Luke 19:34 (KJV)

What does Luke 19:34 mean?

Luke 19:34 records the answer two of Jesus’ followers give when the owners question them about untying a young donkey. They explain that Jesus, whom they call “the Lord,” needs the animal.

The words are the answer Jesus told the followers to give before sending them into the village. In the KJV, “hath need of him” means “needs him,” with “him” referring to the young donkey.

The Greek behind Luke 19:34

• “Lord” — κύριος (kyrios): The Greek word can mean a master or a person with authority. Here the followers use the title for Jesus when speaking to the donkey’s owners.
• “need” — χρεία (chreia): The Greek word carries the sense of a need or a use for something. Together with “hath,” it conveys that the Lord has a use for the animal.

Why Luke 19:34 matters

• The answer follows Jesus’ instructions. In verse 31, Jesus tells the two followers what to say if anyone asks why they are untying the animal; verse 34 records them giving that answer.
• The young donkey has a part in Jesus’ arrival. After the followers bring the animal to Jesus, he rides it as people spread their clothes along the road (verses 35–36).