Matthew 21:9

KJV

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the multitudes {G3793} that went before {G4254}, and {G2532} that followed {G190}, cried {G2896}, saying {G3004}, Hosanna {G5614} to the Son {G5207} of David {G1138}: Blessed {G2127} is he that cometh {G2064} in {G1722} the name {G3686} of the Lord {G2962}; Hosanna {G5614} in {G1722} the highest {G5310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The crowds ahead of him and behind shouted, "Please! Deliver us!" to the Son of David; "Blessed is he who comes in the name of ADONAI!" "You in the highest heaven! Please! Deliver us!"

Berean Standard Bible

The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!”

American Standard Version

And the multitudes that went before him, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 21:9 captures the dramatic moment of Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, where vast multitudes greeted Him with fervent acclamations. As He rode on a donkey, crowds spread their cloaks and palm branches on the path, shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest." This public display of adoration, steeped in messianic expectation, marked a pivotal point in Jesus' ministry, publicly affirming His identity as the long-awaited King and setting the stage for the climactic events of Passion Week.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. Immediately preceding this event, Jesus instructs two disciples to retrieve a donkey and its colt, specifically referencing the prophecy in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"). The entry itself is a deliberate, public act by Jesus, fulfilling this prophecy and presenting Himself as the Messiah to Jerusalem. Following this entry, Jesus proceeds to the Temple, where He cleanses it and performs miracles, further asserting His authority and confronting the religious establishment, as detailed in [Matthew 21:12-17](/matthew/21-12-17 "Matthew 21:12-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple"). The enthusiastic welcome of the crowd in verse 9 contrasts sharply with the growing hostility of the religious leaders and foreshadows the rapid shift in public sentiment that would lead to His crucifixion just days later.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Triumphal Entry occurred during the Passover festival, a time when Jerusalem swelled with Jewish pilgrims from all over the Roman Empire, commemorating their liberation from slavery in Egypt. This heightened religious and nationalistic atmosphere meant that messianic expectations were particularly intense. The "Son of David" was a universally recognized title for the promised Messiah, a king who would restore Israel's glory. The act of laying cloaks and branches on the road was a traditional sign of homage and royal welcome, reminiscent of the acclamation of King Jehu in [2 Kings 9:13](/2_kings/9-13 "2 Kings 9:13 - Jehu's Anointing as King"). Palm branches, in particular, had become symbols of Jewish nationalism and victory, especially after the Maccabean revolt, as seen in [1 Maccabees 13:51](/1_maccabees/13-51 "1 Maccabees 13:51 - Simon Maccabeus' Entry into Jerusalem"). The crowd's cries of "Hosanna" (meaning "save now" or "save, we pray") were originally a plea for deliverance, but by this time, they had evolved into an exclamation of joyous praise and adoration, often used during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) and associated with messianic hope.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 21:9 is central to several major themes in the Gospel of Matthew and broader biblical theology. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Messianic Kingship**, as Jesus is publicly acknowledged by the crowds as the "Son of David," the long-awaited king from David's lineage. This event also highlights the theme of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, specifically the prophecy from [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey") regarding the humble king riding on a donkey. The crowd's acclamation, particularly the phrase "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord," directly alludes to [Psalm 118:26](/psalm/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - The Blessed One Who Comes in the Lord's Name"), underscoring Jesus' **Divine Authority** and His identity as the one sent by God. Furthermore, the scene introduces the theme of **Popular Acclamation and its Fickleness**, as the same crowds who praised Jesus as King would, within days, call for His crucifixion, as recorded in [Matthew 27:22-23](/matthew/27-22-23 "Matthew 27:22-23 - The Crowd Demands Jesus' Crucifixion"). This contrast serves as a poignant reminder of the superficiality of some forms of faith and the depth required for true discipleship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hosanna (Greek, _hōsanná'_):** This word is a transliteration of the Hebrew phrase _hoshia na_ (הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא), meaning "save, we pray!" or "save now." While its original meaning was a desperate plea for deliverance, by the time of Jesus, it had evolved into an exclamation of joyous praise and adoration, often associated with messianic expectation and deliverance. Its repetition, "Hosanna in the highest," elevates this cry of salvation and praise to God Himself in the heavens, acknowledging divine intervention and supreme authority.
* **Blessed (Greek, _eulogéō'_):** Derived from a compound meaning "to speak well of," this term signifies to bless, praise, or invoke a benediction upon someone. When applied to Jesus in this context, it is a declaration of divine approval and honor. The crowd is not merely wishing Him well but acknowledging His unique status as the one divinely appointed and favored, echoing the prophetic words of [Psalm 118:26](/psalm/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - The Blessed One Who Comes in the Lord's Name").
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This word denotes supreme authority and control, often translated as "Master" or "Sir." In the context of "in the name of the Lord," it specifically refers to Yahweh, the God of Israel, as quoted from [Psalm 118](/psalm/118 "Psalm 118 - A Psalm of Thanksgiving and Deliverance"). By applying this phrase to Jesus, the crowd implicitly, and perhaps unknowingly, attributes divine authority to Him, recognizing Him as the one who comes with God's full backing and commission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying":** This clause sets the scene, emphasizing the sheer size and widespread nature of the crowd's acclamation. Both those preceding Jesus and those following Him participated, indicating a unified, overwhelming demonstration of popular enthusiasm. The word "cried" (Greek, _krázō'_) suggests a loud, fervent, almost shouting expression, highlighting the intensity of their emotions.
* **"Hosanna to the Son of David":** This is the central acclamation. "Hosanna" expresses both praise and a plea for salvation. "Son of David" is a direct and unmistakable messianic title, signifying the crowd's belief that Jesus was the long-awaited king from the lineage of King David, who would restore Israel's sovereignty and bring about a new era of peace and justice.
* **"Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord":** This phrase is a direct quotation from [Psalm 118:26](/psalm/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - The Blessed One Who Comes in the Lord's Name"), a psalm traditionally associated with messianic hope and used during the Feast of Tabernacles. By applying it to Jesus, the crowd acknowledges Him as the divinely commissioned one, coming with God's authority and blessing. It signifies that Jesus is not merely a human leader but one sent by God Himself.
* **"Hosanna in the highest":** This repetition of "Hosanna" amplifies the praise and petition, directing it to the highest heavens, to God Himself. It suggests that the salvation and praise are not merely for earthly deliverance but have cosmic significance, acknowledging God's ultimate sovereignty and the divine nature of the events unfolding.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 21:9 is rich with literary devices that enhance its theological depth. The most prominent is **Allusion**, as the crowd's shouts directly quote and echo [Psalm 118:26](/psalm/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - The Blessed One Who Comes in the Lord's Name"), a psalm widely understood to be messianic. This allusion immediately connects Jesus' entry to Old Testament prophecy and the hopes of Israel. There is also profound **Irony** present; while the crowd correctly identifies Jesus as the "Son of David" and the one "who comes in the name of the Lord," their understanding of His kingship is largely political and earthly. They desire a military deliverer, unaware that Jesus' true mission is spiritual salvation through sacrifice, foreshadowing their eventual rejection of Him. The **Symbolism** of the donkey (humility, peace, fulfilling [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey")) and the palm branches (victory, nationalistic fervor) adds layers of meaning to the scene, highlighting both the crowd's expectations and the true nature of Jesus' kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 21:9 is a profoundly significant theological moment, affirming Jesus' identity as the long-awaited Messiah and King, yet doing so in a way that challenges conventional expectations. The crowd's acclamation of "Son of David" directly links Jesus to the Davidic covenant ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), establishing His rightful claim to the throne of Israel. However, Jesus' humble entry on a donkey, rather than a warhorse, subtly redefines the nature of His kingship—one of peace, humility, and suffering service, rather than military conquest. The application of [Psalm 118:26](/psalm/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - The Blessed One Who Comes in the Lord's Name") to Jesus underscores His divine commission and authority, positioning Him as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. This passage serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even as human understanding of those promises remains incomplete.

* [Psalm 118:26](/psalm/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - The Blessed One Who Comes in the Lord's Name")
* [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey")
* [John 12:13](/john/12-13 "John 12:13 - The Triumphal Entry in John's Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Matthew 21:9 invites us to consider the nature of our own praise and commitment to Jesus. The crowds' enthusiasm was undeniable, their shouts of "Hosanna" a powerful expression of hope and adoration. Yet, within days, this same crowd would be swayed to demand His crucifixion, demonstrating the fickle nature of popular opinion and superficial faith. This serves as a potent reminder that true discipleship requires more than emotional fervor or a desire for earthly benefits; it demands a deep, abiding commitment rooted in understanding Jesus' true identity and mission. We are called not just to praise Him when it is convenient or popular, but to follow Him faithfully, even when His path leads to suffering and self-denial. Our "Hosanna" must be a cry for spiritual salvation and a declaration of unwavering allegiance to His humble yet sovereign reign, acknowledging that His kingdom is not of this world, but one that transforms hearts and lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "Hosanna" mean to me personally, beyond a historical shout of praise?**
* **How does my understanding of Jesus' kingship align with or differ from the crowds' expectations during the Triumphal Entry?**
* **In what ways might my own faith be susceptible to the "fickleness" of public opinion or personal convenience, and how can I deepen my commitment to Christ?**
* **How do I practically welcome Jesus as Lord and King into all areas of my life today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the crowd calling Jesus "Son of David"?**

Answer: The title "Son of David" was a highly significant messianic designation in Jewish tradition. It directly linked Jesus to the lineage of King David, from whom the Old Testament prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah, a king who would reign forever and restore Israel's glory (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant") and [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")). By shouting this, the crowds were publicly acknowledging Jesus as the long-awaited Christ, the legitimate heir to David's throne, and the one they believed would deliver them.

**Why did the crowd shout "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord"?**

Answer: This phrase is a direct quotation from [Psalm 118:26](/psalm/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - The Blessed One Who Comes in the Lord's Name"), a psalm often recited during the Passover festival and associated with messianic expectations and the welcoming of pilgrims to Jerusalem. By applying these words to Jesus, the crowds were not only offering a traditional welcome but also attributing divine authority and blessing to Him. They recognized Him as the one sent by God, operating under God's commission and power, even if their full understanding of His mission was limited.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 21:9 stands as a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, revealing Jesus as the true King, though not in the manner many expected. His Triumphal Entry directly fulfills the prophecy of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"), depicting a humble king arriving on a donkey, contrasting sharply with the image of a conquering warrior. This humility foreshadows Jesus' ultimate path to kingship through suffering and sacrifice, rather than military might. The crowd's acclamation of "Hosanna to the Son of David" correctly identifies His messianic lineage, yet Jesus' kingdom is ultimately spiritual, not earthly. He is the "Blessed one who comes in the name of the Lord," not merely to liberate Israel from Roman rule, but to bring salvation from sin and death for all humanity. His entry into Jerusalem culminates in His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, where He is truly enthroned as Lord of all, as proclaimed in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Lordship"). The "Hosanna in the highest" points to His ultimate reign in heaven, where He intercedes for His people and will one day return as the victorious King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus as King of Kings")). Thus, the Triumphal Entry is a vivid, prophetic tableau of Jesus' unique kingship—one that embraces both humility and ultimate divine authority, leading to the redemption of the world.

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

Psalms 118:24

This [is] the day [which] the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalms 118:26

Blessed [be] he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

Luke 2:14

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

John 12:13

Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed [is] the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

John 12:15

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

Matthew 23:39

For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Luke 19:37

And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;