Matthew 21:8
And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλος
multitude
G3793
ὄχλος
multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
4 of 23
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ἑαυτῶν
their
G1438
ἑαυτῶν
their
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
6 of 23
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδῷ
the way
G3598
ὁδῷ
the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
11 of 23
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
16 of 23
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
John 12:13Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.2 Kings 9:13Then they hasted, and took every man his garment, and put it under him on the top of the stairs, and blew with trumpets, saying, Jehu is king.
Historical Context
Passover celebrated Israel's liberation from Egypt, making it prime time for revolutionary fervor. The crowds expected Messiah to restore David's kingdom now. Their palm branches echoed 1 Maccabees 13:51, when Simon Maccabeus liberated Jerusalem (142 BC) to great rejoicing with 'branches of palm trees.'
Questions for Reflection
- When have you enthusiastically praised Jesus for what you wanted Him to do, rather than for who He is?
- How does the crowd's fickleness warn against popularity-driven faith versus cross-bearing discipleship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
A very great multitude spread their garments in the way—Ancient enthronement ritual (2 Kings 9:13). The Greek πλεῖστος ὄχλος (pleistos ochlos) means 'the vast majority.' Others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way—likely palm fronds (John 12:13), symbols of Jewish nationalism and victory since the Maccabean revolt.
The crowd enacted coronation ceremony for Jesus as Davidic king, yet within days would cry 'Crucify him!' This fickle adoration reveals human hearts: eager for a political deliverer to overthrow Rome, unwilling to embrace a suffering Messiah who demands heart-surrender.