Luke 19:37

KJV

And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

KJV (with Strong's)

And when he {G846} was come nigh {G1448}, even {G1161} now {G2235} at {G4314} the descent {G2600} of the mount {G3735} of Olives {G1636}, the whole {G537} multitude {G4128} of the disciples {G3101} began {G756} to rejoice {G5463} and praise {G134} God {G2316} with a loud {G3173} voice {G5456} for {G4012} all {G3956} the mighty works {G1411} that {G3739} they had seen {G1492};

Complete Jewish Bible

and as he came near Yerushalayim, where the road descends from the Mount of Olives, the entire band of talmidim began to sing and praise God at the top of their voices for all the powerful works they had seen:

Berean Standard Bible

And as He approached the descent from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of disciples began to praise God joyfully in a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen:

American Standard Version

And as he was now drawing nigh, even at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works which they had seen;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:37 captures the climactic moment of Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, where a vast assembly of His disciples erupts in spontaneous, fervent praise. As Jesus approaches the city from the Mount of Olives, their joyous acclamations, voiced loudly, celebrate the "mighty works" they had witnessed Him perform, acknowledging His divine power and implicitly recognizing His messianic identity. This verse serves as a powerful prelude to the Passion Week, highlighting the disciples' genuine adoration before the impending confrontation with religious authorities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Luke's narrative, immediately following Jesus' parable of the minas (Luke 19:11-27), which addresses the disciples' expectation that the kingdom of God would immediately appear. It also follows Jesus' explicit intention to go to Jerusalem (Luke 18:31-34), where He would suffer, die, and rise again. Luke 19:37 marks the beginning of the Triumphal Entry, a pivotal event recorded in all four Gospels, signaling Jesus' public presentation as King to Jerusalem. The subsequent verses (Luke 19:38-40) record the specific words of praise and Jesus' profound response to the Pharisees' objection, leading into His lament over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44). The entire passage sets the stage for the dramatic events of Passion Week, culminating in the crucifixion and resurrection.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting, "the descent of the mount of Olives," is highly significant. This mountain, east of Jerusalem, offered a commanding view of the Temple Mount and the city. It was a traditional route for pilgrims entering Jerusalem from the east, especially during Passover. The "multitude of the disciples" would have included not only the twelve apostles but also a larger group of followers, possibly including many who had traveled with Jesus from Galilee or had been impacted by recent miracles like the raising of Lazarus (a detail particularly emphasized in [John's account](/john/12-17-18 "John 12:17-18 - The Crowd's Witness to Lazarus' Resurrection")). The act of praising God with a "loud voice" was a common expression of fervent worship and public acclamation in ancient Jewish culture, often accompanied by shouts of joy and the waving of palm branches (as noted in [John 12:13](/john/12-13 "John 12:13 - Palm Branches and Hosannas")). This public display of devotion was a direct challenge to the religious and political establishment, who viewed Jesus with increasing suspicion.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 19:37 contributes significantly to several major themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Messianic Expectation and Recognition**. The disciples' spontaneous praise explicitly acknowledges Jesus' divine power and implicitly His messianic identity, even if their understanding of His kingship was still largely earthly. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Power and Authority of Jesus**, evidenced by the "mighty works" (Greek: _dynameis_) He performed. These miracles served as undeniable signs of God's presence and activity through Him, compelling belief and worship, as seen in other instances where Jesus' power elicits praise (e.g., [Luke 7:16](/luke/7-16 "Luke 7:16 - Fear and Praise for God's Visitation")). Thirdly, it emphasizes **Spontaneous and Authentic Worship**, contrasting the heartfelt adoration of the common people with the skepticism and hostility of the religious leaders. This theme of genuine faith from unexpected sources is prevalent throughout Luke, often seen in the marginalized or those outside the religious elite. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jesus' entry aligns with ancient prophecies concerning the Messiah's arrival.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **nigh (Greek, _engízō'_):** This verb signifies "to approach" or "to be at hand." In Luke 19:37, it emphasizes Jesus' immediate proximity to Jerusalem, marking the culmination of His journey towards the city and the fulfillment of His divine purpose. The sense of "nigh" here is not merely geographical but also temporal and theological, indicating the imminence of the Passion Week events.
* **descent (Greek, _katábasis'_):** This noun refers to a "declivity" or "downward slope." The specific mention of the "descent of the mount of Olives" provides a precise geographical detail, indicating the exact point where the disciples' praise intensified. This location is significant as it offers a clear view of Jerusalem, symbolizing Jesus' intentional approach to the city as its rightful King, even as He descends towards His ultimate suffering.
* **mighty works (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** This term, often translated as "powers" or "miracles," denotes acts demonstrating supernatural strength and authority. The disciples' praise is directly attributed to "all the mighty works that they had seen," highlighting that their adoration was not blind faith but a response to tangible, irrefutable evidence of God's power operating through Jesus. These works—healings, exorcisms, control over nature, and even raising the dead—were clear manifestations of Jesus' divine identity and messianic claims.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives,"**: This opening clause establishes the precise setting and timing of the event. Jesus and His entourage have reached the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, beginning their descent towards Jerusalem. The phrase "even now" (Greek: _ḗdē_) adds a sense of immediacy and a pivotal turning point, indicating that the long-anticipated entry is finally at hand. The geographical detail is crucial, as this specific location overlooks the city, making the public display of praise visible to those in Jerusalem and emphasizing the deliberate nature of Jesus' approach.
* **"the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God"**: This segment describes the spontaneous and widespread reaction of Jesus' followers. "The whole multitude" (Greek: _hápas plēthos_) suggests a vast crowd, indicating the considerable popular support Jesus had garnered. Their actions—"rejoice" (Greek: _chaírō_) and "praise God" (Greek: _ainéō Theon_)—are expressions of profound joy and worship. This was not a pre-planned demonstration but an outpouring of heartfelt adoration, signifying their recognition of Jesus' significance and the divine power at work through Him. The focus on praising "God" rather than Jesus directly reflects their understanding that Jesus' works were manifestations of God's power.
* **"with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;"**: This final clause explains the specific reason for their fervent praise and the manner in which it was expressed. Their "loud voice" (Greek: _megálē phōnḗ_) indicates the intensity and public nature of their acclamations, making their worship undeniable. The cause of their praise is explicitly stated: "for all the mighty works" (Greek: _pâs dýnamis_) they had personally witnessed. This underscores that their faith and adoration were grounded in the tangible, miraculous evidence of Jesus' divine authority and power, rather than mere speculation or hearsay. These "mighty works" were the irrefutable signs that confirmed Jesus' identity and mission in their eyes.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 19:37 employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the joyous, kingly procession into Jerusalem immediately precedes Jesus' suffering and crucifixion, creating a stark contrast that heightens the dramatic tension of the Passion narrative. The phrase "the whole multitude" can be seen as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the vastness and unanimity of the crowd's praise, even if not every single disciple was present. There is also a strong element of **Irony** in the disciples' acclamations of Jesus as a triumphant king, given that His true kingship would be established through suffering and death, not earthly conquest. Furthermore, the scene presents a powerful **Contrast** between the fervent belief and praise of the disciples and the impending rejection and hostility from the religious authorities, particularly the Pharisees, whose objections are immediately recorded in the following verses (Luke 19:39-40). The **Symbolism** of the Mount of Olives itself is significant, as it is a place associated with prophecy (e.g., [Zechariah 14:4](/zechariah/14-4 "Zechariah 14:4 - The Lord's Feet on the Mount of Olives")) and would later be the site of Jesus' ascension ([Acts 1:12](/acts/1-12 "Acts 1:12 - Jesus Ascends from the Mount of Olives")), linking this moment of earthly acclamation to His heavenly glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:37 is a profound theological statement about the nature of God's kingdom and the identity of Jesus. The disciples' praise, rooted in the "mighty works," affirms Jesus as the active manifestation of God's power and presence among humanity. Their acclamations, though perhaps misunderstanding the full scope of His messianic mission, nonetheless correctly identify Him as worthy of divine praise. This spontaneous outpouring of worship highlights that true recognition of God's work in the world elicits an unreserved response of joy and adoration. The scene underscores that God's kingdom is not merely a future hope but is breaking into the present through the person and deeds of Jesus, compelling a response of faith and worship from those who witness it.

* [Matthew 21:8-9](/matthew/21-8-9 "Matthew 21:8-9 - The Triumphal Entry in Matthew")
* [Mark 11:8-10](/mark/11-8-10 "Mark 11:8-10 - The Triumphal Entry in Mark")
* [John 12:12-13](/john/12-12-13 "The T Triumphal Entry in John")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 19:37 calls us to consider the foundation of our own praise and worship. Just as the disciples praised Jesus for the "mighty works they had seen," we are invited to reflect on the tangible evidence of God's power and grace in our lives and in the world around us. This verse challenges us to move beyond intellectual assent to a vibrant, heartfelt, and even public expression of gratitude and adoration for what God has done and continues to do through Christ. It reminds us that genuine worship is a response to divine revelation—to seeing God's character and power at work. In a world often marked by cynicism or apathy, the disciples' "loud voice" serves as an enduring call to unreservedly acknowledge and celebrate the Lordship of Jesus. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of wonder and thanksgiving, allowing the reality of God's active presence to ignite joyful praise within us, regardless of the challenges or opposition we may face.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mighty works" of God have you personally witnessed or experienced that compel you to praise Him?**
* **How does your worship reflect the "loud voice" and spontaneous joy of the disciples in Luke 19:37?**
* **In what ways can you more intentionally acknowledge and celebrate God's power and presence in your daily life?**
* **What might prevent us from offering unreserved praise to God, and how can we overcome those barriers?**

### FAQ

**Why did the disciples praise Jesus so loudly at this moment?**

Answer: The disciples praised Jesus so loudly because they were overwhelmed with joy and recognition of His divine power, evidenced by "all the mighty works that they had seen." This included His miracles, healings, and teachings, which demonstrated His authority and confirmed their belief that He was the long-awaited Messiah. Their praise was a spontaneous outburst of adoration as Jesus approached Jerusalem, fulfilling what they perceived as a kingly entry. This public acclamation was a natural response to the profound impact Jesus had made on their lives, confirming His identity as the one sent by God.

**What is the significance of the "descent of the mount of Olives" in this verse?**

Answer: The "descent of the mount of Olives" is highly significant both geographically and prophetically. Geographically, it is the specific path leading into Jerusalem from the east, offering a panoramic view of the city and the Temple. This made the disciples' public display of praise visible to a wider audience, including those within Jerusalem. Prophetically, the Mount of Olives is associated with messianic expectations, particularly in [Zechariah 14:4](/zechariah/14-4 "Zechariah 14:4 - The Lord's Feet on the Mount of Olives"), where the Messiah's feet are prophesied to stand on this mountain. Jesus' entry from this specific location underscores His intentional fulfillment of messianic prophecy and His deliberate presentation of Himself as King to the city. It marks a climactic point in His journey towards His ultimate sacrifice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:37 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the disciples' earthly acclamation of Jesus as King, but in His true, eternal kingship established through His death and resurrection. While the disciples praised Him for the "mighty works" they had seen, these miracles were but foretastes of the ultimate work of redemption He was about to accomplish. The "loud voice" of praise on the Mount of Olives foreshadows the universal chorus of praise that will one day be directed to the resurrected and glorified Christ, as every knee will bow and every tongue confess that [Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Universal Lordship"). The "mighty works" culminating in His triumph over sin and death reveal Him as the true Lamb of God, whose sacrifice takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The scene on the Mount of Olives is a glimpse of the future reality where the Lamb who was slain is found [worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - The Lamb is Worthy"). Thus, the disciples' praise, though rooted in their present understanding, points forward to the eternal worship of the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose ultimate "mighty work" is the salvation He offers to all who believe.

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

Ezra 3:10

And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.

Ezra 3:13

So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

John 12:12

¶ On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

John 12:13

Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed [is] the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Matthew 21:1

¶ And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

1 Chronicles 15:28

Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.

Luke 18:43

And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw [it], gave praise unto God.