Matthew 21:6
And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
Original Language Analysis
πορευθέντες
went
G4198
πορευθέντες
went
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
1 of 11
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιήσαντες
did
G4160
ποιήσαντες
did
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
6 of 11
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
προσέταξεν
commanded
G4367
προσέταξεν
commanded
Strong's:
G4367
Word #:
8 of 11
to arrange towards, i.e., (figuratively) enjoin
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 11
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
Historical Context
Bethphage was a small village on the Mount of Olives' eastern slope, less than a mile from Jerusalem. The 'certain village' (v.2) was likely within the Sabbath day's journey, showing Jesus's meticulous planning for this prophetic moment.
Questions for Reflection
- When has God asked you to obey instructions that seemed unusual or unclear at the time?
- How does the disciples' immediate obedience challenge your own response time to clear biblical commands?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them—Simple obedience (ὑπήκουσαν, hypēkousan) without recorded hesitation. Jesus had given unusual instructions (take a colt you don't own, tell the owner 'the Lord needs it'), yet the disciples trusted His authority.
This verse models discipleship: immediate compliance with Christ's directives even when the reasoning isn't apparent. Their obedience became instrumental in fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy and revealing Jesus's sovereign knowledge (He knew the colt would be there and the owner would consent).