And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

MATTHEW 21:1KJV
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Matthew 21:1 (KJV)

What does Matthew 21:1 mean?

Matthew 21:1 describes Jesus and his disciples approaching Jerusalem, arriving near the village of Bethphage at the Mount of Olives, where Jesus sends two of his disciples on a specific task. This verse sets the stage for the events that will soon unfold as Jesus enters Jerusalem.

In this moment, Jesus is leading his followers toward Jerusalem for what will become his final week before the crucifixion. The mention of Bethphage and the Mount of Olives places them just outside the city, a location with strong symbolic meaning in Jewish tradition. Jesus’ action of sending two disciples hints that something significant is about to happen, preparing the reader for the well-known story of the triumphal entry.

The Greek behind Matthew 21:1

  • Βηθφαγή (Bethphage, transliterated "Bethphage") refers to a small village near Jerusalem. Its name means "house of unripe figs," and it marks a specific location on the route Jesus takes, showing the journey’s careful detail.
  • ὄρος (oros, transliterated "mount") and Ἐλαιῶν (elaiōn, transliterated "Olives") together mean "Mount of Olives." This place is significant in Jewish history and prophecy, so its mention signals that the coming events are important and loaded with meaning for the original audience.
  • ἀπέστειλεν (apesteilen, transliterated "sent") is the Greek word for "sent." It often carries the sense of sending someone with a purpose or mission, not just sending them away. Here, it shows Jesus is intentionally directing his disciples for a specific task.

Why Matthew 21:1 matters

  • Matthew 21:1 makes clear that Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is deliberate and planned, not accidental or random.
  • The detailed mention of locations connects Jesus’ journey to Old Testament prophecies and Jewish expectations about the Messiah and the Mount of Olives.
  • This verse prepares the reader for the dramatic events of the triumphal entry, highlighting that Jesus is in control and knows what is about to happen.

Where else these words appear

“Bethphage” Greek G967 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 11:1 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
  • Luke 19:29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

“Olives” Greek G1636 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
  • Mark 14:26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
  • John 8:1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

“nigh” Greek G1448 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
  • Luke 24:28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

“Jerusalem” Greek G2414 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Luke 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
  • Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: