Matthew 21:9
And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλοι
the multitudes
G3793
ὄχλοι
the multitudes
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
3 of 24
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προάγοντες
that went before
G4254
προάγοντες
that went before
Strong's:
G4254
Word #:
5 of 24
to lead forward (magisterially); intransitively, to precede (in place or time (participle, previous))
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀκολουθοῦντες
that followed
G190
ἀκολουθοῦντες
that followed
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
8 of 24
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
ἔκραζον
cried
G2896
ἔκραζον
cried
Strong's:
G2896
Word #:
9 of 24
properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
10 of 24
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ὡσαννὰ
Hosanna
G5614
Ὡσαννὰ
Hosanna
Strong's:
G5614
Word #:
11 of 24
oh save!; hosanna (i.e., hoshia-na), an exclamation of adoration
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱῷ
to the Son
G5207
υἱῷ
to the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
13 of 24
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Εὐλογημένος
Blessed
G2127
Εὐλογημένος
Blessed
Strong's:
G2127
Word #:
15 of 24
to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐρχόμενος
is he that cometh
G2064
ἐρχόμενος
is he that cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
17 of 24
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ὀνόματι
the name
G3686
ὀνόματι
the name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
19 of 24
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
κυρίου·
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου·
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
20 of 24
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ὡσαννὰ
Hosanna
G5614
Ὡσαννὰ
Hosanna
Strong's:
G5614
Word #:
21 of 24
oh save!; hosanna (i.e., hoshia-na), an exclamation of adoration
Cross References
Luke 2:14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.Matthew 23:39For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.Matthew 21:15And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,Matthew 9:27And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.
Historical Context
Psalm 118 was sung during Passover, celebrating God's deliverance. The crowd's application to Jesus declared Him Messiah. The palm branches (John 12:13) symbolized Jewish nationalism and victory. The crowd expected Jesus to overthrow Rome and establish earthly kingdom. Their later rejection came when He didn't meet these expectations.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you impose wrong expectations on Jesus rather than submitting to His agenda?
- What does the crowd's fickleness warn about popularity-based faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The crowds' cry 'Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest' quotes Psalm 118:25-26, a messianic psalm. 'Hosanna' means 'save now' or 'save, we pray'—a plea for deliverance. 'Son of David' explicitly identifies Jesus as Messiah. The crowd hailed Jesus as deliverer, expecting political salvation from Rome. Within days, many would cry 'Crucify him,' showing the fickleness of crowd enthusiasm based on misunderstood expectations.