Matthew 21:2

KJV

Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose [them], and bring [them] unto me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Saying {G3004} unto them {G846}, Go {G4198} into {G1519} the village {G2968} over against {G561} you {G5216}, and {G2532} straightway {G2112} ye shall find {G2147} an ass {G3688} tied {G1210}, and {G2532} a colt {G4454} with {G3326} her {G846}: loose {G3089} them, and bring {G71} them unto me {G3427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

with these instructions: "Go into the village ahead of you, and you will immediately find a donkey tethered there with its colt. Untie them and bring them to me.

Berean Standard Bible

saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to Me.

American Standard Version

saying unto them, Go into the village that is over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 21:2 captures Jesus' precise and divinely orchestrated instructions to His disciples just before His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This seemingly simple command to retrieve a specific donkey and its colt reveals Jesus' profound foreknowledge and sovereign control over all circumstances, serving as a pivotal moment that publicly declares His Messiahship and intentionally fulfills ancient prophecies concerning the humble nature of Israel's King.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the immediate prelude to Jesus' [Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem](/matthew/21-1-11 "Matthew 21:1-11 - The Triumphal Entry"), a foundational event marking the commencement of Passion Week. Following His journey from Jericho and the healing of two blind men (Matthew 20:29-34), Jesus and His disciples arrive near Bethphage and Bethany, on the Mount of Olives. The instruction to retrieve the donkeys is not a casual request but a deliberate and significant act, setting the stage for Jesus' public presentation as the long-awaited King of Israel, directly leading into His confrontation with the religious authorities and ultimately, His crucifixion. The narrative in [Matthew 21](/matthew/21 "Matthew Chapter 21 - Jesus Enters Jerusalem") is structured to emphasize Jesus' authority and the fulfillment of prophecy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, riding a donkey was a recognized symbol of peace and royalty. Unlike a warhorse, which signified military conquest, a donkey was often associated with kings arriving in peace, as seen with figures like Abraham, Moses, and the judges. Notably, Israelite kings like David and Solomon rode mules, a close relative of the donkey, for their coronations and public appearances. Therefore, Jesus' choice of a donkey was a deliberate, symbolic act. It communicated His kingship, but also the nature of His kingdom—one of peace, humility, and spiritual authority, challenging the popular Jewish expectation of a conquering military Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule. The village mentioned, likely Bethphage, was a small settlement on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, just a short distance from Jerusalem.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 21:2 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel. Foremost is **Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty**, as Jesus demonstrates His omniscience by knowing the exact location and circumstances of the animals ("ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her"). This powerfully illustrates His complete control over every detail, even seemingly mundane ones, in the unfolding of God's plan. Secondly, it underscores the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, particularly [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"), which Matthew explicitly references later in the chapter (Matthew 21:4-5). This emphasis on prophetic fulfillment is crucial for Matthew's Jewish audience, affirming Jesus' identity as the Messiah. Thirdly, the choice of a donkey highlights **Humility and Kingship**, presenting Jesus not as a worldly conqueror but as a humble, peaceful King whose authority is spiritual rather than earthly. Finally, the **Obedience of the Disciples** is a subtle but important theme, as their immediate and unquestioning response to Jesus' unusual command demonstrates their faith and submission to His divine authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tied (Greek, _déō_):** This verb signifies "to bind" or "to tie," often implying a state of restriction or captivity. In this context, it literally describes the physical state of the donkey and colt, but it also subtly highlights Jesus' power to command their release. The fact that they are "tied" makes their immediate availability upon Jesus' command even more miraculous, underscoring His sovereignty over all circumstances.
* **straightway (Greek, _euthéōs_):** An adverb meaning "directly," "at once," or "immediately." Its inclusion emphasizes the certainty and immediacy of the disciples' discovery. It reinforces Jesus' precise foreknowledge, indicating that the animals would be found without delay or difficulty, exactly as He described. This word contributes to the sense of divine orchestration and the effortless unfolding of God's plan.
* **colt (Greek, _pōlos_):** This noun refers to a "foal" or "filly," specifically a young ass. Matthew's unique mention of both the "ass" (female donkey) and the "colt" (young donkey) is significant. While Mark and Luke mention only the colt, Matthew's inclusion of both animals directly corresponds to the dual imagery found in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"), which speaks of "an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." This detail serves to underscore the precise and complete fulfillment of prophecy, a major theme in Matthew's Gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you":** Jesus initiates the action with a direct command to His disciples. The phrase "over against you" indicates a village directly opposite their current position, likely Bethphage. This specificity highlights Jesus' precise knowledge of their surroundings and the exact location where the animals would be found, demonstrating His divine omniscience.
* **"and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her":** This clause reveals Jesus' foreknowledge in astonishing detail. The use of "straightway" (Greek: _euthéōs_) emphasizes the immediate and certain nature of their discovery. The mention of both a mature "ass" (female donkey) and a "colt" (young male donkey) is crucial for Matthew, as it directly aligns with the dual imagery of the prophecy in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"), reinforcing the precise fulfillment of Scripture. The fact that they are "tied" implies a state of readiness, awaiting His command.
* **"loose [them], and bring [them] unto me":** This is the explicit instruction for the disciples' action. The command to "loose them" implies that the animals were tethered, and their release was necessary for Jesus' purpose. The final directive, "bring them unto me," underscores that these animals were specifically for Jesus' use in His entry, highlighting His authority and the divine purpose behind this seemingly mundane task.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 21:2 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Foreshadowing** is evident as Jesus' precise instructions and foreknowledge hint at the greater divine plan unfolding, leading to His Passion and resurrection. The very act of commanding the retrieval of the donkey and colt **symbolizes** Jesus' sovereign authority, not only over animals but over all circumstances, demonstrating His divine nature. The choice of a donkey itself is rich in **symbolism**, representing peace and humility, contrasting sharply with the worldly expectations of a conquering king on a warhorse. This choice also carries **irony**, as the King of the Universe chooses the most humble of mounts for His royal procession. Furthermore, the detailed instruction and its immediate fulfillment serve as a form of **divine authentication**, confirming Jesus' claims and prophetic identity to His disciples and, by extension, to the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 21:2 stands as a powerful testament to the absolute sovereignty and meticulous foreknowledge of Jesus Christ. It demonstrates that not only does God orchestrate grand historical events, but He also attends to the minutiae, down to the location and state of two animals in a small village. This divine precision underscores the reliability of God's prophetic word and the certainty of its fulfillment in Christ. The passage invites believers to trust in a God who is intimately aware of every detail of their lives and whose plans, though sometimes unconventional, are always perfect and purposeful. It also highlights the nature of Christ's kingdom—one established not through worldly power or military might, but through humble service and spiritual authority, fulfilling the ancient vision of a peaceful King.

* [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey")
* [Isaiah 62:11](/isaiah/62-11 "Isaiah 62:11 - Proclamation of Zion's Salvation")
* [John 12:14-15](/john/12-14-15 "John 12:14-15 - Jesus Rides a Donkey")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 21:2 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our Lord is not distant or unaware but intimately involved in the details of our lives, possessing perfect foreknowledge and orchestrating events for His divine purposes. Just as Jesus knew exactly where the donkey and colt would be and what their circumstances were, He knows our needs, our struggles, and the precise path for our lives. This should cultivate a deep sense of trust, even when His instructions or the circumstances of our lives seem unusual or unclear. The disciples' immediate and unquestioning obedience serves as a powerful model for our own walk of faith, challenging us to respond with prompt submission to Christ's commands, even when we don't fully understand the "why." Ultimately, reflecting on this verse deepens our understanding of Christ's humble yet sovereign kingship, calling us to align our expectations and desires with the nature of His kingdom—a kingdom of peace, service, and spiritual authority, rather than worldly power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' foreknowledge in this verse encourage your trust in His sovereignty over the seemingly small details of your life?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be asking for "unconventional" obedience, similar to the disciples' task?**
* **How does Jesus' choice of a donkey, rather than a warhorse, shape your understanding of His kingship and the nature of His kingdom?**
* **What specific "tied" circumstances in your life might Jesus be inviting you to "loose" and bring to Him for His purposes?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus need two animals, an ass and a colt, when the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 seems to refer to one?**

Answer: Matthew's Gospel uniquely mentions both an "ass" (a female donkey) and a "colt" (a young donkey or foal) in [Matthew 21:2](/matthew/21-2 "Matthew 21:2 - Jesus' Instructions for the Donkey"). This detail is significant because it directly reflects the poetic parallelism found in the Hebrew text of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"), which reads: "riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." While the prophecy can be interpreted as referring to a single animal described with parallel terms, Matthew, writing to a Jewish audience, emphasizes the precise fulfillment of the dual imagery to underscore Jesus' Messiahship. It's plausible that the colt had never been ridden, as mentioned in [Mark 11:2](/mark/11-2 "Mark 11:2 - The Colt Never Ridden") and [Luke 19:30](/luke/19-30 "Luke 19:30 - The Colt Never Ridden"), and the mother donkey was brought along to keep the young, unbroken colt calm. This detail further highlights Jesus' miraculous control, as He was able to ride a colt that had never been ridden before.

**What is the deeper significance of Jesus riding a donkey rather than a more majestic animal like a horse?**

Answer: Jesus' choice to ride a donkey into Jerusalem, rather than a warhorse, carries profound symbolic and theological significance. In ancient cultures, a king riding a warhorse symbolized military conquest and triumph through force, as depicted in [Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ on a White Horse"). However, a king riding a donkey or a mule was a symbol of peace, humility, and righteous kingship, as seen in the coronations of Israelite kings like Solomon ([1 Kings 1:33](/1_kings/1-33 "1 Kings 1:33 - Solomon on David's Mule")). By choosing a donkey, Jesus deliberately presented Himself as the Prince of Peace, fulfilling the prophecy of [Zechariah 9:9-10](/zechariah/9-9-10 "Zechariah 9:9-10 - The King of Peace"), who would come "humble, and riding on a donkey." This act underscored the nature of His kingdom: not one built on worldly power, military might, or political overthrow, but one founded on humility, service, and spiritual authority, bringing salvation and peace to humanity. It was a stark contrast to the prevailing Jewish expectation of a conquering Messiah who would liberate them from Roman rule.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 21:2, in its detailed account of Jesus' instructions for the donkey and colt, profoundly reveals Christ as the sovereign King, whose every action is purposeful and divinely orchestrated, culminating in His redemptive mission. This passage is not merely about a logistical detail; it is a deliberate unveiling of the Messiah, fulfilling the ancient prophecy of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey") with precise accuracy. Jesus' foreknowledge of the animals' location and state ("an ass tied, and a colt with her") underscores His omniscience and absolute control, demonstrating that He is indeed God incarnate, the one "upholding all things by the word of His power" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholding All Things")). His humble entry on a donkey, rather than a warhorse, powerfully foreshadows His ultimate mission: to conquer sin and death not through worldly might, but through self-sacrificial love and humility, embodying the very essence of His incarnation where He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). This event, therefore, points to Christ as the promised King, whose reign is characterized by peace and righteousness, and whose ultimate triumph is achieved through the cross, securing eternal salvation for all who believe, a stark contrast to the worldly kings who enter on steeds of war, as the Lamb of God would later ride forth to ultimate victory ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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 19:30

Saying, Go ye into the village over against [you]; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring [him hither].

Luke 19:32

And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.

Mark 11:2

And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring [him].

Mark 11:3

And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.

John 2:5

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it].

John 2:8

And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare [it].

Mark 14:13

And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.