Matthew 21:4

All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

All {G1161}{G3650} this {G5124} was done {G1096}, that {G2443} it might be fulfilled {G4137} which {G3588} was spoken {G4483} by {G1223} the prophet {G4396}, saying {G3004},

This happened in order to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet,

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

Now this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying,

Matthew 21:4 (KJV) serves as a crucial interpretive bridge, explaining the divine purpose behind Jesus' seemingly humble yet profoundly significant entry into Jerusalem. This verse immediately follows Jesus' instruction to His disciples to retrieve a donkey and a colt, setting the stage for what is commonly known as the Triumphal Entry.

Context of Matthew 21:4

This verse provides the theological lens through which to view the events of Matthew 21:1-3. As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, He deliberately orchestrates His entry, not as a conquering warrior on a warhorse, but as a peaceful king riding on a donkey. This action, and the subsequent verse's explicit quote, directly fulfills a specific Old Testament prophecy. The crowds' reception, laying cloaks and palm branches, further underscores the messianic fervor, though their understanding of Jesus' kingship might have differed from His divine purpose.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The primary message of Matthew 21:4 is the meticulous fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah. This verse asserts that Jesus' actions were not accidental but divinely preordained and executed precisely as foretold centuries earlier. This theme is central to Matthew's Gospel, which frequently highlights Jesus as the promised Messiah.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Purpose: This verse underscores God's absolute control over history and His unfolding plan of salvation. Every detail of Jesus' life, including His entry into Jerusalem, served a greater divine purpose, demonstrating that God's word is reliable and always comes to pass. This reinforces the trustworthiness of God's promises, a theme echoed in Isaiah 55:11.
  • Messianic Identity: By fulfilling this specific prophecy, Jesus publicly declared His identity as the long-awaited Messiah, the King of Israel. His humble entry, though seemingly paradoxical to human expectations of a powerful monarch, perfectly aligned with the prophetic description of a righteous and victorious, yet lowly, King.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "fulfilled" is plērōthē (πληρωθῇ), which means "to be made full," "to be completed," or "to be brought to pass." It carries the connotation of a prophecy reaching its intended and perfect culmination. This emphasizes the precision and intentionality with which Jesus' life and ministry align with God's prophetic word.

Related Scriptures

The prophet referenced in Matthew 21:4 is explicitly quoted in Matthew 21:5, which cites Zechariah 9:9. This Old Testament passage beautifully describes the King coming to Jerusalem, "lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." Other Gospel accounts of the Triumphal Entry, such as John 12:14-15, also highlight this prophetic fulfillment.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 21:4 offers profound reassurance regarding the reliability of God's Word and His sovereign plan. It reminds us that even in seemingly ordinary or unexpected events, God is at work, bringing His purposes to fruition. This verse encourages us to trust in God's timing and methods, even when they differ from our expectations, and to recognize Jesus as the true Messiah whose life perfectly aligns with divine revelation. It strengthens our faith in the Bible as a divinely inspired and trustworthy guide, demonstrating that God's promises are always kept.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

  • John 12:15

    Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.

  • Matthew 1:22

    Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

  • Matthew 26:56

    But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

  • John 19:36

    For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

  • John 19:37

    And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

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