John 12:15
Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.
Original Language Analysis
Μὴ
not
G3361
Μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
φοβοῦ
Fear
G5399
φοβοῦ
Fear
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
2 of 13
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
θύγατερ
daughter
G2364
θύγατερ
daughter
Strong's:
G2364
Word #:
3 of 13
a female child, or (by hebraism) descendant (or inhabitant)
Σιών·
of Sion
G4622
Σιών·
of Sion
Strong's:
G4622
Word #:
4 of 13
sion (i.e., tsijon), a hill of jerusalem; figuratively, the church (militant or triumphant)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔρχεται
cometh
G2064
ἔρχεται
cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
9 of 13
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καθήμενος
sitting
G2521
καθήμενος
sitting
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
10 of 13
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Cross References
Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.Isaiah 62:11Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
Historical Context
Zechariah prophesied circa 520 BC during post-exilic restoration. His prophecy anticipated Messiah's first advent in humility (ch 9) and second advent in glory (ch 14). John, writing decades later, recognizes this fulfillment clearly.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Zechariah's prophecy redefine kingship from worldly to heavenly standards?
- What does 'Fear not' teach about approaching the humble King?
- In what ways does fulfilled prophecy strengthen our confidence in Scripture's reliability?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
John quotes Zechariah 9:9, identifying Jesus' action as prophetic fulfillment. The address 'daughter of Zion' personifies Jerusalem, called not to fear but rejoice. Her King comes, but riding a donkey's colt, not a warrior's stallion. This prophecy contrasts earthly kingship's pomp with messianic humility. John's citation demonstrates Gospel writers' intentional connection between Jesus' actions and Old Testament prophecy. The fulfilled prophecy authenticates Jesus' messiahship while redefining its nature. True kingship serves, not dominates; humbles, not exalts self.