Matthew 21:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when {G3753} they drew nigh {G1448} unto {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414}, and {G2532} were come {G2064} to {G1519} Bethphage {G967}, unto {G4314} the mount {G3735} of Olives {G1636}, then {G5119} sent {G649} Jesus {G2424} two {G1417} disciples {G3101},

Complete Jewish Bible

As they were approaching Yerushalayim, they came to Beit-Pagei on the Mount of Olives. Yeshua sent two talmidim

Berean Standard Bible

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two disciples,

American Standard Version

And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 21:1 serves as the crucial opening scene for Jesus's final, climactic approach to Jerusalem, initiating the events of what is traditionally known as Passion Week. This verse meticulously details Jesus and His disciples arriving at Bethphage, a village situated on the Mount of Olives, from which point Jesus purposefully dispatches two disciples on a specific mission. This seemingly simple act sets in motion the divinely orchestrated triumphal entry into the holy city, publicly declaring His messianic identity and paving the way for His ultimate sacrifice and resurrection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 21:1 marks a significant pivot in Matthew's Gospel, transitioning from Jesus's extensive ministry, teaching, and miracles in Galilee and Perea to His final, decisive week in Jerusalem. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus has just departed from Jericho, where He healed two blind men, demonstrating His power and compassion even as He drew closer to His destiny ([Matthew 20:29-34](/matthew/20-29-34 "Matthew 20:29-34 - Jesus Heals Two Blind Men")). The narrative shifts from general journeying to a focused, intentional progression towards the Passover festival in Jerusalem, underscoring the urgency and purpose of His arrival. This verse sets the geographical and chronological stage for the Triumphal Entry described in the subsequent verses, which is a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem, at the time of Passover, would have been bustling with hundreds of thousands of Jewish pilgrims from across the Roman Empire, all converging on the city to celebrate the foundational feast commemorating their liberation from Egyptian bondage. Bethphage, meaning "house of unripe figs," was a small village located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, just a short distance from Jerusalem. This location was strategically significant: it was the traditional starting point for pilgrims approaching Jerusalem from the east, and the Mount of Olives itself held profound prophetic importance in Jewish eschatology, often associated with the Messiah's arrival and the final days ([Zechariah 14:4](/zechariah/14-4 "Zechariah 14:4 - The Lord Returns to the Mount of Olives")). Jesus's choice of this specific route and location was not accidental but deeply symbolic, aligning with messianic expectations and setting the stage for His public declaration as King.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several pivotal themes that permeate the Passion narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Orchestration and Sovereignty**, as Jesus's precise instructions to His disciples demonstrate His complete foreknowledge and control over the unfolding events, indicating that His journey to Jerusalem was not a passive arrival but an intentional, divinely guided act. Secondly, the verse sets the immediate stage for the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, particularly the Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's humble yet kingly entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, as detailed in [Matthew 21:4-5](/matthew/21-4-5 "Matthew 21:4-5 - Prophecy of Jesus's Entry"). The specific location and the sending of disciples are integral to this prophetic unfolding. Lastly, Matthew 21:1 serves as the crucial **Anticipation of Passion Week**, marking the immediate prelude to the most significant week in Christian history, which would culminate in Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. The atmosphere shifts from general teaching and healing to the direct confrontation with the religious and political authorities in Jerusalem, signaling the imminence of His ultimate purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **drew nigh (Greek, _engízō_):** This verb, meaning "to make near" or "approach," emphasizes the deliberate and imminent nature of Jesus's arrival. It signifies not a casual coming but a purposeful movement towards a specific destination, Jerusalem, for a specific, preordained purpose. The proximity highlights the critical juncture in Jesus's ministry.
* **sent (Greek, _apostéllō_):** Derived from "to set apart" or "to send out on a mission," this word underscores Jesus's authority and intentionality. He is not merely asking, but authoritatively dispatching His disciples with a clear, specific task. This act of "sending" foreshadows the Great Commission, where His followers would be "sent" into the world.
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs_):** Meaning "a learner" or "pupil," this term identifies those who followed Jesus, committed to His teachings and way of life. The fact that Jesus sends "two disciples" is significant, as it aligns with the Jewish legal principle requiring two witnesses for testimony ([Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement for Two Witnesses")), lending credibility to their mission and the events that would follow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem":** This opening clause immediately establishes the geographical context and the critical stage of Jesus's journey. The phrase "drew nigh" implies a deliberate and purposeful approach, signaling the culmination of His long journey from Galilee and His various ministries leading up to this pivotal moment in the holy city.
* **"and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives":** This specifies the precise location of their arrival. Bethphage, a small village, and the Mount of Olives, a prominent ridge east of Jerusalem, are not merely geographical markers but places laden with prophetic and symbolic significance. Their arrival at this particular point indicates a strategic positioning for the events about to unfold.
* **"then sent Jesus two disciples":** This final clause reveals Jesus's active role in orchestrating the events. The act of "sending" is authoritative and intentional, demonstrating His foreknowledge and control. The dispatch of "two disciples" is a deliberate choice, likely for practical reasons (to retrieve the donkey) and possibly for legal and symbolic reasons, adhering to the principle of two witnesses.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 21:1 effectively employs several literary devices to set the scene and build anticipation. **Scene-setting** is paramount, as the verse meticulously details the geographical approach to Jerusalem, specifically mentioning Bethphage and the Mount of Olives. This precision grounds the narrative in a tangible reality, allowing the reader to visualize the momentous arrival. **Foreshadowing** is subtly present; the very act of drawing "nigh unto Jerusalem" and Jesus's deliberate "sending" of disciples hints at the significant, preordained events that are about to unfold, particularly the Triumphal Entry and the Passion. The mention of the **Mount of Olives** carries symbolic weight, as it is a place with strong messianic associations in Jewish tradition, subtly reinforcing Jesus's identity as the long-awaited Messiah. Furthermore, the name of **Bethphage**, meaning "house of unripe figs," could be seen as an instance of **Irony** or **Symbolism**, subtly foreshadowing the later incident where Jesus curses a fig tree for its lack of fruit ([Matthew 21:19](/matthew/21-19 "Matthew 21:19 - Jesus Curses the Fig Tree")), connecting the immediate setting to a future teaching moment about spiritual barrenness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 21:1 powerfully illustrates the theme of divine sovereignty and the meticulous unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Jesus's arrival at this specific location, at this precise time, and His deliberate act of sending disciples, underscore that His journey to Jerusalem was not a passive or accidental event, but a divinely orchestrated fulfillment of prophecy. It demonstrates Christ's active agency in His mission, willingly stepping into the climactic events of His passion. This verse reminds us that even seemingly small details are part of God's grand design, leading to the ultimate triumph of His will. It highlights Jesus's role as the sovereign King, intentionally entering His capital to claim His throne, not through military might, but through sacrificial love.

* [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King's Entry")
* [John 12:12-19](/john/12-12-19 "John 12:12-19 - The Triumphal Entry in John's Gospel")
* [Luke 19:29-40](/luke/19-29-40 "Luke 19:29-40 - Jesus's Triumphal Entry in Luke")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 21:1 invites us to reflect on the intentionality and sovereignty of God in our own lives and in the broader sweep of history. Just as Jesus meticulously prepared for His entry into Jerusalem, orchestrating every detail, so too does God work with precision and purpose in our circumstances. This verse encourages believers to cultivate a deep trust in God's perfect timing and His overarching plan, even when the immediate steps seem small or preparatory. It challenges us to consider our own readiness to be "sent" by Christ, to be available for His purposes, knowing that even seemingly minor acts of obedience can be part of a much larger, divinely significant narrative. The deliberate approach to Jerusalem, knowing what awaited Him, also calls us to a life of courageous obedience, willingly embracing God's call even when it leads to difficult or challenging paths, trusting in His ultimate victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus's precise orchestration of events in this verse encourage your faith in God's sovereignty over your own life?**
* **In what ways can we, like the disciples, be ready and available to be "sent" by Jesus for His purposes, even when the task seems small or preparatory?**
* **Considering the anticipation building towards Passion Week, how does knowing the end of the story (resurrection) shape your understanding of difficult or preparatory stages in your own spiritual journey?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Bethphage and the Mount of Olives in this verse?**

Answer: Bethphage and the Mount of Olives hold both geographical and prophetic significance. Bethphage, a small village on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, was the traditional starting point for pilgrims entering Jerusalem from the east. Its name, "house of unripe figs," may also subtly foreshadow Jesus's later cursing of the fig tree ([Matthew 21:19](/matthew/21-19 "Matthew 21:19 - Jesus Curses the Fig Tree")). The Mount of Olives itself is a prominent landmark east of Jerusalem, deeply embedded in Jewish prophetic tradition. It is associated with the Messiah's arrival and future eschatological events, particularly the return of the Lord ([Zechariah 14:4](/zechariah/14-4 "Zechariah 14:4 - The Lord Returns to the Mount of Olives")). By beginning His triumphal entry from this specific location, Jesus deliberately positioned Himself in line with messianic expectations, signaling His identity as the promised King.

**Why did Jesus send two disciples instead of one or more?**

Answer: Jesus's decision to send two disciples aligns with several principles and practices of the time. Firstly, it adheres to the Jewish legal requirement for two witnesses to establish the truth of a matter ([Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement for Two Witnesses")). This practice provided credibility and corroboration for their mission. Secondly, sending two disciples offered practical advantages, allowing them to assist each other and provide mutual support in their task. Throughout His ministry, Jesus often sent His disciples out in pairs ([Mark 6:7](/mark/6-7 "Mark 6:7 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve")), emphasizing partnership and shared responsibility in ministry. This act underscores Jesus's methodical and intentional approach to fulfilling His divine mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 21:1, though seemingly a simple geographical and logistical detail, is profoundly Christ-centered in its fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. It marks the deliberate and sovereign approach of Jesus, the Messiah-King, to His capital city, Jerusalem, not as a conquering general but as the humble King prophesied in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King's Entry"). This entry is not merely a historical event but the intentional culmination of Jesus's earthly ministry, leading directly to His ultimate purpose: to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity. By entering Jerusalem, Jesus willingly steps into the path of suffering and death, fulfilling His identity as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His precise orchestration of events, even down to the location and the sending of disciples, underscores His divine foreknowledge and His commitment to fulfilling all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfilling All Righteousness")). This verse therefore points to Christ as the sovereign Lord, who purposefully walked the path of obedience to the cross, securing salvation and demonstrating His ultimate triumph over sin and death through His [resurrection](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Jesus Declared Son of God by Resurrection").

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 14:4

And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which [is] before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, [and there shall be] a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

Mark 11:1

¶ And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,

Mark 11:10

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

John 8:1

¶ Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

Matthew 24:3

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

Matthew 26:30

And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

Luke 21:37

And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called [the mount] of Olives.