Matthew 21:3

KJV

And if any [man] say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} if {G1437} any man {G5100} say {G2036} ought {G5100} unto you {G5213}, ye shall say {G2046},{G3754} The Lord {G2962} hath {G2192} need {G5532} of them {G846}; and {G1161} straightway {G2112} he will send {G649} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If anyone says anything to you, tell him, `The Lord needs them'; and he will let them go at once."

Berean Standard Bible

If anyone questions you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

American Standard Version

And if any one say aught unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 21:3 presents Jesus' precise instructions to two disciples regarding the procurement of a donkey and a colt for His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This seemingly simple command reveals profound truths about Jesus' divine foreknowledge, His inherent authority over creation, and the immediate, unquestioning obedience He commands from both His disciples and those who encounter His divine will. It sets the stage for a pivotal moment in His ministry, demonstrating His sovereign orchestration of events leading to the fulfillment of ancient prophecy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the narrative found in [Matthew 21:1-11](/matthew/21-1-11 "Matthew 21:1-11 - The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem"), which details Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem just days before His crucifixion. Following His final journey from Jericho, Jesus approaches Bethphage and the Mount of Olives, strategically positioning Himself for the dramatic entry. The preceding chapters in [Matthew](/matthew "The Gospel According to Matthew") have progressively built towards this climax, showcasing Jesus' teachings, miracles, and growing confrontation with religious authorities. This specific instruction to His disciples, given before they even enter the village, highlights Jesus' meticulous planning and supernatural awareness, contrasting with the disciples' typical lack of understanding until after the resurrection. The immediate compliance of the animal owners, as described in subsequent verses, underscores the divine authority implicit in Jesus' words.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was a highly symbolic act, laden with historical and cultural significance. Jerusalem was the spiritual and political capital of Judea, especially during Passover, when it swelled with pilgrims. The act of riding a donkey, rather than a warhorse, was a deliberate echo of ancient prophecies, particularly [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the Humble King"). Kings and dignitaries often rode donkeys in times of peace, signaling a humble, righteous, and peaceful reign, in contrast to the conquering king on a warhorse. The custom of tying animals at crossroads or village entrances was common, making Jesus' specific knowledge of their location and the owners' willingness to release them all the more remarkable. The phrase "The Lord hath need of them" would have carried immense weight in a culture accustomed to respecting authority and divine prerogative, especially when spoken by someone who had already demonstrated miraculous power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew "The Gospel According to Matthew") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it unmistakably asserts Jesus' **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**. His foreknowledge of the animals' location and the owners' response demonstrates His control over circumstances and His inherent right as Creator and Lord. This aligns with themes of His authority over nature, sickness, and even death, as seen throughout His ministry (e.g., [Matthew 8:23-27](/matthew/8-23-27 "Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). Secondly, it points to the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jesus intentionally orchestrates events to align with Old Testament predictions concerning the Messiah's arrival, particularly [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The King Comes on a Donkey"). This reinforces His identity as the promised Christ. Lastly, the verse subtly highlights the theme of **Obedience and Trust**. The disciples' immediate compliance with an unusual request, and the owners' prompt release of their property, exemplify the kind of faith and submission Jesus calls for from His followers, echoing the call to follow Him without hesitation (e.g., [Matthew 4:18-22](/matthew/4-18-22 "Matthew 4:18-22 - The Calling of the First Disciples")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term, used by Jesus Himself, signifies supreme authority and control. It is not merely a polite address like "sir" or "master" but points to Jesus' divine prerogative and inherent right as the sovereign God. When Jesus declares "The Lord hath need," He is asserting His own divine claim over creation, indicating that He is the ultimate owner and ruler of all things, including the animals in question.
* **Need (Greek, _chreía'_):** While "need" can imply lack or destitution, in this context, it carries the weight of a divine requirement or demand. It's not a plea but a statement of necessity, a sovereign declaration of purpose. Jesus isn't asking for a favor but stating a divine imperative, implying that the animals are required for His redemptive plan and prophetic fulfillment.
* **Straightway (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** This adverb emphasizes immediacy and directness. Its inclusion highlights the swift and unquestioning response of the animal owners, underscoring the compelling power of Jesus' declaration. It signifies that His authority is so profound that it elicits instant obedience, without argument or delay, from those who hear His word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if any [man] say ought unto you,"**: This clause anticipates a potential challenge or question from the owners or villagers concerning why the disciples are untying the animals. Jesus, with His divine foreknowledge, knows precisely what will transpire and prepares His disciples with the exact words to diffuse any confrontation. This demonstrates His meticulous planning and control over all circumstances, even the reactions of others.
* **"ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them;"**: This is the core of Jesus' instruction and the key to the owners' compliance. The phrase "The Lord hath need of them" is a powerful assertion of Jesus' divine authority. By identifying Himself as "The Lord" (Greek: _ho Kyrios_), Jesus claims ultimate ownership and right over the animals. This is not a request but a declaration of divine prerogative, implying that the animals are required for a sacred, divinely ordained purpose. The owners' immediate response, as seen in the subsequent verses, confirms the compelling power of this statement.
* **"and straightway he will send them."**: This final clause reveals Jesus' absolute certainty and control over the situation. He not only knows what the disciples should say but also predicts the immediate and unquestioning response of the owners. The word "straightway" (Greek: _euthéōs_) emphasizes the swiftness and lack of resistance, further highlighting Jesus' supreme authority and the irresistible nature of His divine command. It assures the disciples that their mission will be successful.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 21:3 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Foreshadowing** is evident as Jesus' precise instructions and foreknowledge hint at His divine nature and the significant event (the Triumphal Entry) that is about to unfold. The verse also utilizes **Divine Command** or **Divine Fiat**, where Jesus' words ("The Lord hath need of them") are not merely a request but an authoritative declaration that compels immediate action and obedience, demonstrating His inherent power and sovereignty. The narrative structure itself uses **Anticipation and Resolution**: Jesus anticipates a potential challenge, provides the exact words to resolve it, and then predicts the immediate outcome, thereby showcasing His omniscient control over the unfolding events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 21:3 is a concise yet powerful testament to Jesus' divine authority and sovereignty, revealing Him not merely as a prophet or teacher, but as the Lord of all creation. His foreknowledge of the animals' location and the owners' response underscores His omniscience, while His declaration, "The Lord hath need of them," asserts His inherent right and claim over all things. This episode serves as a micro-illustration of God's overarching providence, where even seemingly mundane elements are orchestrated for the fulfillment of His divine plan. It teaches us that everything ultimately belongs to God and is available for His purposes when He declares a need.

* [Psalm 24:1](/psalm/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's")
* [Haggai 2:8](/haggai/2-8 "Haggai 2:8 - The Silver and Gold are Mine")
* [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ's Supremacy in Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 21:3 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, inviting us to reflect on the nature of Christ's authority and our response to His call. Just as Jesus knew the precise location of the donkey and colt and orchestrated their release, we can trust in His divine foreknowledge and provision in our own lives. He is intimately aware of our circumstances and needs, and He orchestrates events for His glory and our good. The immediate obedience of the disciples and the owners serves as a powerful model for our own discipleship. When the Lord "has need" of our time, talents, resources, or even our comfort zones, are we willing to release them "straightway" and without question? This verse challenges us to surrender our perceived ownership of possessions and plans, recognizing that everything we have is ultimately His, to be used for His divine purposes. It encourages a life of radical availability, trusting that the Lord's "need" is always for a greater, redemptive end.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I struggle to acknowledge Jesus' ultimate ownership and authority?**
* **How does the immediate obedience of the disciples and owners challenge my own willingness to respond to Christ's call?**
* **What "needs" might the Lord have for my resources, time, or gifts today, and am I prepared to release them "straightway"?**
* **How does Jesus' foreknowledge in this verse strengthen my trust in His providence in my own life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jesus saying "The Lord hath need of them" instead of simply asking for the animals?**

Answer: The phrase "The Lord hath need of them" is highly significant because it asserts Jesus' divine authority and inherent right over all creation, rather than merely making a request. The Greek word for "Lord" (G2962, _kýrios_) in this context carries the weight of divine sovereignty and ownership. By using this phrase, Jesus is not asking for a favor but declaring a divine imperative. It implies that He, as the supreme Master and God, has an absolute claim over the animals for His redemptive purposes. This declaration compels immediate and unquestioning obedience from the owners, demonstrating the irresistible power of His divine will. It underscores His identity as the sovereign Lord, who orchestrates events according to His perfect plan, as seen throughout His ministry (e.g., [Matthew 8:23-27](/matthew/8-23-27 "Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm") where He commands the wind and waves).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 21:3, though seemingly a simple logistical instruction, profoundly points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus, the "Lord" who "has need" of the animals, is revealed as the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all things, echoing the truth that [all things were created through Him and for Him](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ's Supremacy in Creation") and that [He upholds the universe by the word of His power](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things"). His foreknowledge and authoritative command over even a donkey and a colt foreshadow His ultimate dominion over all creation, a truth affirmed by His post-resurrection declaration that [all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ"). This humble entry, orchestrated by His divine "need," culminates in His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, through which He truly becomes the Lord to whom [every knee will bow and every tongue confess](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Lordship"). Thus, the seemingly small "need" in Matthew 21:3 points to the cosmic "need" for a Savior, a need perfectly fulfilled by the Lord Jesus Christ.

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

2 Corinthians 8:1

¶ Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

2 Corinthians 8:2

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

Acts 17:25

Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

John 3:35

The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

2 Corinthians 8:9

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Psalms 50:10

For every beast of the forest [is] mine, [and] the cattle upon a thousand hills.

Psalms 50:11

I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field [are] mine.