And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.

MATTHEW 21:3KJV
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Matthew 21:3 (KJV)

What does Matthew 21:3 mean?

Matthew 21:3 means that if anyone questions the disciples about taking the donkey and colt, they are to say that the Lord needs them, and the owner will immediately let them go. This verse shows that Jesus had authority and that the situation was already prepared for His entry into Jerusalem.

In this scene, Jesus is instructing two of His disciples as they go to fetch a donkey and its colt for Him to ride into Jerusalem. The verse highlights Jesus’ foreknowledge and the willingness of others to cooperate with His mission. The phrase “The Lord hath need of them” points to Jesus’ unique authority and the way events unfold according to His purpose.

The Greek behind Matthew 21:3

  • κύριος (kyrios, “Lord”): This word often means “master” or “one with authority.” Here, it emphasizes Jesus’ authority and the respect He commands, even over property that is not His.
  • εὐθέως (eutheōs, “straightway”): This word means “immediately” or “right away.” It shows that the owner’s response to the Lord’s need is quick and without hesitation.
  • χρείαν (chreian, “need”): This word means “need” or “necessity.” It underlines that Jesus’ request is not casual but purposeful and important.

Why Matthew 21:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus’ actions were intentional and not random; He had arranged or foreseen the details of His entry into Jerusalem.
  • The use of “the Lord” signals to readers that Jesus is more than a teacher—He acts with divine authority, which even strangers recognize.
  • Matthew 21:3 connects to the fulfillment of prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) by showing that Jesus’ entry was both humble and kingly, and that even the smallest details were under His control.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“say” Greek G2046 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
  • Luke 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
  • Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

“straightway” Greek G2112 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
  • Mark 14:45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

“send” Greek G649 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Luke 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
  • John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.