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 19:31KJV
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Luke 19:31 (KJV)

What does Luke 19:31 mean?

Luke 19:31 records Jesus preparing two disciples for a question they may face while untying a young donkey. He gives them an answer that identifies the animal as needed for his purpose, so they can explain their action to anyone who challenges them.

The KJV’s “loose” means “untie.” Jesus has sent the disciples ahead to find the animal, and he anticipates that someone may ask why they are taking it. The answer calls Jesus “the Lord,” a title of authority.

The Greek behind Luke 19:31

  • “Lord” — κύριος (kyrios): This word can mean “master” or “lord.” Here the disciples’ answer points to Jesus as the one who requires the animal.
  • “need” — χρεία (chreia): This word means a need or use for something. In the phrase “hath need of him,” it expresses that the animal is wanted for a purpose.

Why Luke 19:31 matters

  • The question is a natural one from people responsible for the animal. In Luke 19:33, its owners ask why the disciples are untying it.
  • The disciples’ answer connects their errand directly to Jesus. In Luke 19:34, they give the response he told them to give.
  • The animal’s purpose becomes clear in the following scene. The disciples bring the young donkey to Jesus, and he rides it as he approaches Jerusalem (Luke 19:35–36).

Where else these words appear

“Why” Greek G1302 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 9:11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
  • Mark 7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
  • John 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

“loose” Greek G3089 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 19:33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?
  • Acts 27:41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.

“need” Greek G5532 · used in 47 verses

  • Matthew 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
  • Luke 22:71 And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
  • Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

“ask” Greek G2065 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
  • John 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
  • John 16:30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.