Luke 19:34

KJV

And they said, The Lord hath need of him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they said {G2036}, The Lord {G2962} hath {G2192} need {G5532} of him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and they said, “Because the Lord needs it.”

Berean Standard Bible

“The Lord needs it,” they answered.

American Standard Version

And they said, The Lord hath need of him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:34 captures the concise yet profound response given by Jesus' disciples when questioned about taking a colt: "And they said, The Lord hath need of him." This declaration, made just prior to Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, powerfully underscores His divine authority and sovereignty, revealing His pre-ordained knowledge and the immediate, unquestioning obedience He commands, even over seemingly ordinary circumstances and possessions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem, a journey that culminates in His passion, death, and resurrection. Immediately preceding this verse, in [Luke 19:28-33](/luke/19-28-33 "Luke 19:28-33 - Jesus' Instructions for the Colt"), Jesus sends two disciples ahead to a village, instructing them to find a colt tied there, one that had never been ridden. He specifically foretells that if anyone questions their actions, they are to respond with the exact words found in [Luke 19:34](/luke/19-34 "Luke 19:34 - The Lord Hath Need of Him"). The subsequent verses, [Luke 19:35-40](/luke/19-35-40 "Luke 19:35-40 - The Triumphal Entry and Praise"), describe the disciples bringing the colt to Jesus, Him riding it into Jerusalem, and the crowds praising Him, thus setting the stage for the dramatic events of Passion Week. The simplicity of the disciples' response in this verse highlights Jesus' divine foresight and the inherent authority of His word.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey or colt would have carried significant symbolic weight for a Jewish audience. While Roman generals and conquering kings would typically ride warhorses as a display of military might, a king arriving on a donkey was a prophetic image of peace and humility, echoing the prophecy in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"). The act of taking an animal without explicit permission, even if foretold by Jesus, would normally require explanation or payment. The owners' immediate and unquestioning release of the colt upon hearing "The Lord hath need of him" suggests a recognition of divine prerogative or a supernatural influence, reinforcing Jesus' unique status. The detail that the colt had never been ridden also aligns with ancient customs for animals designated for sacred use, making it fit for the Messiah.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 19:34](/luke/19-34 "Luke 19:34 - The Lord Hath Need of Him") contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Jesus' Divine Authority and Sovereignty**. His foreknowledge of the colt's location and the owners' response, coupled with the simple declaration "The Lord hath need of him," underscores His absolute control over all creation and circumstances. Secondly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, specifically the messianic prophecy of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The King Comes on a Donkey"), identifying Jesus as the long-awaited King of Israel. Thirdly, the choice of a humble colt over a warhorse emphasizes **Humility in Kingship**, portraying Jesus not as a conquering military leader but as the Prince of Peace, bringing salvation rather than worldly dominion. Finally, the disciples' **Obedience and Trust** in Jesus' unconventional command serves as a model for believers, demonstrating faith in His divine wisdom and purpose, even when His instructions seem unusual.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** a primary verb (used only in the definite past tense, the others being borrowed from ἐρέω, ῥέω, and φημί); to speak or say (by word or writing):--answer, bid, bring word, call, command, grant, say (on), speak, tell. Compare λέγω. Here, it denotes a direct verbal response, fulfilling Jesus' precise instruction. The disciples' simple "saying" carries the weight of Jesus' own authority, as they are merely relaying His words.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** from (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title):-- God, Lord, master, Sir. This is a crucial term, unequivocally referring to Jesus in this context. It signifies His ultimate authority and divine status, not merely as a teacher or prophet, but as the sovereign Master and God. The owners' immediate compliance upon hearing this title speaks to its power and recognition.
* **need (Greek, _chreía'_):** from the base of χράομαι or χρή; employment, i.e. an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution:--business, lack, necessary(-ity), need(-ful), use, want. This word conveys more than a mere request; it implies a divine necessity or requirement. It's not a plea for a favor but a declaration of a divine prerogative, indicating that the colt is required for God's purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said":** This phrase highlights the disciples' immediate and faithful obedience to Jesus' specific instructions given in [Luke 19:31](/luke/19-31 "Luke 19:31 - Jesus' Specific Instructions"). Their role is to simply articulate the divine command, acting as conduits for Jesus' authority. It underscores their trust in His foreknowledge and their willingness to execute His seemingly unusual directives without question.
* **"The Lord hath need of him":** This is the core declaration, carrying immense theological weight. "The Lord" (ὁ κύριος) refers to Jesus, asserting His divine identity and supreme authority. The phrase "hath need" (χρείαν ἔχει) signifies a divine necessity or requirement, not a casual request. It implies that the colt is not merely desired but is essential for the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, specifically for Jesus' messianic entry into Jerusalem. This statement, when spoken, was sufficient to compel the owners to release the animal, demonstrating Jesus' sovereignty over material possessions and human will.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise phrasing in [Luke 19:34](/luke/19-34 "Luke 19:34 - The Lord Hath Need of Him") effectively employs several literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jesus' precise instructions about the colt and the specific response to give set the stage for His triumphal entry, a pivotal moment leading to His crucifixion and resurrection. The phrase "The Lord hath need of him" itself functions as a powerful declaration of **Divine Authority**, emphasizing Jesus' supreme control and pre-ordained plan. There is also an element of **Irony** in the King of the Universe having "need" of a humble, unridden colt, highlighting His humble approach to kingship in contrast to worldly power. Finally, the immediate compliance of the owners, though not explicitly detailed in this verse, implies a sense of **Supernatural Influence** or divine compulsion, reinforcing the extraordinary nature of Jesus' identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:34 profoundly articulates the absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ. The declaration "The Lord hath need of him" is not a polite request but a statement of divine prerogative, demonstrating Jesus' inherent right to command and His foreknowledge of all events. This moment underscores His identity as the long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling ancient prophecies not through worldly power, but through humble submission to God's will, even as He exercises ultimate authority. It reveals that all creation is ultimately at His disposal, available for His redemptive purposes, and that His "needs" are, in fact, divine necessities for the unfolding of salvation history.

* [Psalm 24:1](/psalm/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's")
* [Matthew 21:2-3](/matthew/21-2-3 "Matthew 21:2-3 - Jesus' Instructions for the Donkey")
* [John 13:13](/john/13-13 "John 13:13 - Jesus, Lord and Teacher")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The simple declaration "The Lord hath need of him" in [Luke 19:34](/luke/19-34 "Luke 19:34 - The Lord Hath Need of Him") carries profound implications for our lives today. It reminds us that Jesus, as Lord, has ultimate authority and a sovereign plan for all things, including our lives and possessions. Just as the colt was readily available for His use, we are called to live with a posture of readiness and surrender, recognizing that everything we have—our time, talents, resources, and even our very lives—are ultimately His. This verse challenges us to consider what "needs" the Lord might have of us in our current circumstances, prompting us to release our grip on personal ownership and embrace a spirit of willing service. It encourages us to trust His wisdom, even when His instructions seem unconventional or when we don't fully understand the larger purpose. Our obedience, like that of the disciples and the colt's owners, becomes an act of worship and participation in His divine mission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my life, possessions, or time am I holding back from the Lord's "need"?**
* **How does understanding Jesus' divine authority impact my willingness to obey His seemingly unconventional commands?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a greater sense of readiness to be used by God for His purposes, even in humble or unexpected ways?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus "need" the colt, and why was it important that it was unridden?**

Answer: Jesus' "need" for the colt was not out of destitution but out of divine necessity for the fulfillment of prophecy and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. His entry into Jerusalem on a donkey directly fulfilled [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"), which foretold Zion's King coming humbly on a donkey. The detail that the colt was unridden ([Luke 19:30](/luke/19-30 "Luke 19:30 - Jesus' Instructions for the Colt")) was significant because, in ancient Near Eastern culture, an animal that had never been ridden or burdened was considered pure and specially consecrated for sacred use, making it fitting for the Messiah. This detail further underscored Jesus' unique divine identity and the sacred nature of His mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:34, though brief, is deeply Christ-centered, revealing Jesus' identity as the sovereign Lord and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The declaration "The Lord hath need of him" points directly to Jesus' divine authority, a theme echoed throughout the New Testament where He is proclaimed as [Lord of all](/acts/10-36 "Acts 10:36 - Jesus is Lord of All"). His foreknowledge of the colt's location and the owners' response demonstrates His omniscience, a characteristic of God, and His orchestrating of events for His ultimate purpose, which is the salvation of humanity. This humble entry on a colt, foretold in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"), foreshadows His ultimate act of humility on the cross, where the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") willingly laid down His life for the sins of the world. Just as He "had need" of the colt for His triumphal entry, He "had need" to suffer and rise again ([Luke 24:46](/luke/24-46 "Luke 24:46 - The Messiah Must Suffer")) to establish His eternal kingdom. Thus, this verse not only highlights His kingly authority but also His humble, redemptive mission, culminating in His glorious resurrection and ascension, where [all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus").

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

Zechariah 9:9

¶ Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he [is] just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

John 10:35

If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

John 12:16

These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and [that] they had done these things unto him.

2 Corinthians 8:9

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.