Luke 19:38

KJV

Saying, Blessed [be] the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

KJV (with Strong's)

Saying {G3004}, Blessed {G2127} be the King {G935} that cometh {G2064} in {G1722} the name {G3686} of the Lord {G2962}: peace {G1515} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}, and {G2532} glory {G1391} in {G1722} the highest {G5310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Blessed is the King who is coming in the name of Adonai!”

“Shalom in heaven!”

and

“Glory in the highest places!”

Berean Standard Bible

“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

American Standard Version

saying, Blessed is the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:38 captures the fervent acclamation of the multitude during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, often referred to as Palm Sunday. The crowd hails Jesus as the divinely sanctioned King, echoing ancient messianic prophecies and proclaiming a profound spiritual peace and divine glory that transcends earthly expectations, signifying God's approval of His Son's mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Luke's account of Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem, a narrative that begins in [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem"). Immediately preceding [Luke 19:38](/luke/19-38 "Luke 19:38 - The Triumphal Entry Acclamation"), Jesus has instructed two disciples to retrieve a colt, fulfilling the messianic prophecy of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"). As Jesus rides, the entire company of disciples, joined by a great multitude, spontaneously erupts in praise to God for all the mighty works they had seen, laying their cloaks on the road as a sign of reverence and honor (Luke 19:36-37). Following this acclamation, some Pharisees object to Jesus, urging Him to rebuke His disciples, to which Jesus famously replies that if the crowd were silent, "the very stones would cry out" ([Luke 19:40](/luke/19-40 "Luke 19:40 - The Stones Cry Out")). This sets the stage for Jesus' lament over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44) and the cleansing of the temple (Luke 19:45-46), underscoring the city's failure to recognize its time of visitation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The triumphal entry occurred during the Passover festival, a time when Jerusalem was overflowing with Jewish pilgrims, many of whom harbored fervent messianic expectations for a deliverer who would liberate them from Roman oppression. The act of spreading cloaks and branches on the road was a traditional gesture of homage for a king or conquering hero, reminiscent of the anointing of Jehu in [2 Kings 9:13](/2_kings/9-13 "2 Kings 9:13 - Jehu's Anointing"). The crowd's shouts, particularly "Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord," directly echo the messianic salutation from [Psalm 118:26](/psalm/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - A Messianic Psalm"). While the crowd likely envisioned a political king who would restore Israel's earthly kingdom, Jesus' entry on a donkey, rather than a warhorse, subtly signaled a different kind of kingship—one of peace and humility, yet still fulfilling prophecy. The phrase "peace in heaven, and glory in the highest" also resonates with the angelic chorus at Jesus' birth ([Luke 2:14](/luke/2-14 "Luke 2:14 - The Angels' Song")), connecting His arrival to a cosmic, divine agenda rather than purely earthly triumph.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [Luke 19:38](/luke/19-38 "Luke 19:38 - The Triumphal Entry Acclamation") is **Messianic Acclamation**. The crowd's declaration of Jesus as "the King that cometh in the name of the Lord" is a profound public acknowledgment of His identity as the long-awaited Messiah, even if their understanding of His kingship was incomplete. This directly ties into the theme of **Divine Authority**, as the phrase "in the name of the Lord" signifies that Jesus' mission and authority are not self-appointed but divinely sanctioned and empowered by God Himself. He is not merely a human leader, but one sent with the full backing of the Almighty. Furthermore, the declaration of "peace in heaven, and glory in the highest" introduces the theme of **Heavenly Approval and Cosmic Significance**. Unlike the earthly peace or political glory the crowd might have anticipated, this phrase points to a spiritual peace established by God and the divine glory that accompanies His Son's mission, echoing the heavenly pronouncements at Jesus' birth and underscoring the universal, transcendent nature of His kingdom. This theme highlights that Jesus' entry is not just a historical event but a moment of profound spiritual importance, impacting both heaven and earth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Greek, _eulogéō'_):** From a compound of εὖ (eu, "well") and λόγος (logos, "word"), meaning to "speak well of." In a religious context, it signifies to bless, thank, or invoke a benediction upon, indicating divine favor and approval. Here, the crowd is pronouncing a blessing upon the King, acknowledging His divine sanction and expressing praise.
* **King (Greek, _basileús'_):** Derived from a root suggesting a "foundation of power," this term denotes a sovereign ruler. In this context, it is a direct messianic title, identifying Jesus as the long-awaited monarch of Israel, whose authority is supreme and divinely established, not merely human. The crowd's use of this title indicates their belief that Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecies concerning a Davidic king.
* **Peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** Likely from a verb meaning "to join," this word signifies peace in both a literal and figurative sense, often implying prosperity, wholeness, and reconciliation. It encompasses the Hebrew concept of _shalom_, referring to a state of complete well-being, harmony, and right relationship, here extended to the heavenly realm, indicating a spiritual reconciliation initiated by God through Christ.
* **Glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From the base of δοκέω (dokeō, "to seem, to think"), this word refers to glory as something very apparent, encompassing dignity, honor, praise, and worship. In a theological sense, it often denotes the manifest presence or splendor of God. Here, it refers to the divine majesty and splendor that accompanies Jesus' messianic mission and is attributed to God in the highest heavens.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord":** This opening clause captures the fervent acclamation of the crowd. "Blessed be the King" is a direct invocation of divine favor upon Jesus, acknowledging Him as the rightful, divinely appointed monarch. The phrase "that cometh in the name of the Lord" is a powerful declaration of Jesus' divine authorization. It signifies that His arrival and mission are not of human initiative but are sanctioned, empowered, and directed by God Himself. This echoes the messianic greeting found in [Psalm 118:26](/psalm/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"), firmly identifying Jesus with the long-awaited Messiah.
* **"peace in heaven,"** This phrase shifts the focus from earthly acclamation to heavenly reality. It speaks of a profound spiritual peace that originates in the divine realm. Unlike the political peace the crowd might have desired from a conquering king, this "peace in heaven" signifies a reconciliation between God and humanity, a restoration of cosmic harmony brought about by Jesus' redemptive work. It points to the divine approval and the establishment of a new covenant of peace.
* **"and glory in the highest."** This concluding phrase further emphasizes the transcendent nature of the event. "Glory" refers to the divine splendor, majesty, and honor. "In the highest" refers to the highest heavens, the dwelling place of God. This declaration signifies that Jesus' entry brings ultimate honor and praise to God in His supreme dwelling place. It echoes the angelic chorus at Jesus' birth ([Luke 2:14](/luke/2-14 "Luke 2:14 - The Angels' Song of Glory and Peace")), linking His entire earthly mission, from incarnation to triumphal entry, to a profound, heaven-affirming divine purpose.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 19:38 is rich with **Allusion**, primarily to [Psalm 118:26](/psalm/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - The Messianic Stone"), which reads, "Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord." The crowd's direct quotation of this messianic psalm serves as a powerful, albeit perhaps partially understood, declaration of Jesus' identity as the prophesied Messiah. There is also significant **Intertextuality** with the angelic pronouncement at Jesus' birth in [Luke 2:14](/luke/2-14 "Luke 2:14 - Glory to God in the Highest"), which states, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." The reversal of "peace" and "glory" in Luke 19:38 ("peace in heaven, and glory in the highest") creates a striking **Parallelism** that connects the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry to its climactic public declaration, emphasizing the cosmic scope and divine approval of His mission. The phrase "the King that cometh" functions as a **Title** and **Epithet**, affirming Jesus' royal and messianic status. The entire scene is imbued with **Symbolism**, with the donkey representing peace and humility, and the cloaks and branches signifying honor and homage, all pointing to Jesus' unique kingship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:38 serves as a pivotal theological statement, affirming Jesus' messianic identity and divine authority. The crowd's acclamation, though perhaps driven by earthly expectations, nonetheless correctly identifies Jesus as "the King that cometh in the name of the Lord," echoing ancient prophecies and acknowledging His unique relationship with God. The declaration of "peace in heaven, and glory in the highest" elevates the significance of this event beyond mere political triumph, pointing to a cosmic reconciliation and divine honor that Jesus' mission inaugurates. It underscores that Jesus' kingship is not merely earthly but heavenly, bringing a peace that transcends human understanding and a glory that redounds to God in the highest realms. This verse highlights the tension between human expectations of a conquering king and God's plan for a suffering servant who brings spiritual peace and eternal glory through sacrifice.

* [Psalm 118:26](/psalm/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"): The direct source of the crowd's acclamation, identifying Jesus with the one who comes with divine authority.
* [Luke 2:14](/luke/2-14 "Luke 2:14 - The Angels' Song at Jesus' Birth"): Connects the triumphal entry to Jesus' birth, emphasizing the continuity of heavenly peace and glory associated with His entire mission.
* [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Christ's Peace"): Jesus later speaks of the peace He gives, which is not as the world gives, aligning with the "peace in heaven" declared by the crowd.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 19:38 invites us to consider the nature of Jesus' kingship and our response to it. The crowd's enthusiastic, yet perhaps superficial, acclamation serves as a poignant reminder that true recognition of Jesus as King involves more than outward displays of praise; it demands a transformation of heart and life. We are called to acknowledge Jesus not merely as a historical figure or a moral teacher, but as the divinely appointed King who comes "in the name of the Lord," possessing ultimate authority and bringing a peace that transcends earthly circumstances. This peace, described as "peace in heaven," is a spiritual reality, a reconciliation with God that liberates us from sin and provides a profound sense of wholeness and well-being. Our lives should reflect the "glory in the highest," living in a way that brings honor and praise to God through our obedience and worship. As we reflect on this pivotal moment, we are challenged to examine the depth of our own commitment to Christ's reign in our lives, ensuring that our acclamation is not just lip service but a genuine surrender to His sovereign will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of Jesus' kingship align with the "peace in heaven, and glory in the highest" proclaimed by the crowd, rather than purely earthly expectations?**
* **In what practical ways can I acknowledge Jesus as "the King that cometh in the name of the Lord" in my daily life and decisions?**
* **What does "peace in heaven" mean for my personal struggles and anxieties, and how can I experience this divine peace more fully?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the crowd calling Jesus "King"?**

Answer: The crowd's acclamation of Jesus as "King" is profoundly significant because it directly identifies Him with the long-awaited Messiah of Israel. For centuries, the Jewish people had anticipated a king from the lineage of David who would deliver them from oppression and establish God's kingdom. While their understanding of this kingship was likely focused on political and earthly liberation from Roman rule, their words nonetheless fulfilled prophecy (e.g., [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey")) and publicly declared Jesus' true identity. It was a moment of public recognition, however incomplete, of Jesus' divine authority and messianic claim, setting the stage for the dramatic events of Passion Week.

**Why is "in the name of the Lord" important?**

Answer: The phrase "in the name of the Lord" (Greek: _en onomati Kyriou_) is crucial because it signifies divine authorization and empowerment. In ancient Jewish thought, to act "in the name of" someone was to act with their full authority and backing. When the crowd proclaims that Jesus "cometh in the name of the Lord," they are declaring that His arrival, His mission, and His kingship are not self-appointed or merely human, but are sanctioned and directed by God Himself. This underscores Jesus' unique relationship with the Father and validates His divine mission, distinguishing Him from any mere human leader or prophet. It means He comes as God's representative, embodying God's will and power.

**How does this verse relate to Palm Sunday?**

Answer: Luke 19:38 is the central acclamation of what is traditionally known as Palm Sunday, the day Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem before His crucifixion. The event is called Palm Sunday because, in the parallel account in [John 12:13](/john/12-13 "John 12:13 - The Crowd with Palm Branches"), the crowd is described as taking "branches of palm trees" and going out to meet Him. This verse captures the essence of that day: a public, jubilant, and prophetic declaration of Jesus as the Messiah-King. It marks the culmination of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem and His public presentation as Israel's King, though His kingdom would prove to be radically different from what many expected.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:38, with its fervent acclamation of Jesus as "the King that cometh in the name of the Lord," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in an earthly coronation, but in Jesus' redemptive work and His eternal reign. The crowd's cry, drawing from [Psalm 118:26](/psalm/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"), prophetically identifies Jesus as the one sent by God, whose authority is absolute. While the people yearned for a political deliverer, Jesus' kingship was destined to bring a far greater "peace in heaven"—a reconciliation between God and humanity achieved through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). The "glory in the highest" that accompanies His entry foreshadows His resurrection, ascension, and ultimate enthronement at the right hand of God ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Christ's Exaltation")), where all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). Thus, the Palm Sunday acclamation is a prophetic glimpse into the cosmic significance of Jesus' reign, a reign that culminates in His return as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings"), bringing not just peace to Jerusalem, but eternal peace and glory 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

Luke 13:35

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until [the time] come when ye shall say, Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Psalms 118:22

The stone [which] the builders refused is become the head [stone] of the corner.

Psalms 118:26

Blessed [be] he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

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.

Matthew 21:9

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

Mark 11:9

And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

Mark 11:10

Blessed [be] the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.