New Testament
Matthew 21:7
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They brought the donkey and the colt, draped their cloaks over them, and Jesus sat on them.
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And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
What Matthew 21:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a significant moment in Jesus' journey to Jerusalem. The disciples brought a donkey and her colt to Him, fulfilling a prophecy about the Messiah entering the city on a humble animal rather than a powerful horse. By draping their cloaks over the animals, the disciples created a makeshift saddle for Jesus, symbolizing honor and respect. This act of placing their garments on the donkey signifies their recognition of Jesus as a king, even though He chose a lowly means of transportation. This moment marks the beginning of what is known as the Triumphal Entry, where Jesus is celebrated by the crowds as He approaches Jerusalem. It highlights the contrast between worldly expectations of power and the true nature of Jesus' kingship, which is rooted in humility and service.
How to apply Matthew 21:7 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of humility in our lives. Just as Jesus chose a humble donkey to enter Jerusalem, we should embrace humility in our actions and interactions with others. It reminds us that true greatness comes from serving others rather than seeking power or recognition.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:1–11)
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Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 21:7 mean?
Matthew 21:7 describes Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey and her colt, fulfilling a prophecy about the Messiah. This act symbolizes His humility and the recognition of His kingship by His disciples.
What is the significance of the donkey and colt in Matthew 21:7?
The donkey and colt represent humility, contrasting with the expectations of a powerful king. Jesus' choice of a humble animal emphasizes His role as a servant leader and fulfills Old Testament prophecy.
How does Matthew 21:7 relate to the theme of humility?
Matthew 21:7 illustrates humility by showing Jesus choosing a donkey for His entry, rather than a horse. This choice teaches that true greatness comes from serving others and embracing a humble spirit.
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