Luke 19:29
And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
G1096
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
2 of 19
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὡς
when
G5613
ὡς
when
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
3 of 19
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρὸς
at
G4314
πρὸς
at
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
9 of 19
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καλούμενον
called
G2564
καλούμενον
called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
13 of 19
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
ἀπέστειλεν
he sent
G649
ἀπέστειλεν
he sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
15 of 19
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
Cross References
Matthew 21:17And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.Acts 1:12Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.Zechariah 14:4And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
Historical Context
Bethphage and Bethany were small villages within two miles of Jerusalem's eastern wall. The Mount of Olives rises about 200 feet above the Temple Mount, offering a panoramic view of the city. Jewish tradition held that the Messiah would appear from the east, making this approach symbolically charged. Roman governors typically entered Jerusalem from the west with military pomp.
Questions for Reflection
- Why might Jesus have chosen to enter from the Mount of Olives rather than through Jerusalem's main gates?
- How does Jesus's intimate knowledge of Bethany (Lazarus's town) inform His emotions during this triumphal entry?
- What does Christ's careful staging of His entry teach about the relationship between divine sovereignty and human detail?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives—these villages lay on Jerusalem's eastern approach, separated by the Kidron Valley. Bethphage (Βηθφαγή, Bēthphagē) means 'house of unripe figs,' while Bethany (Βηθανία, Bēthania) means 'house of affliction' or 'house of dates.' The Mount of Olives (τὸ ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν, to oros tōn Elaiōn) held messianic significance from Zechariah 14:4, where the Messiah's feet would stand on this mountain at His return.
Luke alone mentions both villages, emphasizing geographical precision. Jesus had ministered in Bethany (at Lazarus's home, John 11-12) and now orchestrates His royal entry from this staging ground. The Mount of Olives overlooks the Temple Mount—from here, Jesus would survey the city He came to redeem yet must judge.