of prophecy.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV word "loosing" comes from the Greek verb apolyo (ἀπολύω), which means "to release," "to untie," or "to set free." In this context, it literally refers to untying the ropes binding the colt. The term "colt" (Greek: polos, πῶλος) specifically refers to a young animal, here understood to be a donkey's colt, emphasizing its untrained nature and thus the miraculous ease with which Jesus would ride it, as no one had ever sat on it before (Luke 19:30).
Practical Application
Luke 19:33 reminds believers of several important truths. Firstly, it encourages us to trust in God's perfect plan and timing. Just as Jesus had every detail pre-arranged, so too does God orchestrate events in our lives, often in ways we don't immediately understand. Secondly, it calls us to simple obedience. The disciples didn't debate or question; they simply obeyed. Our willingness to follow Christ's commands, even when they seem unconventional or challenge our logic, is a testament to our faith. Finally, it reinforces the idea that God can use seemingly insignificant things—like an unridden colt—for His grand purposes, demonstrating His power and sovereignty over all creation.