Matthew 21 8

Matthew 21:8 kjv

And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.

Matthew 21:8 nkjv

And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

Matthew 21:8 niv

A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

Matthew 21:8 esv

Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

Matthew 21:8 nlt

Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

Matthew 21 verses

Matthew 21 8 Meaning

Matthew 21:8 describes the spontaneous and reverent actions of the large crowd during Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. As Jesus proceeded, a significant portion of the multitude honored Him as a King by laying their outer garments on the road and cutting down tree branches to strew in His path. These actions symbolically created a "royal carpet," an act of homage typically reserved for acclaimed monarchs or conquerors, signaling their recognition of Jesus as a figure of immense significance, likely their anticipated Messiah-King.

Matthew 21 8 Context

Matthew 21:8 is set at a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry: His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, just days before His crucifixion. This event marks the culmination of His public ministry and His formal presentation as the Messiah-King to the Jewish capital. Chapter 21 opens with Jesus sending disciples to fetch a donkey and its colt, explicitly linking the event to the prophecy of Zec 9:9. The verse immediately precedes the crowd's joyous acclamation of "Hosanna to the Son of David!" (Matt 21:9), clearly indicating their messianic expectation. Historically, this event took place during Passover week, a time when Jerusalem would swell with Jewish pilgrims, many of whom carried strong nationalistic and messianic hopes. The acts of spreading garments and branches were traditional gestures of deep honor and royalty in the ancient Near East, symbolizing deference and recognition of a new sovereign. This cultural practice elevated Jesus' entry from a mere parade to a symbolic coronation by the populace.

Matthew 21 8 Word analysis

• And: Greek kai (καί). Connects this action to the preceding statement about Jesus riding on the donkey, showing the crowd's response immediately after His approach to Jerusalem.
• a very great multitude: Greek ochlos polys (ὄχλος πολύς).
  • Ochlos refers to a large crowd, the common people, often implying a spontaneous gathering. It signifies that the honor bestowed upon Jesus was widespread and popular, not confined to a small group of disciples. This vast public demonstration adds weight to the recognition of Jesus.
  • Polys emphasizes the significant size, "many" or "great," reinforcing the widespread nature of their homage.
• spread: Greek estrosan (ἔστρωσαν) from strōnnumi (στρώννυμι). Means to spread out, lay down, to strew. Implies deliberate action of arranging something on the ground. This word is specifically used for preparing a bed or floor, suggesting the creation of a "path" for Him.
• their garments: Greek ta himatia autōn (τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν).
  • Himatia refers to outer garments, cloaks, which were significant personal possessions and could serve as blankets, pillows, or protection from elements.
  • The act of laying down one's own garment for someone to walk on was a profound sign of personal homage, reverence, and even submission, symbolizing making oneself lowly before another's greatness. This tradition is exemplified in the crowning of Jehu (2 Ki 9:13). It showed personal sacrifice and esteem.
• in the way: Greek en tē hodō (ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ). On the road, in the path. This defines the exact location of their reverent acts—directly where Jesus and the donkey would tread, thus sanctifying or honoring His immediate passage.
• others: Greek alloi (ἄλλοι). Denotes a different group within the multitude, showing diversity in expression of honor but unity in purpose. Not all did the same, but all contributed to the celebration.
• cut down: Greek ekopton (ἔκοπτον) from koptō (κόπτω). Means to cut, chop off. Suggests a forceful and immediate action, showing zeal and eagerness.
• branches: Greek kladous (κλάδους). Refers to a shoot, twig, or branch from a tree. Matthew keeps this general, whereas John 12:13 specifies "palm branches." These symbolize victory, triumph, peace, and joyous celebration, linking to feasts like Sukkot (Feast of Booths).
• from the trees: Greek ek tōn dendrōn (ἐκ τῶν δένδρων). From various trees, emphasizing they were readily available and collected spontaneously.
• and strewed them: Greek kai estrōsan (καὶ ἔστρωσαν). Same root as "spread," reinforcing the action of scattering or laying down the branches as a carpet. The repetition emphasizes the extensive nature of the honor shown.
• in the way: Greek en tē hodō (ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ). Again, emphasizes the focus on His path, clearing and dignifying the route.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And a very great multitude": Highlights the public, spontaneous, and widespread nature of the acclaim Jesus received, demonstrating His popular appeal and the popular conviction among many that He was indeed a significant figure, likely the awaited King.
• "spread their garments in the way": This powerful gesture signifies profound homage and respect. By laying down their personal cloaks, they were not just making a carpet but were in a way "prostrating" themselves or offering their most valued possessions as a sign of recognition and submission to His authority, marking Him as a king entering His capital.
• "others cut down branches from the trees, and strewed them in the way": This act complements the spreading of garments, contributing to the "royal path." Branches, especially palm branches, symbolized joy, triumph, and victory in Jewish tradition, often associated with festivals and royal processions. The collective action created a festive and celebratory atmosphere, underscoring the perceived messianic significance of Jesus' entry.

Matthew 21 8 Bonus section

• The collective action of the crowd implies a unity in their expectation and expression, demonstrating a widespread belief that a special individual, likely the Messiah, was entering Jerusalem.
• The scene serves as a deliberate public declaration by Jesus of His messianic claims, allowing the popular reception to clearly delineate His role for all, including the religious authorities who would soon challenge Him.
• Despite the immediate fanfare, Jesus' humility (riding on a donkey as foretold in Zec 9:9) contrasted sharply with earthly expectations of a powerful, war-horse riding conqueror, challenging the conventional understanding of the Messiah and His kingdom.
• The use of common items like cloaks and branches, rather than luxurious materials, highlights the authentic and grassroots nature of this particular royal homage, distinguishing it from imperial displays.
• This specific event marks a symbolic and significant shift, transitioning Jesus' public ministry from teaching and healing in Galilee to directly confronting Jerusalem and fulfilling His ultimate mission there.

Matthew 21 8 Commentary

Matthew 21:8 captures the profound yet ultimately transient public adoration of Jesus during His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. The acts of spreading garments and strewing branches were not random but were specific, ancient expressions of extreme honor reserved for kings or victorious leaders, making the crowd's actions a powerful statement of Jesus' perceived messianic identity. This "spontaneous coronation" by the people marked Jesus' formal presentation to Jerusalem as its King, even though His kingship was spiritual and sacrificial, not political. The very items used, personal garments and natural branches, signify a humble yet authentic homage, distinct from the grand tapestries and military parades of Roman triumphs. It stands as a profound moment of popular acknowledgment of Christ's messianic role, setting the stage for the dramatic events of Passover week. This scene, however, also subtly foreshadows the fickle nature of popular opinion, as many of these same voices would soon cry for His crucifixion, reminding believers that true homage to Christ is one of steadfast faith and understanding, not just fleeting emotion.