Luke 19:33

KJV

And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} as they {G846} were loosing {G3089} the colt {G4454}, the owners {G2962} thereof {G846} said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846}, Why {G5101} loose ye {G3089} the colt {G4454}?

Complete Jewish Bible

As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?”

Berean Standard Bible

As they were untying the colt, its owners asked, “Why are you untying the colt?”

American Standard Version

And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:33 captures the precise moment two disciples, following Jesus' specific instructions, are confronted by the owners of a colt they are untying. This brief exchange highlights Jesus' divine foreknowledge and sovereign control over seemingly mundane details, as the owners' question ("Why loose ye the colt?") directly sets the stage for the divinely pre-ordained response, "The Lord hath need of him," paving the way for Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the narrative leading up to Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, immediately following His detailed instructions to two disciples in [Luke 19:28-32](/luke/19-28-32 "Luke 19:28-32 - Jesus' Instructions for the Colt"). Jesus had just finished the Parable of the Minas, emphasizing accountability and the coming kingdom. He then purposefully sets out for Jerusalem, knowing full well what awaits Him there. The disciples' obedience in this verse, despite the unusual nature of the command, directly facilitates the fulfillment of prophecy and the dramatic public declaration of Jesus' messianic identity as He rides into the city. The owners' question in [Luke 19:33](/luke/19-33 "Luke 19:33 - Owners Question the Disciples") serves as the anticipated challenge that Jesus had foretold, allowing the disciples to deliver His pre-scripted, authoritative reply.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, donkeys, particularly young ones, were common beasts of burden and transport. Unlike warhorses, which symbolized military might, a donkey symbolized humility, peace, and often, the kingly procession of a peaceful monarch. The detail that "no man ever sat" on the colt (as mentioned in [Luke 19:30](/luke/19-30 "Luke 19:30 - The Unridden Colt")) is significant. Unridden animals were often considered pure and suitable for sacred purposes, such as carrying a king or being used in religious rituals. The owners' question "Why loose ye the colt?" is a natural and expected reaction from individuals seeing their property being taken, reflecting the cultural understanding of ownership and the need for permission. This interaction underscores the ordinary circumstances through which an extraordinary, divinely orchestrated event was unfolding.
* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully illustrates several core themes. Firstly, **Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty** are paramount; Jesus demonstrates His omniscience by knowing precisely where the colt would be, that it would be tied, and that its owners would question His disciples. This highlights God's meticulous planning and control over all circumstances, even seemingly mundane details, as seen in [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"). Secondly, **Obedience and Faith** are central, as the disciples' immediate and unquestioning obedience to Jesus' seemingly strange command is crucial. They acted on faith, trusting that Jesus' words would prove true, even before they fully understood the purpose, a principle echoed in [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential"). Finally, the event contributes to the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, particularly [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"), which describes the Messiah coming humbly on a donkey. The owners' question and the disciples' response are part of this divinely orchestrated plan, confirming Jesus as the promised King.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **loosing (Greek, _lýō'_):** From G3089, a primary verb meaning "to loosen" (literally or figuratively), "to untie," or "to set free." In this context, it literally refers to the disciples untying the ropes binding the colt. The word choice subtly foreshadows Jesus' broader mission of "loosing" people from the bonds of sin and death, as He would ultimately do through His atoning work.
* **owners (Greek, _kýrios'_):** From G2962, meaning "supreme in authority," "controller," or "Master." While here it refers to the human owners of the colt, the term itself is deeply significant in the New Testament, frequently used to refer to God or Jesus as "Lord." The owners' question about "loosing" their property is met with the disciples' response, "The Lord (G2962, _kýrios_) hath need of him," creating a powerful juxtaposition where the human "owners" yield to the ultimate "Lord."
* **colt (Greek, _pōlos'_):** From G4454, apparently a primary word, meaning a "foal" or "filly," specifically a young ass. The emphasis on it being a young animal, and especially one "whereon yet never man sat" ([Luke 19:30](/luke/19-30 "Luke 19:30 - The Unridden Colt")), highlights its untrained nature and, paradoxically, the miraculous ease with which Jesus would ride it. This detail also aligns with the Old Testament practice of using unblemished, unworked animals for sacred purposes, underscoring the divine dedication of this particular animal for Jesus' royal entry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as they were loosing the colt":** This phrase immediately establishes the disciples' obedience to Jesus' prior instructions. They are actively engaged in the task Jesus assigned, demonstrating their faith and trust in His words, even when the task might seem unusual or raise questions from others. Their action is direct and immediate, setting the scene for the anticipated confrontation.
* **"the owners thereof said unto them":** This part confirms Jesus' foreknowledge. He had explicitly stated that this interaction would occur, "And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him?" ([Luke 19:31](/luke/19-31 "Luke 19:31 - Jesus' Foreknowledge")). The appearance of the owners is not a surprise or an obstacle, but a pre-ordained part of the divine plan, highlighting Jesus' sovereignty over human circumstances and reactions.
* **"Why loose ye the colt?":** This is the natural and expected question from the owners, asserting their right to their property. It serves as the precise cue for the disciples to deliver Jesus' pre-scripted answer. The question itself, though mundane on the surface, becomes a pivotal moment in the narrative, allowing for the declaration of Jesus' authority and the divine necessity of the colt's use.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 19:33, though brief, is rich in literary devices that enhance its theological significance. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the owners' question sets up the disciples' pre-scripted answer in the following verse, "The Lord hath need of him," which subtly foreshadows Jesus' divine authority and His ultimate purpose. There is also a strong element of **Divine Orchestration**, where every detail, from the location of the colt to the owners' precise question, is meticulously planned and executed according to Jesus' foreknowledge. This demonstrates God's sovereign control over seemingly random events. Furthermore, a subtle **Irony** is present: the human "owners" question the disciples, unaware that they are participating in a divinely ordained event where the ultimate "Lord" (Jesus) is asserting His claim. The colt itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing humility and peace, yet also being an unridden animal, symbolizing its sacred dedication for a unique, kingly purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:33 profoundly underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and the meticulous nature of God's plans. Jesus' foreknowledge of the colt's location, the owners' question, and the precise response required demonstrates an astonishing level of control over circumstances, even down to the reactions of ordinary individuals. This event emphasizes that God's purposes are not thwarted by human intervention or questioning but rather incorporate them into His perfect design. It calls believers to a deeper trust in God's orchestration of events, even when the path is unclear or requires unconventional obedience. The owners' yielding to the simple declaration, "The Lord hath need of him," serves as a powerful reminder that all creation ultimately belongs to God and is subject to His will, even if human beings are momentarily its custodians.

* [Matthew 21:1-7](/matthew/21-1-7 "Matthew 21:1-7 - The Triumphal Entry Account")
* [Mark 11:1-7](/mark/11-1-7 "Mark 11:1-7 - Mark's Account of the Colt")
* [John 12:12-16](/john/12-12-16 "John 12:12-16 - John's Account of the Triumphal Entry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 19:33 serves as a profound reminder of God's perfect plan and His ability to orchestrate every detail of our lives. Just as Jesus had every aspect of the colt's retrieval pre-arranged, so too does God meticulously work in our circumstances, often in ways we don't immediately understand or foresee. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of simple, unquestioning obedience, much like the disciples who proceeded without hesitation despite the unusual command. Our willingness to follow Christ's commands, even when they seem unconventional, challenge our logic, or might lead to awkward encounters, is a powerful testament to our faith. It also reinforces the comforting truth that God can use seemingly insignificant or ordinary things—like an unridden colt or an unexpected question from its owners—for His grand, redemptive purposes, demonstrating His power and sovereignty over all creation. We are invited to consider how God might be calling us to release our "possessions" or plans for His higher purposes, trusting that He "has need" of them for His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' foreknowledge in this passage impact your understanding of His sovereignty over your own life's circumstances?**
* **What "colts" (resources, time, talents) might the Lord be asking you to "untie" and make available for His use, even if it feels unconventional or requires you to step out in faith?**
* **In what situations have you been challenged by others when obeying God's call, and how can the disciples' example encourage your response?**

### FAQ

**Why was it important that the colt had never been ridden?**

Answer: The detail that the colt had never been ridden, mentioned in [Luke 19:30](/luke/19-30 "Luke 19:30 - The Unridden Colt"), carries significant symbolic and practical weight. Symbolically, an animal that had never been worked or ridden was considered pure and consecrated, making it suitable for sacred purposes. This aligns with Old Testament practices where animals used for holy rituals were often unblemished and unworked (e.g., the red heifer in [Numbers 19:2](/numbers/19-2 "Numbers 19:2 - Red Heifer without Blemish") or a heifer for atonement in [Deuteronomy 21:3](/deuteronomy/21-3 "Deuteronomy 21:3 - Heifer that has not been Worked")). Practically, for Jesus to ride an untrained colt without incident would have been a remarkable feat, further highlighting His divine authority and miraculous power. It emphasizes that this was not a mere animal but one specifically prepared and dedicated for the King's entry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:33, though a brief narrative interlude, powerfully points to the Christ-centered nature of all scripture. The owners' question, "Why loose ye the colt?", and the disciples' pre-scripted response, "The Lord hath need of him," are not merely logistical details but a profound declaration of Jesus' identity and sovereign claim. This "Lord" is not just any master, but the cosmic Lord, the one through whom and for whom all things were created ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ's Supremacy")). The seemingly ordinary colt, unridden and unknown, becomes an instrument in the divine plan, symbolizing how even the most humble aspects of creation are subject to Christ's will and serve His redemptive purpose. Jesus' entry on this colt fulfills ancient prophecy ([Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey")), presenting Him as the humble yet authoritative King, whose ultimate "need" was not merely a means of transport, but the salvation of humanity. His journey to Jerusalem, culminating in the cross, reveals that He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Thus, the owners' question and Jesus' need for the colt ultimately foreshadow His universal Lordship, to which every knee will one day bow ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")).

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.