All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

MATTHEW 21:4KJV
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Matthew 21:4 (KJV)

What does Matthew 21:4 mean?

Matthew 21:4 explains that the events being described—specifically, Jesus’ actions as He enters Jerusalem—happened to fulfill what a prophet had spoken earlier. The verse points out that these actions were not random but were meant to accomplish something predicted in the Hebrew Scriptures.

In the setting of Matthew 21, Jesus is about to enter Jerusalem, and Matthew pauses the story to remind readers that what is happening was foretold by a prophet. The verse sets up the next lines, which will quote the prophecy itself. This signals to the reader that Jesus’ actions are part of a larger, purposeful plan that connects His life to ancient promises.

The Greek behind Matthew 21:4

  • πληρωθῇ (plērōthē, "fulfilled"): This word means to bring something to completion or to fill up. Here, it highlights that Jesus’ actions are not just coincidentally similar to prophecy but are seen as the actual realization of what was spoken long ago.
  • ῥηθὲν (rhēthen, "spoken"): This word refers to something that was said or declared, often with authority. In this context, it emphasizes that the words of the prophet were not just predictions but authoritative statements that are now coming true.
  • διὰ (dia, "by"): This preposition means "through" or "by means of." It shows that the prophecy came through the prophet as a channel, underlining the prophet’s role as a messenger rather than the originator of the message.

Why Matthew 21:4 matters

  • Matthew 21:4 helps readers see that Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was not a spontaneous event but was intentionally connected to Jewish prophecy, reinforcing Jesus’ role in fulfilling Scripture.
  • This verse encourages readers to look back at the Old Testament to understand the significance of Jesus’ actions, showing that the New Testament writers saw a deep continuity between Jesus and the Hebrew Scriptures.
  • By pausing to explain the fulfillment of prophecy, Matthew signals that what follows is especially important for understanding who Jesus is and why His actions matter in the larger biblical story.

Where else these words appear

“spoken” Greek G4483 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Matthew 5:31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
  • Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place,(whoso readeth, let him understand:)

“fulfilled” Greek G4137 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
  • Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

“All” Greek G3650 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Mark 15:33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
  • Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

“prophet” Greek G4396 · used in 143 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
  • Acts 7:42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?