Matthew 21 4

Matthew 21:4 kjv

All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

Matthew 21:4 nkjv

All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:

Matthew 21:4 niv

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

Matthew 21:4 esv

This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,

Matthew 21:4 nlt

This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,

Matthew 21 verses

Matthew 21 4 Meaning

Matthew 21:4 states that the events of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey and a colt occurred precisely "to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet." This verse highlights God's pre-ordained plan and Jesus' divine role as the Messiah, who meticulously fulfills Old Testament prophecies. It emphasizes that Jesus' actions during His triumphal entry were not arbitrary but were orchestrated to demonstrate His identity as the long-awaited King prophesied in scripture, though arriving in humility, not conquering might.

Matthew 21 4 Context

Matthew 21:4 is part of the account of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of His Passion Week. Chapters 19 and 20 describe Jesus' journey from Galilee towards Jerusalem, His teachings on discipleship, and a third prediction of His suffering and death. Chapter 21 opens with Jesus giving specific instructions for acquiring a donkey and a colt, unusual in its precise detail, setting the stage for the dramatic entry. The immediate context shows Jesus intentionally fulfilling Messianic prophecy, contrasting sharply with the general Jewish expectation of a political and military Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule. Instead, Jesus presents Himself as the humble King prophesied in Zechariah, coming not with cavalry, but on a colt. Matthew, writing to a Jewish Christian audience, consistently emphasizes how Jesus' life, ministry, and passion are direct fulfillments of Old Testament prophecies, affirming Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah of Israel.

Matthew 21 4 Word analysis

• All this (Τοῦτο δέ, Touto de): This phrase refers to the entirety of the preceding actions in verses 2-3 – Jesus' instruction to find the animals, the disciples' act of bringing them, and Jesus preparing to ride them. The use of "this" signifies the specific sequence of events being described, indicating a precise and intentional fulfillment.
• took place (γέγονεν, gegonen): This is the perfect active indicative of the verb γίνομαι (ginomai), meaning "to come into being," "to happen," or "to become." The perfect tense emphasizes a completed action with continuing results or significance. It underscores that these events are not random but have been divinely accomplished according to a higher plan, signifying certainty and purpose.
• to fulfill (ἵνα πληρωθῇ, hina plērōthē): This is a purpose clause (introduced by ἵνα, hina) indicating the reason for the events. The verb πληρόω (plēroō), meaning "to fill," "to complete," or "to accomplish," is used in the passive voice, highlighting that the fulfillment is divinely initiated and executed. For Matthew, this word is foundational, emphasizing the precise correspondence between prophetic utterance and its realization in Jesus.
• what was spoken (τὸ ῥηθὲν, to rhēthen): This is the aorist passive participle of λέγω (legō), meaning "to say." "What was spoken" refers to a divine utterance, a prophetic declaration that holds authoritative weight. The passive voice implies the divine origin of the words – they were spoken by God through human agents.
• through the prophet (διὰ τοῦ προφήτου, dia tou prophētou): The preposition διὰ (dia) here means "through," indicating the means or instrument by which the words were conveyed. It emphasizes the human agent through whom God's message came. Matthew often uses this singular "the prophet" even when citing what appears to be a composite of two prophetic texts (Zech 9:9 and Isa 62:11, implicitly referenced by Matthew's summary statement about "Daughter Zion" and the king coming). This usage might imply Matthew saw these prophecies as part of a singular prophetic tradition concerning the Messiah or as drawing from a single prophetic context, or that one primary prophet was in view even if details came from others. The title "the prophet" points to the authoritative figure commissioned by God to reveal His will and plan.

Words-Group analysis

• All this took place to fulfill: This phrase establishes the central theological framework of Matthew's Gospel: Jesus' life and actions are not coincidental but are part of a meticulously executed divine plan, laid out centuries in advance through prophetic pronouncements. It underscores God's sovereignty over history and His faithfulness to His promises.
• what was spoken through the prophet: This entire phrase highlights the prophetic nature of Scripture. It emphasizes that the words spoken by the ancient prophets were not merely human ideas but divinely inspired utterances. Matthew frequently employs this precise formula to demonstrate Jesus as the embodiment and climax of Israel's prophetic hope, fulfilling the Old Testament's messianic expectations.

Matthew 21 4 Bonus section

The quotation referred to in Matthew 21:4 (and then quoted in full in v. 5) is commonly recognized as primarily derived from Zechariah 9:9, "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." However, Matthew adds the phrase "Say to Daughter Zion, ‘Look, your King is coming to you, humble and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey,'" which integrates phrasing reminiscent of Isaiah 62:11, "Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your Salvation comes!’" Matthew's composite quotation is typical of Rabbinic interpretive methods of his time, where multiple texts might be interwoven to convey a fuller theological point. It is not about a verbatim quote, but about accurately reflecting the prophetic truth and its fulfillment in Jesus. This intentional blending reinforces the theological conviction that Jesus encompasses various prophetic strands, fully embodying the messianic expectations.

Matthew 21 4 Commentary

Matthew 21:4 is pivotal because it frames Jesus' humble yet kingly entry into Jerusalem as a direct fulfillment of prophecy, thereby validating His Messiahship. Matthew, more than any other Gospel writer, consistently points out instances where Jesus' life and ministry align with Old Testament predictions, using phrases like "to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet." This specific fulfillment demonstrates God's sovereign control over history and His meticulous plan for salvation. Jesus is presented as the divinely appointed King, not a political revolutionary, choosing to reveal His royal identity through humility and prophecy, not military might, directly contrasting with popular Jewish expectations of a conquering Messiah. This entry foreshadows His ultimate victory, not through earthly conquest, but through His sacrificial death and resurrection, as part of God's perfect design.