New International Versionsaying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.
New Living Translation“Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me.
English Standard Versionsaying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me.
Berean Standard Biblesaying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to Me.
Berean Literal Biblesaying to them, "Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey having been tied, and a colt with her. Having untied them, bring them to Me,
King James BibleSaying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
New King James Versionsaying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me.
New American Standard Biblesaying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with it. Untie them and bring them to Me.
NASB 1995saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to Me.
NASB 1977saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with her; untie them, and bring them to Me.
Legacy Standard Biblesaying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to Me.
Amplified Biblesaying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and at once you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to Me.
Christian Standard Bibletelling them, “Go into the village ahead of you. At once you will find a donkey tied there with her colt. Untie them and bring them to me.
Holman Christian Standard Bibletelling them, “Go into the village ahead of you. At once you will find a donkey tied there, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to Me.
American Standard Versionsaying unto them, Go into the village that is over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
Contemporary English VersionHe told them, "Go into the next village, where you will at once find a donkey and her colt. Untie the two donkeys and bring them to me.
English Revised Versionsaying unto them, Go into the village that is over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe said to them, "Go into the village ahead of you. You will find a donkey tied there and a colt with it. Untie them, and bring them to me.
Good News Translationwith these instructions: "Go to the village there ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied up with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to me.
International Standard Versiontold them, "Go into the village ahead of you. At once you will find a donkey tied up and a colt with it. Untie them, and bring them to me.
NET Bibletelling them, "Go to the village ahead of you. Right away you will find a donkey tied there, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me.
New Heart English Biblesaying to them, "Go into the village that is opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them, and bring them to me.
Webster's Bible TranslationSaying to them, Go into the village over against you, and immediately ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her, loose them, and bring them to me.
Weymouth New Testamentsaying to them, "Go to the village you see facing you, and as you enter it you will find a she-ass tied up and a foal with her. Untie her and bring them to me. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblesaying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to Me.
World English Biblesaying to them, “Go into the village that is opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionsaying to them, “Go on into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey bound, and a colt with her—having loosed, you bring to Me;
Berean Literal Biblesaying to them, "Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey having been tied, and a colt with her. Having untied them, bring them to Me,
Young's Literal Translation saying to them, 'Go on to the village over-against you, and immediately ye shall find an ass bound, and a colt with her -- having loosed, bring ye to me;
Smith's Literal TranslationGo ye into the town opposite to us, and quickly shall ye find an ass bound, and a colt with her; having loosed, bring to me. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSaying to them: Go ye into the village that is over against you, and immediately you shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them and bring them to me.
Catholic Public Domain Versionsaying to them: “Go into the town that is opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Release them, and lead them to me.
New American Biblesaying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them here to me.
New Revised Standard Versionsaying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said to them, Go to that village which is in front of you, and straightway you will find an ass which is tied up, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd he said to them, “Go to this village that is opposite you and at once you will find a donkey that is tied and a colt with her; loose them and bring them to me.” NT Translations Anderson New Testamentsaying to them: Go into the village opposite to you, and immediately you will find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them to me.
Godbey New Testamentsaying to them, Go into the village over against you, and you will immediately find a donkey tied, and the colt with her: loosing, lead her to me.
Haweis New Testament
saying to them, Go into the village, which is opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tied, and a foal with her; loose and bring them to me.
Mace New Testament
saying, go to yonder village, and you will immediately find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them to me.
Weymouth New Testament
saying to them, "Go to the village you see facing you, and as you enter it you will find a she-ass tied up and a foal with her. Untie her and bring them to me.
Worrell New Testament
saying to them,"Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye will find an ass tied, and a colt with her; having loosed them, lead them to Me.
Worsley New Testament
saying unto them,Go into the village over-against you, and ye will find directly an ass tied and a colt with her: loosethem and bring them to me:
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Triumphal Entry1As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two disciples, 2sayingto them,“Gointothevillageaheadof you,andat onceyou will finda donkeytied there,withher coltbesideher.Untie themand bring themto Me.3If anyone questions you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”…
Cross References Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Mark 11:2-3and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. / If anyone asks, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it shortly.’”
Luke 19:30-31saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. / If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
John 12:14-15Finding a young donkey, Jesus sat on it, as it is written: / “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion. See, your King is coming, seated on the colt of a donkey.”
Genesis 49:11He ties his donkey to the vine, his colt to the choicest branch. He washes his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.
Isaiah 62:11Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the ends of the earth, “Say to Daughter Zion: See, your Savior comes! Look, His reward is with Him, and His recompense goes before Him.”
1 Kings 1:33“Take my servants with you,” said the king. “Set my son Solomon on my own mule and take him down to Gihon.
2 Kings 9:13Quickly, each man took his garment and put it under Jehu on the bare steps. Then they blew the ram’s horn and proclaimed, “Jehu is king!”
Matthew 26:18-19He answered, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says, ‘My time is near. I will keep the Passover with My disciples at your house.’” / So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
Matthew 27:60and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut into the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance to the tomb and went away.
Mark 14:13-16So He sent two of His disciples and told them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jug of water will meet you. Follow him, / and whichever house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is My guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’ / And he will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” ...
Luke 22:10-13He answered, “When you enter the city, a man carrying a jug of water will meet you. Follow him to the house he enters, / and say to the owner of that house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’ / And he will show you a large upper room, already furnished. Make preparations there.” ...
John 2:5His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”
John 14:15If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
John 15:14You are My friends if you do what I command you.
Treasury of Scripture Saying to them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway you shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them to me. Matthew 26:18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. Mark 11:2,3 And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bringhim… Mark 14:13-16 And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him… Jump to Previous AheadAssColtCordDonkeyEnterFacingFindFoalFrontImmediatelyLooseLoosedNeckOnceOppositeOver-AgainstRoundShe-AssStraightStraightwayTiedUntieVillageYoungJump to Next AheadAssColtCordDonkeyEnterFacingFindFoalFrontImmediatelyLooseLoosedNeckOnceOppositeOver-AgainstRoundShe-AssStraightStraightwayTiedUntieVillageYoungMatthew 21 1.Jesus rides into Jerusalem upon a donkey12.drives the buyers and sellers out of the temple;17.curses the fig tree;23.puts to silence the priests and elders,28.and rebukes them by the parable of the two sons,33.and the husbandmen who slew such as were sent to them.saying to themJesus is addressing two of His disciples, giving them specific instructions. This reflects His authority and foreknowledge, as He knows the details of what they will encounter. It also demonstrates His role as a teacher and leader, guiding His followers in fulfilling His mission. Go into the village ahead of you
The village referred to is likely Bethphage, located near the Mount of Olives. This area is significant in biblical prophecy and history, as it is close to Jerusalem, where many key events in Jesus' ministry occur. The instruction to go ahead suggests a deliberate preparation for what is to come, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming events. and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt beside her
The immediate finding of the donkey and colt indicates Jesus' divine knowledge and the fulfillment of prophecy. This scene fulfillsZechariah 9:9, which predicts the Messiah entering Jerusalem on a donkey, symbolizing peace and humility. The presence of both the donkey and her colt highlights the completeness of the prophecy and the care for the animals, reflecting Jesus' compassion. Untie them and bring them to Me
The act of untying and bringing the animals signifies obedience to Jesus' command and the preparation for His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This action is a precursor to the fulfillment of His messianic role and the events leading to His crucifixion and resurrection. It also illustrates the disciples' trust in Jesus' instructions, even when the purpose may not be immediately clear. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is preparing for His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating His messianic authority. 2. DisciplesThe followers of Jesus who are given specific instructions to retrieve the donkey and colt, showcasing their obedience and trust in Jesus' words. 3. VillageThe unnamed village represents a place of preparation and fulfillment of prophecy, highlighting the divine orchestration of events. 4. Donkey and ColtThese animals are significant as they fulfill the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9, symbolizing peace and humility rather than war and conquest. 5. JerusalemThe city where Jesus will enter triumphantly, setting the stage for the events of Holy Week, including His crucifixion and resurrection. Teaching Points Obedience to Christ's CommandsThe disciples' immediate response to Jesus' instructions serves as a model for our own obedience to His word, even when the task seems unusual or unclear. Fulfillment of ProphecyThis event underscores the reliability of God's Word and His sovereign plan throughout history. We can trust that God's promises will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. Humility and PeaceJesus' choice of a donkey instead of a warhorse symbolizes His kingdom's nature—one of peace and humility. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody these same qualities in our interactions with others. Preparation for WorshipJust as the disciples prepared for Jesus' entry, we are called to prepare our hearts for worship, recognizing Jesus as our King and Savior. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Matthew 21:2?
2.How does Matthew 21:2 demonstrate Jesus' foreknowledge and divine authority?
3.What significance do the donkey and colt hold in Matthew 21:2?
4.How does Matthew 21:2 fulfill Old Testament prophecy about the Messiah?
5.How can we trust and obey Jesus' instructions in our daily lives?
6.What does Matthew 21:2 teach about God's provision for His plans?
7.How does Matthew 21:2 demonstrate Jesus' foreknowledge and divine authority?
8.Why did Jesus choose a donkey and colt in Matthew 21:2?
9.What is the significance of the location mentioned in Matthew 21:2?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 21?
11.How can Matthew 21:4–5 be considered a valid fulfillment of prophecy if the details differ from other Gospel accounts?
12.What events define the Triumphal Entry in Volume 23?
13.What events mark the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem?
14.Mark 11:2-6: How can we verify historically that Jesus accurately predicted the colt's location and its willing release?What Does Matthew 21:2 Mean Go into the village ahead of youJesus begins with a clear directive: “Go into the village ahead of you.” • He is sending two disciples on a specific mission, illustrating His sovereign authority and foreknowledge (cf.Luke 22:8–13, where He similarly directs preparations for the Passover). • The disciples’ obedience models the pattern of hearing and doing (James 1:22). They are not given explanations, only instructions—yet they go. • This moment also signals the public unveiling of the Messiah. Up to now, Jesus often avoided open acclaim (Matthew 16:20), but here He deliberately orchestrates a visible entry that fulfills prophecy (Zechariah 9:9).
At once you will find a donkey tied thereThe phrase “at once” underscores immediacy and certainty. • Jesus knows exactly what awaits—even the location and condition of the animals—affirming His omniscience (John 1:48;John 2:24–25). • The donkey is already “tied,” prepared in advance by divine providence. God often puts resources in place before His people recognize the need (1 Kings 17:4;Philippians 4:19). • The ordinary setting (a village stable) reminds us that God works through humble means, aligning with the Savior who “emptied Himself” (Philippians 2:7).
With her colt beside herMatthew alone notes both the mother donkey and her colt. • Including the mother eases the colt’s anxiety, ensuring a smooth ride for Jesus—another detail in God’s thoughtful provision (Psalm 147:9). • The colt, unbroken and never ridden (Mark 11:2;Luke 19:30), signifies purity and sacred use, much like animals set apart for sacrifice (Numbers 19:2). • The dual animals connect to the poetic parallelism ofZechariah 9:9, “riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey,” showing the prophecy’s literal fulfillment.
Untie them and bring them to MeThe command “Untie” carries freedom imagery. • Just as the disciples loose the animals, Jesus will soon loose sinners from bondage (John 8:36). • Bringing the animals “to Me” centers everything on Christ. Possessions, plans, and even creatures find true purpose when yielded to Him (Colossians 1:16–18). • If questioned, the disciples are to say, “The Lord needs them” (Matthew 21:3), revealing Jesus’ rightful claim over all creation (Psalm 24:1). Obedience unlocks provision; the owners release the animals without protest (Mark 11:6).
summaryMatthew 21:2 showcases Jesus’ sovereign planning, prophetic fulfillment, and gentle kingship. He directs His disciples, foresees the details, and claims rightful authority, all while choosing humble symbols that mirror His mission of peace. Our response is simple, trusting obedience—going where He sends, finding what He promises, and bringing everything back to Him for His glory. (2) Go into the village over against you.--This may have been either Bethany or, on the assumption that it was nearer Jerusalem, Bethphage itself. An ass tied, and a colt with her.--St. Mark and St. Luke name the "colt" only. St. John speaks of a "young" or "small" ass, using the diminutive of the usual name (???????). The colt was one on which "man had never sat" (Mark 11:2;Luke 19:30). The command clearly implies a deliberate fulfilment of the prophecy cited inMatthew 21:4-5. They were to claim the right to use the beasts as for the service of a King, not to hire or ask permission. Verse 2. - The village over against you. Bethphage, to which he points as he speaks. He gives their commission to the two disciples, mentioning even some minute details. Straightway. "As soon as ye be entered into it" (Mark). Ye shall find an ass ( a she ass) tied, and a colt with her. St. Matthew alone mentions the ass, the mother of the foal. This doubtless he does with exact reference to the prophecy, which, writing for Jews, he afterwards cites (ver. 4). St. Jerome gives a mystical reason: the ass represents the Jewish people, which had long borne the yoke of the Law; the colt adumbrates the Gentiles, as yet unbroken," whereon never man sat." Christ called them both, Jew and Gentile, by his apostles. Loose them, and bring them unto me. He speaks with authority, as One able to make a requisition and command obedience.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek “GoΠορεύεσθε(Poreuesthe)Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4198:To travel, journey, go, die.toεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.villageκώμην(kōmēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2968:A village, country town. From keimai; a hamlet.aheadκατέναντι(katenanti)Preposition
Strong's 2713:Opposite, in front (of), over against. From kata and enanti; directly opposite.of you,”ὑμῶν(hymōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.He toldλέγων(legōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.them,αὐτοῖς(autois)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.“andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.at onceεὐθέως(eutheōs)Adverb
Strong's 2112:Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon.you will findεὑρήσετε(heurēsete)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2147:A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.a donkeyὄνον(onon)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3688:A donkey. Apparently a primary word; a donkey.tied [there],δεδεμένην(dedemenēn)Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1210:To bind, tie, fasten; I impel, compel; I declare to be prohibited and unlawful. A primary verb; to bind.withκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.[her] coltπῶλον(pōlon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4454:A colt, young ass, foal. Apparently a primary word; a 'foal' or 'filly', i.e., a young ass.besideμετ’(met’)Preposition
Strong's 3326:(a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.her.αὐτῆς(autēs)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.Untie [them]λύσαντες(lysantes)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3089:A primary verb; to 'loosen'.[and] bring [them]ἀγάγετέ(agagete)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 71:A primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, go, pass, or induce.to Me.μοι(moi)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 21:2 Saying to them Go into the village (Matt. Mat Mt) |
