Matthew 21:5

KJV

Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.

KJV (with Strong's)

Tell ye {G2036} the daughter {G2364} of Sion {G4622}, Behold {G2400}, thy {G4675} King {G935} cometh {G2064} unto thee {G4671}, meek {G4239}, and {G2532} sitting {G1910} upon {G1909} an ass {G3688}, and {G2532} a colt {G4454} the foal {G5207} of an ass {G5268}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Say to the daughter of Tziyon, `Look! Your King is coming to you, riding humbly on a donkey, and on a colt, the offspring of a beast of burden!'

Berean Standard Bible

“Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

American Standard Version

Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, Meek, and riding upon an ass, And upon a colt the foal of an ass.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 21:5 presents a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry: His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, deliberately fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. This verse, a composite of Isaiah 62:11 and Zechariah 9:9, declares to "the daughter of Sion" that her King is coming, not as a conquering warrior on a warhorse, but as a humble and gentle sovereign, riding on a donkey and its colt. It sets the stage for the climactic events of Passion Week, revealing Jesus' unique Messianic kingship characterized by peace, humility, and divine purpose, rather than worldly power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 21:5 is embedded within the narrative of Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem, immediately preceding the events of Passion Week. The preceding verses (Matthew 21:1-4) describe Jesus' specific instructions to two disciples to find a donkey and a colt, explicitly stating that this is "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet." This direct citation underscores Matthew's consistent theme of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Following this verse, the narrative details the crowds' enthusiastic reception, laying cloaks and palm branches on the road and shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David!" (Matthew 21:8-9), highlighting the popular, yet often misguided, messianic expectations of the time. The entry itself marks a dramatic public declaration of Jesus' kingship, setting the stage for His confrontation with religious authorities and ultimately, His crucifixion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The triumphal entry took place during the Passover festival, a time when Jerusalem would have been bustling with pilgrims, many of whom harbored fervent hopes for a political Messiah who would liberate Israel from Roman rule. Kings and conquerors typically entered cities on warhorses, signifying power, military might, and dominance. However, riding on a donkey or a colt was a symbol of peace and humility, often associated with a king coming in peace, as seen in ancient Near Eastern traditions. The "daughter of Sion" (or Zion) is a poetic personification of Jerusalem and its inhabitants, a common idiom in prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 62:11](/isaiah/62-11 "Isaiah 62:11 - Proclamation to Zion")). The crowds' shouts of "Hosanna" (meaning "save now!") and their use of palm branches (symbols of victory and national liberation) reveal their expectation of a political deliverer, contrasting sharply with Jesus' humble mode of entry, which subtly redefined the nature of His kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Messianic Kingship**, unequivocally declaring Jesus as "thy King," yet redefining this kingship through humility and peace, rather than military might. This contrasts with the worldly expectations of a conquering hero and points to a spiritual, rather than political, kingdom. Secondly, **Prophetic Fulfillment** is central; Matthew explicitly states that Jesus' actions fulfill the prophecy of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King's Arrival"). This theme reinforces Jesus' identity as the long-awaited Messiah and the divine orchestration of His life. Thirdly, the theme of **Humility and Meekness** is highlighted by the description "meek" and the choice of a donkey, contrasting sharply with the aggressive power typically associated with kings. This characteristic is foundational to Jesus' nature and His teaching on discipleship, as seen in His invitation to take His yoke upon them, for He is "meek and lowly in heart" in [Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary"). Finally, the event underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Purpose**, demonstrating that every detail of Jesus' life, even seemingly minor ones like His choice of transport, was part of God's meticulously planned redemptive narrative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Behold (Greek, _idoú_):** This is an emphatic interjection, an imperative meaning "look!" or "see!" It serves to draw immediate attention to the significant declaration that follows. In prophetic contexts, it often introduces a divine revelation or a momentous event, signaling to the audience that something of profound importance is about to be revealed or occur. Here, it commands the "daughter of Sion" to pay close attention to the arrival of her King.
* **King (Greek, _basileús_):** Derived from a root suggesting a "foundation of power," this term denotes a sovereign ruler. In the context of Israel, "King" carried immense theological weight, referring to the promised Davidic Messiah who would reign justly and eternally. Matthew's use of this title here, combined with the mode of entry, challenges and redefines the popular understanding of what kind of King the Messiah would be, emphasizing His true spiritual authority and reign.
* **Meek (Greek, _praÿs_):** This word describes a disposition that is mild, gentle, and humble, yet it does not imply weakness or timidity. Instead, it signifies strength under control, a humble submission to God's will, and a gentle spirit towards others. It is a virtue that characterizes Jesus throughout the Gospels, particularly in His suffering and willingness to serve. Here, it starkly contrasts with the worldly expectations of a conquering king, highlighting Jesus' unique, peace-oriented kingship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Tell ye the daughter of Sion,"**: This phrase serves as a direct address, a prophetic announcement to Jerusalem and its inhabitants. "Daughter of Sion" is a poetic personification of the city and its people, emphasizing their identity as God's chosen people to whom this significant message is directed. It carries a sense of urgency and importance, as if a herald is proclaiming a royal decree.
* **"Behold, thy King cometh unto thee,"**: This is the core declaration. The imperative "Behold" demands attention, signaling the arrival of a momentous figure. "Thy King" unequivocally identifies Jesus as the promised Messiah, the rightful sovereign of Israel. The phrase "cometh unto thee" implies a deliberate, intentional approach, a personal visitation of the King to His people, not as an invading force but as one who belongs to them.
* **"meek, and sitting upon an ass,"**: This clause immediately defines the *nature* of the King and His arrival. The word "meek" (praÿs) is crucial, portraying a humble, gentle, and self-controlled ruler, utterly unlike the powerful, often tyrannical kings of the world. His choice to ride "upon an ass" (a donkey) reinforces this image of humility and peace, as donkeys were ridden by common people and by kings approaching in peace, in contrast to warhorses used for battle.
* **"and a colt the foal of an ass."**: This final phrase further elaborates on the specific animals, directly echoing the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, which mentions both a donkey and its colt. Matthew's inclusion of both animals, though Jesus rides only one (as implied by the Synoptic accounts and the practical reality of riding), emphasizes the precise fulfillment of the prophecy. It highlights the meticulous detail of God's plan and Jesus' deliberate actions to fulfill every prophetic word concerning Him.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 21:5 employs several significant literary devices. **Prophetic Fulfillment** is the overarching device, as Matthew explicitly frames Jesus' entry as the direct realization of Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 62:11 and Zechariah 9:9). This serves to validate Jesus' messianic claims and demonstrate the divine orchestration of His life. **Symbolism** is profoundly at play: the donkey symbolizes peace and humility, contrasting sharply with the warhorse that would symbolize military conquest. This choice of animal is a powerful visual statement about the nature of Jesus' kingdom. The phrase "daughter of Sion" is an example of **Personification**, giving human characteristics to the city of Jerusalem, making the prophetic address more intimate and direct. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** or **Paradox** in the scene: the crowds cheer for a conquering king, but Jesus presents Himself as a humble servant-king, subverting their expectations and revealing a deeper, spiritual kingship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 21:5 is rich with theological significance, primarily serving as a powerful declaration of Jesus' identity as the Messiah and the unique nature of His kingship. It underscores that Jesus' reign is not one of worldly power, military might, or political dominance, but rather one characterized by humility, peace, and spiritual authority. His deliberate fulfillment of prophecy demonstrates God's sovereign plan unfolding in history, affirming the reliability of His Word and the certainty of His redemptive purposes. This passage challenges our human expectations of power and leadership, inviting us to embrace a kingdom founded on meekness and service, rather than force. It foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of the Lamb of God, who conquers not by might, but by love and self-giving.

* [Isaiah 62:11](/isaiah/62-11 "Isaiah 62:11 - Proclamation to Zion")
* [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King's Arrival")
* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 21:5 invites us to reflect deeply on the nature of Jesus' kingship and what it means to follow such a King. In a world that often equates power with dominance, wealth, and outward display, Jesus' entry on a humble donkey challenges our assumptions. He demonstrates that true strength lies not in asserting one's will through force, but in humble service, self-sacrifice, and submission to God's greater purpose. For believers, this means embracing humility as a core virtue, recognizing that our influence in God's kingdom comes not from worldly status but from reflecting the character of our meek King. It also calls us to trust in God's meticulous plan, knowing that He orchestrates even the smallest details to bring about His perfect will. Just as the "daughter of Sion" was called to behold her King, we are called to welcome Jesus into the throne room of our hearts, allowing His gentle and righteous rule to transform our lives and guide our actions, leading us to live lives of peace, service, and humble obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' humble entry on a donkey challenge my own preconceived notions of power and leadership, both in the world and within the church?**
* **In what areas of my life am I called to demonstrate meekness and humility, reflecting the character of my King?**
* **How does the precise fulfillment of prophecy in this passage strengthen my faith in God's sovereignty and His promises for my life?**
* **What does it mean for me, personally, to "welcome the King" into my life and submit to His gentle rule?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus ride on a donkey, and not a horse?**

Answer: Jesus' choice to ride on a donkey was highly symbolic and a deliberate fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, specifically [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King's Arrival"). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings rode warhorses when going to battle or asserting military dominance. However, riding a donkey signified a king coming in peace, humility, and righteousness. By choosing a donkey, Jesus intentionally subverted the popular expectation of a conquering political Messiah, instead presenting Himself as the King of peace whose kingdom is not of this world. This act underscored the spiritual nature of His reign and His mission of salvation through sacrifice, rather than military conquest.

**What is the significance of "the daughter of Sion"?**

Answer: "The daughter of Sion" (or Zion) is a poetic and personified reference to Jerusalem and its inhabitants. Mount Zion was a prominent hill in Jerusalem, often used poetically to represent the entire city, especially in prophetic contexts. This idiom is common in the Old Testament (e.g., [Isaiah 62:11](/isaiah/62-11 "Isaiah 62:11 - Proclamation to Zion")) and serves to make the prophetic message a direct, intimate address to God's chosen city and people. In Matthew 21:5, it emphasizes that the announcement of the King's arrival is specifically for Jerusalem, the spiritual and political heart of Israel, highlighting the momentous nature of Jesus' entry for the Jewish people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 21:5 is a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, revealing Jesus as the long-awaited Messianic King, yet in a manner that radically redefines kingship. His humble entry on a donkey, directly fulfilling [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King's Arrival"), foreshadows His ultimate mission: not to conquer by force, but to redeem by sacrifice. This "meek" King is the very Son of God who, though existing in the form of God, "did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (as described in [Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He is the Suffering Servant of [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), whose ultimate triumph comes through His crucifixion and resurrection, not through worldly power. The "daughter of Sion" is called to behold her King, who comes not to establish an earthly throne, but to inaugurate a spiritual kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God")). This humble King is the one who will ultimately return in glory, not on a donkey, but on a white horse, as the "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")), to establish His eternal reign. Thus, Matthew 21:5 beautifully encapsulates the paradox of Christ's first coming – a humble King whose meekness was the path to ultimate victory and universal dominion.

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 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.

Zechariah 9:10

And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion [shall be] from sea [even] to sea, and from the river [even] to the ends of the earth.

Isaiah 62:11

Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward [is] with him, and his work before him.

Isaiah 12:6

Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

Genesis 49:10

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.