Matthew 21:15

KJV

And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when the chief priests {G749} and {G2532} scribes {G1122} saw {G1492} the wonderful things {G2297} that {G3739} he did {G4160}, and {G2532} the children {G3816} crying {G2896} in {G1722} the temple {G2411}, and {G2532} saying {G3004}, Hosanna {G5614} to the Son {G5207} of David {G1138}; they were sore displeased {G23},

Complete Jewish Bible

But when the head cohanim and Torah-teachers saw the wonderful things he was doing, and the children crying out in the Temple, "Please deliver us!" to the Son of David, they were furious.

Berean Standard Bible

But the chief priests and scribes were indignant when they saw the wonders He performed and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

American Standard Version

But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children that were crying in the temple and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were moved with indignation,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 21:15 vividly portrays the climactic tension in Jerusalem during Holy Week, juxtaposing the pure, spontaneous worship of children with the hardened, indignant opposition of the religious elite. Following Jesus' authoritative cleansing of the temple and His compassionate acts of healing the blind and lame within its sacred courts, the chief priests and scribes observed these "wonderful things" and heard the children's joyous acclamation of "Hosanna to the Son of David." This public demonstration of Jesus' power and messianic identity, recognized by the most innocent among them, deeply offended the established authorities, revealing their spiritual blindness and the imminent conflict that would lead to the cross.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Jesus' [Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem](/matthew/21-1-11 "Matthew 21:1-11 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry"), where He was hailed as King, and His subsequent [cleansing of the temple](/matthew/21-12-13 "Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple"), an act of divine authority that challenged the corrupt religious system. Directly preceding Matthew 21:15, [Matthew 21:14](/matthew/21-14 "Matthew 21:14 - Jesus Heals in the Temple") states that "the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them." These miraculous healings are the "wonderful things" that the chief priests and scribes witnessed. The children's praise then serves as a spontaneous, prophetic response to Jesus' actions, further escalating the confrontation with the religious leaders who were already incensed by Jesus' disruption of their commercial interests in the temple. The narrative sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent parables and teachings that directly confront the hypocrisy and unbelief of these leaders.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "chief priests" were primarily Sadducees, members of the aristocratic priestly families who controlled the temple operations and held significant political power, often collaborating with the Roman authorities to maintain their status. The "scribes" were experts in Jewish law, often Pharisees, who interpreted and taught the Torah. Both groups formed the core of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish governing council. The temple in Jerusalem was not merely a place of worship but the economic, social, and political heart of Jewish life. Jesus' actions, therefore, were not just religious but profoundly disruptive to the established order. The children's presence and their uninhibited praise would have been particularly scandalous to the religious elite, as children were generally not considered authoritative or significant voices in public religious discourse, especially in the solemn precincts of the temple. Their spontaneous acclamation of Jesus as "Son of David" was a direct, public challenge to the authority of those who questioned His messianic claims.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 21:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Authority vs. Religious Opposition**. Jesus' actions—cleansing the temple and performing miracles—are clear demonstrations of His divine authority, which directly challenges the man-made authority and self-serving interests of the chief priests and scribes. Their "sore displeasure" underscores their rejection of God's chosen Messiah. Secondly, the verse powerfully illustrates **Innocent Faith vs. Hardened Hearts**. The children, unburdened by religious tradition or political ambition, intuitively recognize and praise Jesus, embodying the kind of simple faith Jesus often commended (e.g., [Matthew 18:3](/matthew/18-3 "Matthew 18:3 - Becoming Like Children")). This stands in stark contrast to the spiritual blindness and hardened hearts of the religious leaders, who, despite their knowledge of scripture, fail to discern God's work right before their eyes. This theme is explicitly reinforced in [Matthew 21:16](/matthew/21-16 "Matthew 21:16 - Jesus Quotes Psalm 8:2"), where Jesus quotes Psalm 8:2 in defense of the children's praise. Finally, the children's cry of "Hosanna to the Son of David" is a profound declaration of **Messianic Recognition**, affirming Jesus' identity as the long-awaited Messiah from the lineage of King David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **chief priests (Greek, _archiereús'_):** From G749, meaning "the high-priest (literally, of the Jews, typically, Christ); by extension a chief priest." This term refers to the leading members of the priestly aristocracy, often Sadducees, who held significant power and oversaw the temple operations. Their "displeasure" indicates not just annoyance but a profound challenge to their religious and political authority by Jesus' actions.
* **scribes (Greek, _grammateús'_):** From G1122, meaning "a writer, i.e. (professionally) scribe or secretary." These were the legal experts and interpreters of the Mosaic Law, often associated with the Pharisees. Their presence alongside the chief priests emphasizes the unified opposition of both the religious establishment and the legal scholars against Jesus.
* **wonderful things (Greek, _thaumásios'_):** From G2297, meaning "wondrous, i.e. (neuter as noun) a miracle." This word specifically refers to the miraculous healings of the blind and lame performed by Jesus in the temple, as mentioned in [Matthew 21:14](/matthew/21-14 "Matthew 21:14 - Jesus Heals the Blind and Lame"). The term highlights the supernatural nature of Jesus' acts, which should have prompted awe and belief, but instead provoked indignation from the religious leaders.
* **sore displeased (Greek, _aganaktéō'_):** From G23, meaning "to be greatly afflicted, i.e. (figuratively) indignant." This powerful verb conveys a strong sense of indignation, outrage, or extreme annoyance. It signifies a deep-seated anger and frustration on the part of the chief priests and scribes, stemming from their inability to control Jesus or the public's response to Him, and their rejection of His claims to authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did,"**: This clause establishes the catalyst for the religious leaders' reaction. They were eyewitnesses to Jesus' miraculous healings of the blind and lame within the sacred confines of the temple. These "wonderful things" were undeniable demonstrations of divine power and compassion, acts that should have pointed them to Jesus' true identity. However, their observation was not one of wonder or belief, but of critical scrutiny and growing animosity.
* **"and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David;"**: This part describes the second, equally provocative element: the spontaneous, uninhibited praise of children. Their "crying" (krázō) implies a loud, public acclamation. The phrase "Hosanna to the Son of David" is a direct messianic proclamation, acknowledging Jesus as the promised King from David's lineage and a plea for salvation. That this praise came from children, often overlooked in society, and in the very heart of the temple, was a profound spiritual statement that bypassed the religious hierarchy.
* **"they were sore displeased,"**: This final clause reveals the immediate and intense reaction of the chief priests and scribes. Their "sore displeasure" (aganaktéō) signifies a deep indignation and outrage. This was not mere annoyance but a profound anger at what they perceived as a challenge to their authority, a blasphemous claim, and a disruption of the temple's order. Their reaction underscores their spiritual blindness and their inability to recognize God's work, even when manifested through miracles and innocent worship.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 21:15 is rich in **Contrast**, setting the pure, unadulterated faith of children against the hardened, self-serving opposition of the religious authorities. This highlights the **Irony** that those who were supposed to be spiritual guides and interpreters of God's law were blind to the Messiah in their midst, while the "least" among them recognized Him. The temple itself functions as a **Symbolism** of both sacred space and, ironically, a place of spiritual corruption, where true worship is suppressed by human tradition and power. The children's cry of "Hosanna to the Son of David" serves as a **Proclamation** of Jesus' true identity, directly challenging the leaders' unbelief. Furthermore, the scene **Foreshadows** the ultimate rejection of Jesus by the religious establishment, leading to His crucifixion, as their "sore displeasure" signals their intent to eliminate this perceived threat.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in Matthew's narrative underscores the profound theological truth that God often reveals Himself to the humble and pure in heart, while those who are proud or spiritually complacent remain blind. The "wonderful things" Jesus did were not just acts of power but manifestations of God's compassionate presence, yet they were met with indignation rather than adoration by those who should have been most attuned to divine activity. This scene vividly illustrates the clash between genuine, Spirit-prompted worship and rigid, self-serving religious formalism. It challenges believers to cultivate a childlike faith that joyfully acknowledges Jesus' authority and identity, rather than allowing tradition, status, or preconceived notions to hinder their recognition of God's work in their midst. The children's praise, though seemingly insignificant, was a divinely orchestrated counter-testimony to the leaders' unbelief, affirming Jesus' messianic claims in the very heart of Jewish worship.

* [Matthew 11:25](/matthew/11-25 "Matthew 11:25 - Revelation to the Humble"): "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."
* [Psalm 8:2](/psalms/8-2 "Psalm 8:2 - Praise from Infants"): "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger." (Quoted by Jesus in [Matthew 21:16](/matthew/21-16 "Matthew 21:16 - Jesus Quotes Psalm 8:2")).
* [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own"): "He came unto his own, and his own received him not."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 21:15 serves as a profound mirror for self-reflection, challenging us to examine the state of our own hearts and our posture towards God's work. Are we, like the children, open-hearted and ready to praise Jesus for His "wonderful things," even when they defy our expectations or disrupt our routines? Or do we, like the chief priests and scribes, allow our traditions, our positions, or our preconceived notions of how God "should" act to harden our hearts and prevent us from recognizing His presence and power? The passage warns against the spiritual danger of intellectual pride and religious formalism that can blind us to the simple truth of God's kingdom. It calls us to cultivate a humble, teachable spirit, a willingness to be surprised by God, and a readiness to offer uninhibited praise, regardless of what others might think. True worship flows from a heart that recognizes Jesus for who He is—the Son of David, our Savior and King—and responds with joy and adoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wonderful things" has Jesus done in your life or that you have witnessed in the world, and how have you responded to them?**
* **In what ways might preconceived notions or religious traditions prevent you from fully recognizing or embracing God's work today?**
* **How can you cultivate a more childlike faith that is quick to praise and unburdened by cynicism or spiritual pride?**
* **Are there areas in your life where you might be "sore displeased" by God's unexpected ways, rather than embracing them with faith?**

### FAQ

**Why were the chief priests and scribes "sore displeased" by Jesus' actions and the children's praise?**

Answer: Their displeasure stemmed from multiple sources. Firstly, Jesus' actions, particularly His [cleansing of the temple](/matthew/21-12-13 "Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple") and His healing miracles within its courts, directly challenged their authority and control over the temple. The temple was their domain, and Jesus' actions were seen as an usurpation of their power. Secondly, the children's cry of "Hosanna to the Son of David" was a public acclamation of Jesus as the Messiah, a claim that the religious leaders rejected and found threatening. They feared that such popular fervor would lead to Roman intervention and the loss of their own privileged positions (as seen in [John 11:48](/john/11-48 "John 11:48 - The Sanhedrin's Fear")). Their indignation was a mix of wounded pride, fear of losing control, and a fundamental spiritual blindness that prevented them from recognizing the true Messiah.

**What is the significance of the children's praise in this context?**

Answer: The children's praise is highly significant for several reasons. It represents pure, unadulterated faith, contrasting sharply with the cynicism and hostility of the religious leaders. Children, often seen as innocent and uncorrupted, intuitively recognized Jesus' divine authority and messianic identity. Their spontaneous acclamation fulfilled prophecy, as Jesus Himself quoted [Psalm 8:2](/psalms/8-2 "Psalm 8:2 - Praise from the Mouths of Infants") in [Matthew 21:16](/matthew/21-16 "Matthew 21:16 - Jesus Quotes Psalm 8:2"), affirming that God ordains praise from the mouths of infants and babes to silence His enemies. Their praise also highlights the theme that God often reveals Himself to the humble and simple, while hiding things from the "wise and prudent" ([Matthew 11:25](/matthew/11-25 "Matthew 11:25 - Revelation to the Humble")).

**What does "Hosanna to the Son of David" mean?**

Answer: "Hosanna" (Greek, _hōsanná'_ from Hebrew _hoshi’ah-na_) literally means "save, we pray!" or "save now!" Originally a plea for deliverance, it evolved into an exclamation of praise and adoration, especially in a liturgical context, while retaining its underlying petitionary sense. "Son of David" is a significant messianic title, directly linking Jesus to the covenant God made with King David (as found in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), promising an eternal kingdom through his lineage. Thus, the children's cry was a powerful declaration of Jesus' identity as the long-awaited Messiah, the rightful King who brings salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 21:15, with its stark contrast between the children's pure worship and the religious leaders' hardened opposition, profoundly points to Christ's identity and mission. Jesus, the "Son of David," is revealed here not merely as a prophet or healer, but as the true King and Messiah, whose divine authority is manifest in both His actions and the spontaneous adoration He elicits. The "wonderful things" He did, healing the blind and lame, foreshadow His ultimate work of spiritual healing and restoration for all humanity. The indignation of the chief priests and scribes tragically prefigures the broader rejection of Jesus by the very people He came to save, fulfilling prophecies like [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected"). Yet, even in this rejection, Jesus' messianic claim is affirmed by the innocent, demonstrating that His kingdom is not built on human power or religious hierarchy, but on humble faith. Ultimately, Jesus, the rejected cornerstone (as prophesied in [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected") and quoted by Jesus in [Matthew 21:42](/matthew/21-42 "Matthew 21:42 - The Parable of the Wicked Tenants")), would lay down His life as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), establishing a new covenant where true worship is offered in Spirit and truth, regardless of age or status ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). His fulfillment is found in His being the King who was rejected by His own, yet whose humble entry and powerful works inaugurated a kingdom accessible to all who come with childlike faith.

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 21:9

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.

Luke 19:39

And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.

Luke 19:40

And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

Matthew 27:1

¶ When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

John 7:42

Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

John 12:19

The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

Matthew 22:42

Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, [The Son] of David.