New Testament
Matthew 21:9
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The crowds walking ahead of him and those following behind kept shouting, "Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"
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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.
What Matthew 21:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a large crowd celebrating Jesus as he enters Jerusalem. They shout 'Hosanna,' which means 'save us' or 'please save us,' recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, the 'son of David.' This title signifies his royal lineage and fulfillment of prophecy. The crowd's proclamation, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,' acknowledges Jesus' divine mission and authority. Their enthusiastic praise, 'Hosanna in the highest,' reflects their hope for salvation and deliverance. This moment is significant as it marks the beginning of the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting the contrast between the crowd's initial adoration and their later rejection. The scene illustrates the excitement and expectation surrounding Jesus, as well as the misunderstanding of his true purpose. The crowd's response serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and accepting Jesus for who he truly is, rather than projecting our own expectations onto him.
How to apply Matthew 21:9 to your life
As we reflect on this passage, we should consider how we respond to Jesus in our own lives. Are we quick to praise him in moments of joy, yet silent in times of doubt? Let us strive to recognize and honor his true identity consistently.
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 21:9 mean?
Matthew 21:9 describes the crowd's joyful celebration of Jesus as he enters Jerusalem, calling him the 'son of David' and acknowledging him as the Messiah. Their shouts of 'Hosanna' express a plea for salvation and recognition of Jesus' divine authority.
What is the significance of 'Hosanna' in Matthew 21:9?
In Matthew 21:9, 'Hosanna' means 'save us' or 'please save us,' reflecting the crowd's hope for deliverance through Jesus. It highlights their recognition of him as the Messiah and their desire for his help.
What does 'son of David' refer to in Matthew 21:9?
The term 'son of David' in Matthew 21:9 signifies Jesus' royal lineage and his fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah. It emphasizes his rightful place in the line of David, which was important for Jewish expectations of a savior.
How does Matthew 21:9 relate to the crowd's expectations of Jesus?
In Matthew 21:9, the crowd's enthusiastic praise reflects their expectations of Jesus as a political savior who would deliver them from oppression. However, their misunderstanding of his true mission leads to a later rejection of him.
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