Matthew 21:4
All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
Original Language Analysis
ὅλον
G3650
ὅλον
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
3 of 12
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
γέγονεν
was done
G1096
γέγονεν
was done
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
4 of 12
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
πληρωθῇ
it might be fulfilled
G4137
πληρωθῇ
it might be fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
6 of 12
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
9 of 12
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
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.John 12:15Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.Matthew 1:22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Historical Context
Written circa AD 30 during Passover week, when Jerusalem swelled from 50,000 to over 250,000 pilgrims. Rome watched nervously for messianic uprisings. Matthew's Jewish-Christian audience needed proof that Jesus fulfilled Scripture despite His crucifixion—hence the constant appeal to prophecy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's deliberate fulfillment of prophecy strengthen your confidence in Scripture's divine authorship?
- What does Christ's choice of a donkey over a warhorse reveal about the nature of His kingdom versus worldly power?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet—Matthew's characteristic formula (πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθέν, plērōthē to rhēthen) introduces Zechariah 9:9. The Triumphal Entry wasn't spontaneous theater but divine orchestration. Jesus deliberately staged His royal claim (riding the messianic colt) while fulfilling prophecy to the letter.
Matthew emphasizes Jesus as Israel's promised King, yet one who comes lowly, and riding upon an ass (Zech 9:9)—not a warhorse but a humble beast. This paradox defines Messiah's first advent: genuine kingship in servant form, sovereignty through suffering.