Matthew 21:3
And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.
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
ἐάν
if
G1437
ἐάν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
2 of 17
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἐρεῖτε
ye shall say
G2046
ἐρεῖτε
ye shall say
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
7 of 17
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
ὅτι
G3754
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
The Lord
G2962
κύριος
The Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
10 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
αὐτούς
of them
G846
αὐτούς
of them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 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
χρείαν
need
G5532
χρείαν
need
Strong's:
G5532
Word #:
12 of 17
employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
ἔχει·
hath
G2192
ἔχει·
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
13 of 17
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
Acts 17:25Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;John 3:35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.2 Corinthians 8:9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.Psalms 24:1The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.John 17:2As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.Ezra 1:5Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.Ezra 7:27Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem:
Historical Context
First-century Palestine was marked by religious fervor and political tension. The passage reflects interactions between Jesus and various groups: Pharisees, Sadducees, disciples, and crowds. Each audience received teaching tailored to their needs and spiritual condition.
Questions for Reflection
- What does this text reveal about human nature and God's grace?
- How can you apply this teaching to current struggles or questions?
- What changes in thinking or behavior does this passage require?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse reveals profound theological truth central to Reformed understanding of Scripture. The passage demonstrates God's sovereignty and grace working through human circumstances. Christ's teaching here challenges contemporary religious assumptions while pointing to deeper spiritual realities.