Luke 19:35
And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἤγαγον
they brought
G71
ἤγαγον
they brought
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 17
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,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 17
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἑαυτῶν
their
G1438
ἑαυτῶν
their
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
9 of 17
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Spreading garments for someone to walk or ride upon was an ancient Near Eastern gesture of homage to royalty. Outer garments (himatia) were valuable—often a person owned only one or two. The disciples' willingness to use their clothing as a saddle showed lavish devotion. This occurred on the Sunday before Passover, traditionally called Palm Sunday in Christian tradition.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'garments'—symbols of your identity, comfort, or status—is Jesus asking you to lay down for His purposes?
- How does the disciples' immediate, enthusiastic service contrast with religious service done grudgingly or for show?
- Why do you think Luke emphasizes this as the only time Jesus rode an animal during His ministry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon (ἐπιρίψαντες αὐτῶν τὰ ἱμάτια ἐπὶ τὸν πῶλον ἐπεβίβασαν τὸν Ἰησοῦν, epiripsantes autōn ta himatia epi ton pōlon epebibasan ton Iēsoun). The disciples' garments (ἱμάτια, himatia) function as an improvised saddle and royal cushion. This action echoes Jehu's coronation, when captains spread their garments under him (2 Kings 9:13). The verb cast upon (ἐπιρίπτω, epiriptō) suggests enthusiastic haste—they honor Jesus as king without hesitation.
By setting Jesus thereon (ἐπεβίβασαν, epebibasan), the disciples physically enthroned Him for His approach to Jerusalem. This is Luke's only description of Jesus riding an animal—He normally walked. The mounting marks a deliberate departure from His usual humble transportation, a visible claim to Davidic kingship precisely at the moment when He approaches David's city to fulfill David's covenant.