Question 1

What does Matthew 21:18 mean?

Accepted Answer

Matthew 21:18 describes Jesus returning to the city in the morning and feeling hungry. This verse simply shows a moment in Jesus’ daily life, highlighting his humanity and setting the stage for what happens next in the story. Jesus is traveling back into Jerusalem after spending the night outside the city. The verse notes that he was hungry, which is a straightforward detail but also prepares the reader for the following event with the fig tree. This moment comes just after Jesus’ triumphal entry, during a tense and significant week in his ministry.

Question 2

The Greek behind Matthew 21:18

Accepted Answer

πρωῒ (prōi, "morning"): This word often refers to the early part of the day, suggesting Jesus was up and active at daybreak. It sets the time for the events that follow. ἐπείνασεν (epeinasen, "hungered"): This verb means to feel hunger or to be hungry. The use of this word emphasizes that Jesus experienced normal human needs, underlining his true humanity.

Question 3

Why Matthew 21:18 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse reminds readers that Jesus experienced physical needs like hunger, highlighting his full participation in human life. The mention of hunger prepares the reader for the lesson involving the fig tree in the next verses, showing that the events are connected. By noting the time and Jesus’ condition, Matthew helps the reader picture the scene and understand the flow of events during this important week.

Matthew 21:18 (KJV)