Luke 19 31

Luke 19:31 kjv

And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.

Luke 19:31 nkjv

And if anyone asks you, 'Why are you loosing it?' thus you shall say to him, 'Because the Lord has need of it.' "

Luke 19:31 niv

If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say, 'The Lord needs it.'?"

Luke 19:31 esv

If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' you shall say this: 'The Lord has need of it.'"

Luke 19:31 nlt

If anyone asks, 'Why are you untying that colt?' just say, 'The Lord needs it.'"

Luke 19 verses

Luke 19 31 Meaning

Luke 19:31 presents Jesus' instruction to His disciples on how to secure a colt for His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The verse emphasizes Jesus' foreknowledge and divine authority, stating that the definitive answer to any query about taking the colt is simply, "Because the Lord hath need of him." This phrase highlights Jesus' supreme dominion and ownership over all creation, implying an unchallengeable claim that warrants immediate and unquestioning obedience.

Luke 19 31 Context

Luke 19:31 is part of Jesus' deliberate journey to Jerusalem for Passover, leading up to His passion, death, and resurrection. This specific verse provides instruction for the highly significant event known as the Triumphal Entry. Prior to this, Jesus had traveled from Jericho, and He now sends two disciples ahead from Bethany or Bethphage. The scene is meticulously orchestrated by Jesus, highlighting His control over events and His divine foresight. The request for the colt is not an ordinary borrowing but a declaration of divine prerogative. Culturally, riding on a donkey into Jerusalem recalled Zech 9:9, identifying Jesus as the prophesied King-Messiah who comes in humility and peace, not riding a warhorse. This deliberate action was a public demonstration of His identity to the populace, even as it prepared the ground for His confrontation with the religious authorities who opposed His claims.

Luke 19 31 Word analysis

• And (Καί - Kai): A simple conjunction, connecting this instruction to the previous command given by Jesus to His disciples (Luke 19:29-30). It signals the continuation of His precise directions.
• if (ἐὰν - ean): Introduces a conditional clause, anticipating a potential question. It demonstrates Jesus' foreknowledge that His disciples might encounter resistance or inquiry from the colt's owner or others.
• any man (τις - tis): Refers to an indefinite person, implying that anyone, whether the owner or a bystander, might challenge their actions. This reinforces the need for a definitive, pre-planned response.
• ask (ὑμᾶς ἐρωτᾷ - hymas erota): To inquire, to question. This verb highlights the expectation of direct challenge regarding their unconventional actions.
• you (ὑμᾶς - hymas): The disciples, the immediate recipients of the instruction.
• Why (Τί - Ti): A direct interrogative, asking for the reason or purpose behind their actions.
• loose ye him (λύετε - lyete): To untie, unbind. Refers to freeing the colt from its tether. It implies taking something that is not immediately theirs.
• thus (Οὕτως - Houtos): In this manner, in this way. Specifies that the exact wording provided by Jesus should be used.
• shall ye say (ἐρεῖτε - ereite): A command to speak or declare. The disciples are to be the messengers of Jesus' authoritative statement.
• unto him (αὐτῷ - autō): To the one who asks.
• Because (Ὅτι - Hoti): Introduces the reason or justification for their action. It signals the foundational premise of Jesus' demand.
• the Lord (Ὁ Κύριος - Ho Kyrios): This is a crucial title. In the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), "Kurios" is frequently used to translate the divine name Yahweh (YHWH). When applied to Jesus, it signifies His divine authority, sovereignty, and proprietorship. It is not merely "master" or "sir" but implies supreme, God-level authority, and unchallengeable right.
• hath need (χρείαν ἔχει - chreian echei): Literally "has need." This phrase denotes a specific, immediate requirement. The "need" of the Lord is a self-authenticating justification that demands absolute and immediate fulfillment. It's not a request but a declaration from the one who has all things. It conveys divine purpose and rightful appropriation.
• of him (αὐτοῦ - autou): Referring to the colt. The simple phrase indicates that the specific animal, though seemingly insignificant, is required for the divine purpose.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "if any man ask you, Why loose ye him?": This phrase underscores Jesus' omniscient foresight. He knows exactly what question will be posed by the colt's owner, preparing His disciples for the exact scenario. It contrasts the human concern for ownership and property with the impending divine action.
• "thus shall ye say unto him, Because": This entire clause emphasizes the authoritative and non-negotiable nature of the answer. The disciples are not to negotiate, explain further, or offer compensation, but merely deliver a specific divine message that carries its own inherent weight and authority.
• "the Lord hath need of him": This is the crux of the verse and Jesus' declaration of absolute sovereignty. "The Lord" unequivocally points to Jesus' divine status, not just a human master. The "need" of such a Lord is not a common request but an ultimate demand, indicating His supreme authority over all creation and His right to utilize anything for His divine purposes. This single sentence functions as both a command and a complete justification for an action that would otherwise be considered taking property without permission.

Luke 19 31 Bonus section

The choice of an "unused" colt (Mark 11:2) is significant. In Jewish thought, an animal that had never been ridden or worked upon was considered pure and specially suited for sacred purposes (e.g., Num 19:2, a red heifer "wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke"). This detail subtly emphasizes the holiness and specific divine consecration of the animal for Jesus' royal entry. The ease with which the disciples obtained the colt, simply by stating Jesus' "need," highlights not only Jesus' authority but also the sovereign orchestration of events by God. There was no argument, no bargaining, merely an immediate yielding to the stated purpose of "the Lord," which speaks volumes about the immediate recognition or divine influence on the owner. This narrative portrays God's meticulous preparation for even the smallest details of prophetic fulfillment.

Luke 19 31 Commentary

Luke 19:31 captures a profound statement of Jesus' divine identity and absolute authority. His precise instructions, even anticipating a question about His disciples' actions, highlight His perfect foreknowledge. The specific reason given – "Because the Lord hath need of him" – is more than a simple explanation; it is a declaration of sovereign claim. The title "the Lord" (ὁ Κύριος) is critical here, pointing to Jesus not just as a teacher or prophet, but as God Himself, possessing ultimate authority and ownership over all creation.

The immediate and unquestioning compliance of the colt's owner, as described in the subsequent verses (Luke 19:32-34), powerfully demonstrates the impact of this authoritative declaration. The divine "need" supersedes all human ownership and legalities, reflecting God's ultimate prerogative. This incident is not merely about finding a means of transport; it is a profound theological statement. Jesus, the humble King riding on an unbroken colt (symbolizing consecration and peace), is nonetheless the Supreme Lord who commands allegiance and has an intrinsic right to all things for His Kingdom purposes. It foreshadows His kingly entry into Jerusalem and underlines that all resources are ultimately God's to command. Practically, this verse encourages believers to recognize God's ultimate ownership and willingly yield resources, time, or talents whenever "the Lord hath need" for His kingdom.