Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.

MATTHEW 21:5KJV
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Matthew 21:5 (KJV)

What does Matthew 21:5 mean?

Matthew 21:5 describes a message to Jerusalem, pictured as "the daughter of Sion," announcing that her King is coming to her in a gentle and humble way, riding on a donkey and its young colt. This verse highlights the peaceful and unassuming arrival of the King, rather than a display of power or force.

In this scene, Matthew is quoting a prophecy from the Old Testament (Zechariah 9:9) as Jesus enters Jerusalem. The crowd is being told to recognize Jesus as the promised King, but He comes not as a conquering ruler, but with humility. The details about the donkey and colt emphasize the unexpected nature of His kingship and fulfill a specific prophecy known to the Jewish audience.

The Greek behind Matthew 21:5

  • Σιών (Sion, transliterated "Sion"): This is the Greek form of "Zion," a poetic name for Jerusalem, emphasizing the city’s special role in God’s promises.
  • βασιλεύς (basileus, "King"): This word points to Jesus’ royal identity, but the context shows He is a different kind of king—gentle and peaceful.
  • πραΰς (praus, "meek" or "gentle"): The Greek here carries the sense of someone who is humble, not aggressive or proud, highlighting the character of Jesus as He enters the city.
  • ὄνος (onos, "ass" or "donkey") and πῶλος (polos, "colt"): The specific mention of both the donkey and its young colt underlines the literal fulfillment of prophecy and the humble circumstances of Jesus’ arrival.

Why Matthew 21:5 matters

  • Matthew 21:5 clears up the common expectation that the Messiah would arrive as a political or military leader by showing Jesus coming in humility.
  • The verse connects Jesus’ actions directly to Old Testament prophecy, helping readers see Him as the fulfillment of long-awaited promises.
  • By highlighting the gentle nature of the King, Matthew 21:5 sets the tone for how Jesus’ kingdom operates—marked by peace, not force.

Where else these words appear

“ass” Greek G5268 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Peter 2:16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.

“meek” Greek G4239 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
  • 1 Peter 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

“sitting” Greek G1910 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 20:18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
  • Acts 21:2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.
  • Acts 25:1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

“ass” Greek G3688 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 21:2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
  • Matthew 21:7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
  • Luke 14:5 And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?