And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.

MATTHEW 21:8KJV
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Matthew 21:8 (KJV)

What does Matthew 21:8 mean?

Matthew 21:8 describes a large crowd spreading their garments on the road and others cutting branches from trees to lay them along the way as Jesus entered Jerusalem. This act showed honor and celebration, treating Jesus like a king or a highly respected figure.

In this scene, Jesus is riding into Jerusalem, and the people are welcoming him with great enthusiasm. The crowd’s actions—laying down clothes and branches—were traditional ways to show respect and to prepare the way for someone important, often used for royalty. This sets the stage for the events leading up to Jesus’ final days, highlighting the excitement and expectations of the people as he arrived.

The Greek behind Matthew 21:8

  • The word for "multitude" is ὄχλος (ochlos), which means a crowd or a large group of people. The Greek phrase here emphasizes that it was a "very great" crowd, showing the scale of the event.
  • "Spread" uses the word ἐστρώννυον (estrōnnyon), which means to spread out or to strew. This word is used twice in the verse, once for garments and once for branches, highlighting the deliberate and respectful preparation of the road.
  • "Branches" is κλάδους (kladous), meaning branches or boughs. The use of tree branches, along with garments, underlines the festive and royal welcome being given to Jesus.

Why Matthew 21:8 matters

  • Matthew 21:8 helps clarify that the crowd’s actions were not random but were meaningful gestures of honor, often reserved for royalty or important dignitaries.
  • This verse connects directly to Old Testament imagery, where spreading garments and branches was a way to receive a king, helping readers see the significance of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
  • Understanding this verse helps set the emotional and cultural context for the events that follow, showing the high expectations people had for Jesus as he entered the city.

Where else these words appear

“great” Greek G4118 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 11:20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
  • 1 Corinthians 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

“spread” Greek G4766 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 11:8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.
  • Mark 14:15 And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.
  • Luke 22:12 And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.

“down” Greek G2875 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 11:17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.
  • Mark 11:8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.
  • Luke 23:27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.

“branches” Greek G2798 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 13:32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
  • Mark 13:28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
  • Romans 11:17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;