Luke 19:35

KJV

And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they brought {G71} him {G846} to {G4314} Jesus {G2424}: and {G2532} they cast {G1977} their {G1438} garments {G2440} upon {G1909}{G1977} the colt {G4454}, and {G1977} they set {G1913} Jesus {G2424} thereon {G1913}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They brought it to Yeshua; and, throwing their robes on the colt, they put Yeshua on it.

Berean Standard Bible

Then they led the colt to Jesus, threw their cloaks over it, and put Jesus on it.

American Standard Version

And they brought him to Jesus: and they threw their garments upon the colt, and set Jesus thereon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:35 details a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, describing the disciples' actions in preparing for His formal entry into Jerusalem. This seemingly simple act of bringing a young donkey to Jesus, casting garments upon it, and seating Him thereon, sets the stage for the Triumphal Entry, a deliberate and public declaration of Jesus' messianic identity and a profound fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy concerning the humble King.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' instructions to two of His disciples to find a colt tied in a village, which they are to bring to Him, explaining to anyone who questions them that "The Lord hath need of him" ([Luke 19:31](/luke/19-31 "Luke 19:31 - The Lord Has Need of It")). The disciples' successful retrieval of the colt, as described in [Luke 19:32-34](/luke/19-32-34 "Luke 19:32-34 - Disciples Find the Colt"), leads directly into the actions of verse 35. This sequence is part of a larger narrative block (Luke 19:28-44) detailing Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem and His public presentation as King, culminating in the lament over the city's rejection of Him. It contrasts with the preceding parable of the Minas ([Luke 19:11-27](/luke/19-11-27 "Luke 19:11-27 - Parable of the Minas")) which speaks of accountability and the coming kingdom, and the encounter with Zacchaeus ([Luke 19:1-10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:1-10 - Jesus and Zacchaeus")), which highlights Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey was not merely a convenient mode of transport; it was a highly symbolic act steeped in Old Testament prophecy and cultural understanding of kingship. While conquering kings would ride warhorses, a donkey was the mount of choice for kings arriving in peace, particularly as seen in the enthronement of King Solomon ([1 Kings 1:33](/1-kings/1-33 "1 Kings 1:33 - Solomon's Enthronement")). The act of casting garments on the path or upon the animal was a traditional gesture of homage and honor shown to royalty or esteemed individuals, transforming the humble colt into a makeshift royal mount. This public display would have immediately signaled to those familiar with Jewish tradition that Jesus was presenting Himself as the long-awaited Messiah, the King of Israel, albeit one whose kingdom was not of this world.
* **Key Themes:** The events of [Luke 19:28-44](/luke/19-28-44 "Luke 19:28-44 - The Triumphal Entry and Lament") are rich with theological themes. The most prominent is the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jesus intentionally orchestrates His entry to align with the prophecy of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the Humble King"), publicly presenting Himself as the promised King of Israel. This act also underscores the theme of **Humility in Kingship**; by choosing a young donkey—an animal of peace and burden, not warhorses typically ridden by earthly kings—Jesus defines the nature of His kingdom as one of peace, spiritual authority, and service, contrasting sharply with worldly power and conquest. Furthermore, the disciples' immediate and unquestioning **Obedience and Discipleship** to Jesus' unusual instructions highlights the importance of faith and submission to the Lord's will, even when the reasons are not immediately apparent, demonstrating their devotion and reverence. Finally, Jesus' foreknowledge and authority over the colt's whereabouts and the owner's willingness to release it with the simple phrase "The Lord hath need of him" ([Luke 19:34](/luke/19-34 "Luke 19:34 - The Lord Has Need")) powerfully demonstrate His **Divine Authority** and sovereignty over all creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cast (Greek, _epirrhíptō'_):** From G1977, meaning "to throw upon (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it describes the disciples' action of placing their outer garments directly onto the colt. This was a spontaneous act of devotion, both practical (creating a saddle) and symbolic (showing homage).
* **garments (Greek, _himátion'_):** From G2440, referring to an "outer dress" or "cloak." These were the everyday outer robes worn by people, serving as both clothing and often as blankets or bedding. Their use here signifies a personal sacrifice and an act of honor, as individuals laid down their own possessions to facilitate Jesus' ride and to show Him respect.
* **colt (Greek, _pōlos'_):** From G4454, meaning a "foal" or "filly," specifically a young ass. The significance of this word lies in its implication that the animal was unbroken and had never been ridden, making its use for Jesus' entry unique and, to many, a sign of divine consecration for a sacred purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they brought him to Jesus:"** This initial clause highlights the disciples' obedience and the culmination of Jesus' prior instructions. "Him" refers to the young donkey, emphasizing that the animal was specifically retrieved and presented to Jesus, ready for its unique role in the Triumphal Entry. This act underscores the disciples' active participation in fulfilling Jesus' divine plan.
* **"and they cast their garments upon the colt,"** This action, performed by the disciples, serves a dual purpose. Practically, the garments provided a makeshift saddle for Jesus, as the colt was unbroken and likely unsaddled. Symbolically, casting garments before or upon someone was a traditional gesture of profound honor, respect, and submission to royalty or a revered leader. It transformed the humble animal into a throne-like mount, signifying the disciples' recognition of Jesus' royal status.
* **"and they set Jesus thereon."** This final clause describes the physical act of seating Jesus upon the prepared colt. It is the climactic moment that enables Jesus to begin His ride into Jerusalem, publicly presenting Himself as the Messiah. The passive voice ("they set Jesus") emphasizes that Jesus allowed Himself to be placed, signifying His willingness to embrace this role and fulfill prophecy, even as it led Him toward His ultimate destiny.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 19:35, though concise, employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "colt" symbolizing humility, peace, and the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy, contrasting sharply with the warhorse of earthly kings. The "garments" symbolize homage, devotion, and the recognition of Jesus' royal authority, transforming a common animal into a makeshift royal conveyance. The narrative also exhibits **Narrative Economy**, as Luke efficiently conveys a pivotal moment with minimal words, relying on the reader's understanding of the cultural significance of the actions described. Furthermore, the entire scene functions as **Foreshadowing**, not only of Jesus' immediate reception as King but also of the nature of His kingdom—one not built on earthly power but on humility, peace, and spiritual authority, ultimately leading to His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:35 is a profound theological statement wrapped in a simple narrative. It underscores the deliberate and divinely orchestrated nature of Jesus' ministry, culminating in His public presentation as the Messiah. By choosing a humble colt and accepting the homage of garments, Jesus simultaneously fulfills ancient prophecy and redefines kingship, demonstrating that His authority is not derived from worldly might but from divine appointment and a kingdom characterized by peace and humility. This event sets the stage for the dramatic events of Passion Week, revealing Jesus as the King who comes to serve and ultimately to suffer for His people, rather than to conquer in a worldly sense. It challenges our own perceptions of power and leadership, inviting us to embrace a kingdom where true greatness is found in humble service.

* [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the Humble King")
* [Matthew 21:1-9](/matthew/21-1-9 "Matthew 21:1-9 - The Triumphal Entry in Matthew")
* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 19:35 invites us to consider our own posture before Jesus. Just as the disciples readily yielded their garments and facilitated Jesus' journey, we are called to surrender our resources, our plans, and our very selves to His divine purpose. This verse reminds us that true honor and worship are not always expressed through grand, ostentatious displays, but often through humble acts of service and obedience, allowing Christ to be enthroned in our lives and circumstances. It challenges us to recognize Jesus not merely as a historical figure or a good teacher, but as the humble King who deserves our ultimate allegiance and devotion. What "garments"—whether our comfort, our possessions, or our ambitions—are we willing to lay down for Him to advance His kingdom? This passage encourages us to participate actively in His mission, trusting that even our small, seemingly ordinary acts of faith can be used by God for extraordinary purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to "cast my garments" for Jesus, surrendering control or comfort for His purposes?**
* **How does Jesus' choice of a humble colt challenge my own understanding of power, leadership, and success in the world?**
* **Am I as readily obedient to Jesus' seemingly unusual or inconvenient commands as the disciples were in this passage?**
* **What does it mean for Jesus to "set Himself thereon" in my life, taking His rightful place of authority?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus specifically request a colt that had never been ridden?**

Answer: Jesus' request for a colt that had never been ridden ([Luke 19:30](/luke/19-30 "Luke 19:30 - Jesus Instructs Disciples")) holds significant symbolic and theological weight. First, it aligns with ancient Jewish tradition where animals used for sacred purposes, particularly those involved in religious rituals or carrying holy persons, were often required to be unblemished and previously unused. This ensured their consecration solely for God's purposes. Second, it highlights Jesus' divine authority and supernatural power. For an unbroken animal to be ridden without resistance speaks to His sovereignty over creation, a subtle miracle in itself. Finally, it underscores the uniqueness of Jesus' kingship and mission, setting Him apart from any earthly ruler.

**What is the significance of the disciples casting their garments upon the colt?**

Answer: The act of the disciples casting their outer garments ([Luke 19:35](/luke/19-35 "Luke 19:35 - Disciples Cast Garments")) upon the colt served both a practical and a deeply symbolic purpose. Practically, since the colt was unbroken and unsaddled, the garments provided a makeshift, comfortable seat for Jesus. Symbolically, this was a traditional gesture of profound honor and homage shown to royalty or highly esteemed individuals. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, people would often spread their cloaks on the ground before a king or leader as a sign of respect and allegiance (e.g., [2 Kings 9:13](/2-kings/9-13 "2 Kings 9:13 - Jehu's Proclamation")). By laying their personal possessions upon the animal, the disciples were publicly acknowledging Jesus' royal status and expressing their devotion and submission to Him as their King.

**Why did Jesus choose to enter Jerusalem in this particular way?**

Answer: Jesus' deliberate choice to enter Jerusalem on a humble donkey, rather than a warhorse, and to accept the public acclamations, was a precise and intentional fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, particularly [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the Humble King"), which foretold the Messiah coming to Jerusalem "humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." This method of entry was a public declaration of His messianic identity, but it also clearly communicated the nature of His kingdom: one of peace, humility, and spiritual authority, not worldly conquest or political power. It was a visual sermon, contrasting sharply with the expectations of a conquering king, and setting the stage for His ultimate act of humble service and sacrifice on the cross.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:35, though a simple narrative of preparation, is deeply Christ-centered, revealing the very essence of Jesus' messianic identity and mission. The act of the disciples bringing the colt and setting Jesus upon it is the penultimate step in Jesus' deliberate, public presentation of Himself as the long-awaited King of Israel. Yet, this is no ordinary king, and this is no ordinary procession. By choosing a humble colt, Jesus deliberately fulfills the prophecy of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the Humble King"), proclaiming Himself as the King of peace, whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). This Triumphal Entry, facilitated by the disciples' obedient actions, foreshadows His ultimate enthronement, not on an earthly throne, but on the cross—the place where His true kingship, marked by sacrificial love, is most profoundly displayed ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). The "garments" laid upon the colt anticipate the stripping of His own garments before His crucifixion ([Matthew 27:28](/matthew/27-28 "Matthew 27:28 - Jesus Stripped and Mocked")), highlighting the path of humility He embraced for humanity's redemption. Ultimately, this scene points to Jesus as the King who 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")). His entry into Jerusalem on the colt is a vivid, living parable of His entire life and mission: a humble King, divinely appointed, entering the city of His destiny to secure eternal salvation for all who would believe, culminating in His glorious resurrection and ascension to His heavenly throne ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension of 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

Matthew 21:7

And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set [him] thereon.

Mark 11:7

And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.

Mark 11:8

And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed [them] in the way.

John 12:14

And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,

Galatians 4:15

Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if [it had been] possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

Galatians 4:16

Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

2 Kings 9:13

Then they hasted, and took every man his garment, and put [it] under him on the top of the stairs, and blew with trumpets, saying, Jehu is king.