### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pōlos**, represented by `{{G4454}}`, refers to a "foal" or "filly," and is used specially to mean a young ass or **colt**. It appears 12 times across 11 unique verses in the Bible. Every single occurrence is found within the Gospel accounts of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, making it a term exclusively linked to this pivotal event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4454}}` is central to the orchestration of Jesus' arrival as King. Jesus instructs his disciples to go into a village where they will find a **colt** tied, one "whereon never man sat" ([[Mark 11:2]], [[Luke 19:30]]). They are told to loose the **colt** and bring it to him [[Matthew 21:2]]. After the disciples find the **colt** just as Jesus described [[Mark 11:4]], they place their garments upon it and set Jesus on the animal [[Luke 19:35]]. This act is presented as the direct fulfillment of prophecy, announcing to the "daughter of Sion" that her King comes to her sitting on a **colt** ([[Matthew 21:5]], [[John 12:15]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events surrounding the colt:
* `{{G1210}}` **déō** (to bind): This verb describes the state of the **colt** when the disciples find it, "tied" in the village [[Mark 11:4]]. The act of binding signifies restraint, which is then undone by Jesus' command.
* `{{G3089}}` **lýō** (to loosen): As the direct counterpart to being tied, the disciples are instructed to **loose** the colt [[Matthew 21:2]]. This action is questioned by onlookers who ask, "What do ye, loosing the **colt**?" [[Mark 11:5]].
* `{{G935}}` **basileús** (king): The significance of the colt is tied to its role as the transport for a **King** `{{G935}}`. The prophecy quoted in both Matthew and John explicitly connects the arrival of the **King** with him riding on a colt ([[Matthew 21:5]], [[John 12:15]]).
* `{{G1913}}` **epibibázō** (to cause to mount): This word is used to describe the specific action of placing Jesus on the animal, as the disciples "set Jesus thereon" [[Luke 19:35]], completing the preparations for the royal procession.
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G4454}}` carries significant theological weight, particularly concerning the nature of Christ's kingship.
* **Humble Kingship:** The choice of a **colt** `{{G4454}}`, a young donkey, rather than a warhorse, highlights the nature of the arriving **King** `{{G935}}`. This is explicitly stated in the prophecy: "Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek" [[Matthew 21:5]].
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The narrative emphasizes that finding and riding the **colt** `{{G4454}}` is a direct fulfillment of Scripture. Jesus' specific instructions and the subsequent events show His deliberate intention to fulfill what was written about the Messiah's arrival in Jerusalem ([[Matthew 21:5]], [[John 12:15]]).
* **Divine Consecration:** The detail that the **colt** was one "whereon never man sat" [[Mark 11:2]] signifies that it was set apart and consecrated for a unique, sacred purpose. This underscores the holiness of Jesus and the sacred nature of His entry as King.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4454}}` **pōlos** is far more than a simple word for a young animal. It is used exclusively in the Gospels to identify the specific **colt** of the triumphal entry. Its presence defines the scene, underscoring key theological themes: the fulfillment of prophecy, the meek and humble nature of Christ's kingship, and the sacred purpose for which the animal was set apart. The story of the **colt** is a powerful illustration of how God uses the humble to declare royal and divine truth.
TRV