Matthew 21:7

KJV

And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set [him] thereon.

KJV (with Strong's)

And brought {G71} the ass {G3688}, and {G2532} the colt {G4454}, and {G2532} put {G2007} on {G1883} them {G846} their {G846} clothes {G2440}, and {G2532} they set {G1940}{G1940} him thereon {G1883}{G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They brought the donkey and the colt and put their robes on them, and Yeshua sat on them.

Berean Standard Bible

They brought the donkey and the colt and laid their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them.

American Standard Version

and brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their garments; and he sat thereon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 21:7 describes the practical actions taken by Jesus' disciples in preparation for His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, specifically bringing the donkey and its colt and placing their garments upon them for Jesus to ride. This seemingly simple act is profoundly significant, serving as a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and a public declaration of Jesus' identity as the humble, peaceful King of Israel, setting the stage for the climactic events of Passion Week.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the narrative of Jesus' Triumphal Entry, which begins in [Matthew 21:1](/matthew/21-1 "Matthew 21:1 - Jesus Sends Disciples for a Donkey"). Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus has given precise instructions to two disciples to go into the village ahead and find a donkey and a colt tied there, instructing them to bring them to Him, assuring them that if anyone objects, they should say, "The Lord hath need of them" ([Matthew 21:2-3](/matthew/21-2-3 "Matthew 21:2-3 - Jesus' Instructions to the Disciples")). Matthew uniquely emphasizes the bringing of *both* animals, explicitly stating that this was "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet" ([Matthew 21:4](/matthew/21-4 "Matthew 21:4 - Prophecy Fulfilled")). Following this verse, the narrative continues with the crowds spreading their garments and branches on the road, shouting praises, and hailing Jesus as the "Son of David" ([Matthew 21:8-9](/matthew/21-8-9 "Matthew 21:8-9 - The Crowd's Acclamations")), clearly identifying Him as the Messiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Triumphal Entry occurred during the Passover season, a time when Jerusalem would have been teeming with Jewish pilgrims, many of whom harbored messianic expectations. The act of riding a donkey, particularly a young one, would have been immediately recognizable to those familiar with the prophecy of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"). Unlike a warhorse, which symbolized military conquest and a powerful earthly king, a donkey symbolized peace, humility, and the arrival of a king who came not by force but by divine authority. The spreading of cloaks on the animals and on the road was a traditional act of homage and honor reserved for royalty or revered figures, akin to laying down a red carpet. This public display, therefore, was a deliberate and culturally resonant declaration of Jesus' kingship, albeit one that challenged the prevailing expectations of a political liberator.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, as Matthew explicitly links Jesus' actions to the prophecy of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"), underscoring Jesus' identity as the long-awaited Messiah whose every move aligns with God's preordained plan. Another crucial theme is the **Humility of the King**, contrasting Jesus' humble entry on a donkey with the typical display of earthly power, highlighting His unique kingdom, which operates on principles of service and peace rather than military might. Finally, the **Obedience and Service of the Disciples** is evident, as they faithfully carry out Jesus' instructions, demonstrating their trust and active participation in His messianic mission, foreshadowing the role of believers in preparing the way for Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ass (Greek, _ónos'_):** This term refers specifically to a donkey, often a female. In the context of the Triumphal Entry, the mention of the "ass" alongside the "colt" is crucial for aligning with the dual phrasing of the Zechariah prophecy, emphasizing the precise fulfillment of Scripture. The donkey, as an animal of burden and peace, starkly contrasts with the warhorse, symbolizing the nature of Jesus' kingdom.
* **colt (Greek, _pōlos'_):** This word denotes a young animal, specifically a young donkey or foal. The detail that it was a "colt" on which Jesus had "never sat" (as noted in [Mark 11:2](/mark/11-2 "Mark 11:2 - Mark's Account of the Colt") and [Luke 19:30](/luke/19-30 "Luke 19:30 - Luke's Account of the Colt")) further emphasizes its suitability for a sacred purpose and its unique role in fulfilling prophecy. The presence of both animals underscores the meticulous nature of the prophetic fulfillment.
* **clothes (Greek, _himátion'_):** This refers to the outer garments or cloaks worn by the disciples. The act of placing these garments upon the animals served a dual purpose: it created a makeshift, honorable saddle for Jesus, and it was a spontaneous act of reverence and homage, signifying the disciples' recognition of Jesus' royal status. This action is mirrored by the crowd's subsequent spreading of their cloaks on the road ([Matthew 21:8](/matthew/21-8 "Matthew 21:8 - The Crowd Spreads Their Garments")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And brought the ass, and the colt":** This clause highlights the disciples' immediate and obedient action in response to Jesus' specific instructions. The dual mention of both the mother donkey and her young foal is unique to Matthew's account among the Synoptics, precisely reflecting the phrasing of the prophecy in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey") and underscoring Matthew's emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises.
* **"and put on them their clothes":** This describes the disciples' act of reverence and practical preparation. Their outer garments (himátia) were laid upon the animals, likely over the colt, to provide a seat for Jesus. This act was a spontaneous gesture of honor and homage, transforming ordinary animals into a makeshift royal conveyance, signifying Jesus' kingly status even in His humble approach.
* **"and they set [him] thereon":** This final clause indicates that the disciples then helped Jesus mount the animal. While the text literally says "they set him thereon," the implication is that Jesus rode the colt, as it was the young, unbroken animal specifically mentioned in the prophetic context and by the other Gospel writers as the one Jesus rode. This action completes the preparation for His public entry, positioning Him as the central figure of the unfolding messianic drama.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several literary devices in this verse to convey its profound significance. **Narrative Detail** is prominent, as the precise description of bringing both the "ass" and the "colt" and the disciples' actions of placing "their clothes" on them provides a vivid and specific account that emphasizes the deliberate nature of the event. This meticulous detail serves to highlight the **Prophetic Fulfillment** of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"), which is Matthew's overarching theological agenda. The choice of a donkey, rather than a warhorse, is a powerful act of **Symbolism**, portraying Jesus not as a conquering military leader but as a King of peace and humility, whose reign is spiritual rather than earthly. Furthermore, the disciples' actions of spreading their cloaks demonstrate **Homage** and **Reverence**, a symbolic recognition of Jesus' royal authority and a foreshadowing of the crowd's acclamations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 21:7 is far more than a simple historical account; it is a divinely orchestrated moment pregnant with theological meaning. It underscores God's meticulous plan for salvation, demonstrating that every detail of Jesus' life, even seemingly minor logistical arrangements, was precisely foretold and fulfilled. This event proclaims Jesus' true identity as the promised Messiah, not as a worldly king of power and might, but as a humble, peaceful sovereign whose kingdom is characterized by righteousness and service. The disciples' willing participation also highlights the theme of human agency in God's unfolding plan, demonstrating that faithful obedience, even in seemingly mundane tasks, contributes to the grand narrative of redemption. This scene serves as a powerful reminder that God's ways often defy human expectations, revealing His glory through humility and unexpected means.

* [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Prophecy of the King on a Donkey")
* [John 12:14-15](/john/12-14-15 "Jesus Rides a Donkey, Fulfilling Prophecy")
* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene described in Matthew 21:7 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to look beyond conventional expectations of power and success, reminding us that God's kingdom operates on a different set of values, where humility and service are paramount. Just as the disciples obediently prepared the way for Jesus, we are called to prepare our hearts and lives for His presence and His work in the world. This involves a willingness to serve in seemingly small or undignified ways, trusting that our acts of obedience contribute to God's larger, perfect plan. It also encourages us to recognize and celebrate Jesus as our true King, not according to the world's standards, but according to His divine nature and the prophetic scriptures. Our lives should be a continuous act of laying down our "garments"—our pride, our ambitions, our comfort—to make way for His reign in our lives and in our communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I tend to expect God to act with worldly power or grandeur, and how does Jesus' humble entry challenge those expectations?**
* **What "garments" (e.g., pride, self-sufficiency, comfort) might I need to lay down in my life to make more room for Christ's humble reign?**
* **How can I, like the disciples, demonstrate immediate and willing obedience to Jesus' call, even when His instructions seem unusual or inconvenient?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus ride a donkey and a colt, rather than just one animal?**

Answer: Matthew's Gospel uniquely mentions both the "ass" (mother donkey) and the "colt" (her young foal) being brought. This detail is crucial because it precisely aligns with the dual phrasing of the prophecy in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"): "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." While Jesus likely rode only the colt (as indicated in [Mark 11:2](/mark/11-2 "Mark's Account of the Colt") and [Luke 19:30](/luke/19-30 "Luke's Account of the Colt"), which mention an unbroken colt), Matthew includes both animals to emphasize the exact fulfillment of this specific Old Testament prophecy. The presence of the mother may have also helped to calm the young, unbroken colt.

**What is the significance of the disciples putting their clothes on the animals?**

Answer: The act of the disciples putting their "clothes" (outer garments or cloaks) on the animals served two primary purposes. First, it provided a makeshift, honorable saddle for Jesus to ride upon, as donkeys were not typically saddled for royal processions. Second, and more significantly, it was a traditional act of homage and reverence, a symbolic gesture of acknowledging Jesus' royal authority and kingship. This act was akin to laying down a royal carpet and was a spontaneous expression of honor from His devoted followers, foreshadowing the crowd's subsequent actions of spreading their garments and palm branches on the road for Him to ride over ([Matthew 21:8](/matthew/21-8 "The Crowd Spreads Their Garments")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 21:7, within the broader context of the Triumphal Entry, powerfully points to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. His entry into Jerusalem on a humble donkey, prepared by the faithful actions of His disciples, is not merely a historical event but a profound declaration of His messianic identity. Unlike earthly kings who arrive on warhorses, signifying conquest and military might, Jesus' choice of a donkey underscores His nature as the King of peace, whose victory would be achieved not through worldly power but through self-sacrificial love. This act foreshadows His ultimate mission: to lay down His life as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), a humble yet infinitely powerful act of redemption. His willingness to enter Jerusalem in such a lowly manner, despite being the sovereign Lord, perfectly embodies the humility described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death"), where He "humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Thus, this verse sets the stage for the Passion week, revealing Jesus as the King who comes to suffer and serve, ultimately establishing a spiritual kingdom that transcends earthly dominion, culminating in His glorious return as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return").

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 Kings 9:13

Then they hasted, and took every man his garment, and put [it] under him on the top of the stairs, and blew with trumpets, saying, Jehu is king.

Mark 11:4

And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.

Mark 11:8

And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed [them] in the way.

Luke 19:32

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

Luke 19:35

And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.