The Meaning of Matthew 21:9 Explained

Matthew 21:9

KJV: 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.

YLT: and the multitudes who were going before, and who were following, were crying, saying, 'Hosanna to the Son of David, blessed is he who is coming in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.'

Darby: And the crowds who went before him and who followed cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed be he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.

ASV: And the multitudes that went before him, 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.

What is the context of Matthew 21:9?

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does Matthew 21:9 Mean?

Verse Meaning

This crowd of non-Jerusalemites preceded Jesus and followed Him as He approached Jerusalem.
"Apparently the Galilean pilgrims accompanying Jesus and the Jerusalem crowd coming out to greet him formed a procession of praise." [1]
Undoubtedly word of Jesus" coming had preceded him, so the people of Jerusalem were anticipating His arrival. Since Jesus was an obedient Jew, He visited Jerusalem for the three required feasts annually. The Synoptic writers gave no hint of this, but John mentioned ministry that Jesus had in Jerusalem during these visits. Therefore many people who lived in Jerusalem had seen and heard Him before He entered Jerusalem in the Triumphal Entry. The population of Jerusalem, which covered only about300 acres, normally numbered between200 ,000,250 ,000. But during the feasts, this number swelled to near3 ,000 ,000. [2]
The people"s words of praise came from Psalm 118:25-26. The Jews used this psalm at the Passover as part of "the great Hallel" ( Psalm 113-18) and at the feasts of Tabernacles and Dedication. "Hosanna" transliterates the Hebrew word for "Save us now!" (cf. 2 Samuel 14:4; 2 Kings 6:26). It had become an acclamation through usage (cf. Revelation 7:10). [3] "Son of David" is the messianic title that stressed the kingly role that Messiah would play. "He who comes in the name of the Lord" is likewise a messianic reference ( Matthew 23:39; cf. Matthew 3:11; Matthew 11:3; Psalm 118:26). [4] "Hosanna in the highest" probably meant "Glory to God in the highest" ( Luke 2:14). [5] This quotation voiced praise to God for sending the Messiah and cried out to Him for deliverance.
"The enthusiastic multitudes thus acclaim Jesus as being blessed by Jehovah, not merely with a verbal benediction, but, as Jehovah always blesses, with the gifts and the treasures implied in the benedictory words; and they acclaim him as coming and bringing all these blessings to them and to their capital and their nation." [6]
However the people, like the disciples, did not understand Messiah"s role as the Suffering Servant who would have to die. They did not appreciate the universal, contrasted with the national, scope of the kingdom either.

Context Summary

Matthew 21:8-17 - The Lord Of The Temple
It was only a crowd of poor people who escorted Jesus on Palm Sunday to the Holy City; but they sent their hosannas upward to the highest, and their shouts of acclamation and praise are ever ringing down the ages. Let us take them up and pass them on. Hosanna means Save now, Psalms 118:25, which formed part of the Great Hallel, or Passover Psalms. Thus, one day, His Church, and probably the literal Israel of the future, will hail Him with transports of joy. See Zechariah 2:10. Where Jesus comes, He cleanses. At His word the heart that was filled with the din of worldly care becomes the home of prayer, and children-the emblems of humility, simplicity, and faith-gather. While the needy and the childlike are attracted by our Lord's gentleness, wrongdoers are driven out before the "terror of the Lord." [source]

Chapter Summary: Matthew 21

1  Jesus rides into Jerusalem upon a donkey
12  drives the buyers and sellers out of the temple;
17  curses the fig tree;
23  puts to silence the priests and elders,
28  and rebukes them by the parable of the two sons,
33  and the husbandmen who slew such as were sent to them

Greek Commentary for Matthew 21:9

That went before him and that followed [οι προαγοντες αυτον και οι ακολουτουντες]
Note the two groups with two articles and the present tense (linear action) and the imperfect εκραζον — ekrazon “were crying” as they went. [source]
Hosanna to the Son of David [οσαννα τωι υιωι Δαυειδ]
They were now proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah and he let them do it. “Hosanna” means “Save, we pray thee.” They repeat words from the Hallel (Psalm 148:1) and one recalls the song of the angelic host when Jesus was born (Luke 2:14). “Hosanna in the highest” (heaven) as well as here on earth. [source]
Hosanna []
O save! [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Matthew 21:9

Matthew 5:3 Blessed [μακαριοι]
The English word “blessed” is more exactly represented by the Greek verbal ευλογητοι — eulogētoi as in Luke 1:68 of God by Zacharias, or the perfect passive participle ευλογημενος — eulogēmenos as in Luke 1:42 of Mary by Elizabeth and in Matthew 21:9. Both forms come from ευλογεω — eulogeō to speak well of The Greek word here English has thus ennobled “blessed” to a higher rank than “happy.” But “happy” is what Jesus said and the Braid Scots New Testament dares to say “Happy” each time here as does the Improved Edition of the American Bible Union Version. The Greek word is as old as Homer and Pindar and was used of the Greek gods and also of men, but largely of outward prosperity. Then it is applied to the dead who died in the Lord as in Revelation 14:13. Already in the Old Testament the Septuagint uses it of moral quality. “Shaking itself loose from all thoughts of outward good, it becomes the express symbol of a happiness identified with pure character. Behind it lies the clear cognition of sin as the fountain-head of all misery, and of holiness as the final and effectual cure for every woe. For knowledge as the basis of virtue, and therefore of happiness, it substitutes faith and love” (Vincent). Jesus takes this word “happy” and puts it in this rich environment. “This is one of the words which have been transformed and ennobled by New Testament use; by association, as in the Beatitudes, with unusual conditions, accounted by the world miserable, or with rare and difficult” (Bruce). It is a pity that we have not kept the word “happy” to the high and holy plane where Jesus placed it. “If you know these things, happy “Happy And Paul applies this adjective to God, “according to the gospel of the glory of the happy The term “Beatitudes” (Latin beatus) comes close to the meaning of Christ here by οτι — makarioi It will repay one to make a careful study of all the “beatitudes” in the New Testament where this word is employed. It occurs nine times here (Matthew 5:3-11), though the beatitudes in Matthew 5:10 and Matthew 5:11 are very much alike. The copula is not expressed in either of these nine beatitudes. In each case a reason is given for the beatitude, “for” That is of small moment. “The originality of Jesus lies in putting the due value on these thoughts, collecting them, and making them as prominent as the Ten Commandments. No greater service can be rendered to mankind than to rescue from obscurity neglected moral commonplaces “ (Bruce). Jesus repeated his sayings many times as all great teachers and preachers do, but this sermon has unity, progress, and consummation. It does not contain all that Jesus taught by any means, but it stands out as the greatest single sermon of all time, in its penetration, pungency, and power. [source]
Mark 12:35 How say the scribes [Πως λεγουσιν οι γραμματεις]
The opponents of Jesus are silenced, but he answers them and goes on teaching They no longer dare to question Jesus, but he has one to put to them “while the Pharisees were gathered together” (Matthew 22:41). The question is not a conundrum or scriptural puzzle (Gould), but “He contents himself with pointing out a difficulty, in the solution of which lay the key to the whole problem of His person and work” (Swete). The scribes all taught that the Messiah was to be the son of David (John 7:41). The people in the Triumphal Entry had acclaimed Jesus as the son of David (Matthew 21:9). But the rabbis had overlooked the fact that David in Psalm 110:1 called the Messiah his Lord also. The deity and the humanity of the Messiah are both involved in the problem. Matthew 22:45 observes that “no one was able to answer him a word.” [source]
Luke 19:38 Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest [en ouranōi eirēnē kai doxa en hupsistois)]
This language reminds one strongly of the song of the angels at the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:14). Mark 11:10; Matthew 21:9 have “Hosannah in the highest.” [source]
John 12:13 Took [ελαβον]
Second aorist active indicative of λαμβανω — lambanō The branches of the palm trees Ποινιχ — Phoinix is an old word for palm tree (Revelation 7:9 for the branches) and in Acts 27:12 the name of a city. αιον — Baion is apparently a word of Egyptian origin, palm branches, here only in N.T., but in the papyri and 1Macc 13:51. Here we have “the palm branches of the palm trees.” The use in 1Macc 13:51 (cf. 2Macc 10:7) is in the account of Simon‘s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Bernard notes that to carry palms was a mark of triumphant homage to a victor or a king (Revelation 7:9). Palm trees grew on the Mount of Olives (Mark 11:8) on the road from Bethany to Jerusalem. The crowds (one in front and one behind, Mark 11:9; Matthew 21:9; John 2:18) cut the branches as they came (Matthew 21:8). To meet him Literally, for a meeting It was a scene of growing excitement. And cried out Imperfect active of κραυγαζω — kraugazō old and rare verb (from κραυγη — kraugē) as in Matthew 12:19; John 19:15. Hosannah Transliteration of the Hebrew word meaning “Save now.” The lxx renders it by Σωσον δη — Sōson dē (Save now). Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord Perfect passive participle of ευλογεω — eulogeō Quotation from Psalm 118:25., written, some think, for the dedication of the second temple, or, as others think, for the feast of tabernacles after the return (Ezra 3:1.). It was sung in the processional recitation then as a welcome to the worshippers. Here the words are addressed to the Messiah as is made plain by the addition of the words, “even the king of Israel” Jesus is here hailed by the multitudes as the long-looked for Messiah of Jewish hope and he allows them so to greet him (Luke 19:38-40), a thing that he prevented a year before in Galilee (John 6:14.). It is probable that “in the name of the Lord” should be taken with “blessed” as in Deuteronomy 21:5; 2 Samuel 6:18; 1 Kings 22:16; 2 Kings 2:24. The Messiah was recognized by Martha as the Coming One (John 11:27) and is so described by the Baptist (Matthew 11:3). Mark (Mark 11:10) adds “the kingdom that cometh” while Luke (John 19:38) has “the king that cometh.” “It was this public acclamation of Jesus as King of Israel or King of the Jews which was the foundation of the charge made against him before Pilate (John 18:33)” (Bernard). [source]
1 Thessalonians 1:10 From heaven [ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν]
Lit. from the heavens. Comp. 1 Corinthians 15:47; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:7. Paul uses the unclassical plural much oftener than the singular. Although the Hebrew equivalent has no singular, the singular is almost universal in lxx, the plural occurring mostly in the Psalm. Οὐρανός is from a Sanscrit word meaning to cover or encompass. The Hebrew shamayim signifies height, high district, the upper regions. Similarly we have in N.T. ἐν ὑψίστοις inthe highest (places), Matthew 21:9; Luke 2:14: ἐν ὑψηλοῖς inthe high (places), Hebrews 1:3. Paul's usage is evidently colored by the Rabbinical conception of a series of heavens: see 2 Corinthians 12:2; Ephesians 4:10. Some Jewish teachers held that there were seven heavens, others three. The idea of a series of heavens appears in patristic writings, in Thomas Aquinas's doctrine of the celestial hierarchies, and in Dionysius the Areopagite, Through the scholastic theologians it passed into Dante's Paradiso with its nine heavens. The words to await his Son from heaven strike the keynote of this Epistle. [source]
Hebrews 10:37 He that shall come will come [ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἥξει]
Rend. “he that cometh will come.” In the Hebrew (Habakkuk 2:3) the subject of the sentence is the vision of the extermination of the Chaldees. “The vision - will surely come.” As rendered in the lxx, either Jehovah or Messiah must be the subject. The passage was referred to Messiah by the later Jewish theologians, and is so taken by our writer, as is shown by the article before ἐρχόμενος . Comp. Matthew 11:3; Matthew 21:9; John 11:27. Similarly he refers ἥξει shallcome to the final coming of Messiah to judge the world. [source]
Hebrews 1:3 Sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high [ἐκάθισεν ἐν δεξιᾷ τῆς μεγαλωσύνης ἐν ὑψηλοῖς]
Comp. Psalm 110:1, Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 10:12; Hebrews 12:2; Ephesians 1:20; Revelation 3:21. The verb denotes a solemn, formal act; the assumption of a position of dignity and authority The reference is to Christ's ascension. In his exalted state he will still be bearing on all things toward their consummation, still dealing with sin as the great high priest in the heavenly sanctuary. This is elaborated later. See Hebrews 8:1-13; Hebrews 9:12ff. Μεγαλωσύνη majestyonly here, Hebrews 8:1; Judges 1:25. Quite often in lxx. There is suggested, not a contrast with his humiliation, but his resumption of his original dignity, described in the former part of this verse. Ἐν ὑψηλοῖς , lit. in the high places. Const. with sat down, not with majesty. The phrase N.T.olxx, Psalm 92:4; Psalm 112:5. Ἐν τοῖς ὑψίστοις inthe highest (places ), in the Gospels, and only in doxologies. See Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:10; Luke 2:14. Ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις inthe heavenly (places ), only in Ephesians. See Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10; Ephesians 6:12. [source]
Hebrews 1:3 Being [ων]
Absolute and timeless existence (present active participle of ειμι — eimi) in contrast with γενομενος — genomenos in Hebrews 1:4 like ην — ēn in John 1:1 (in contrast with εγενετο — egeneto in John 1:14) and like υπαρχων — huparchōn and γενομενος — genomenos in Philemon 2:6. The effulgence of his glory The word απαυγασμα — apaugasma late substantive from απαυγαζω — apaugazō to emit brightness The meaning “effulgence” suits the context better, though it gives the idea of eternal generation of the Son (John 1:1), the term Father applied to God necessarily involving Son. See this same metaphor in 2 Corinthians 4:6. The very image of his substance (Χαρακτηρ — charaktēr tēs hupostaseōs). χαρασσω — Charaktēr is an old word from τηρ — charassō to cut, to scratch, to mark. It first was the agent (note ending = χαραγμα — tēr) or tool that did the marking, then the mark or impress made, the exact reproduction, a meaning clearly expressed by χαρακτηρ — charagma (Acts 17:29; Revelation 13:16.). Menander had already used (Moffatt) υποστασις — charaktēr in the sense of our “character.” The word occurs in the inscriptions for “person” as well as for “exact reproduction” of a person. The word ψποστασις — hupostasis for the being or essence of God “is a philosophical rather than a religious term” (Moffatt). Etymologically it is the sediment or foundation under a building (for instance). In Hebrews 11:1 μορπη τεου — hypostasis is like the “title-deed” idea found in the papyri. Athanasius rightly used Hebrews 1:1-4 in his controversy with Arius. Paul in Philemon 2:5-11 pictures the real and eternal deity of Christ free from the philosophical language here employed. But even Paul‘s simpler phrase Λογος — morphē theou (the form of God) has difficulties of its own. The use of περων τε — Logos in John 1:1-18 is parallel to Hebrews 1:1-4. And upholding (περω — pherōn te). Present active participle of ων — pherō closely connected with τε — ōn (being) by τωι ρηματι της δυναμεως αυτου — te and like Colossians 1:17 in idea. The newer science as expounded by Eddington and Jeans is in harmony with the spiritual and personal conception of creation here presented. By the word of his power (ρημα — tōi rēmati tēs dunameōs autou). Instrumental case of ρηματι τεου — rēma (word). See Hebrews 11:3 for αυτου — rēmati theou (by the word of God) as the explanation of creation like Genesis, but here καταρισμον των αμαρτιων — autou refers to God‘s Son as in Hebrews 1:2. Purification of sins (Καταρισμος — katharismon tōn hamartiōn). καταριζω — Katharismos is from ποιησαμενος — katharizō to cleanse (Matthew 8:3; Hebrews 9:14), here only in Hebrews, but in same sense of cleansing from sins, 2 Peter 1:9; Job 7:21. Note middle participle ευραμενος — poiēsamenos like εκατισεν — heuramenos in Hebrews 9:12. This is the first mention of the priestly work of Christ, the keynote of this Epistle. Sat down (κατιζω — ekathisen). First aorist active of της μεγαλοσυνης εν υπσηλοις — kathizō “took his seat,” a formal and dignified act. Of the Majesty on high (μεγας — tēs megalosunēs en hupsēlois). Late word from εν υπσηλοις — megas only in lxx (Deut 32:3; 2Sam 7:23, etc.), Aristeas, Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 8:1; Judges 1:25. Christ resumed his original dignity and glory (John 17:5). The phrase εν υπσιστοις — en hupsēlois occurs in the Psalms (Psalm 93:4), here only in N.T., elsewhere εν τοις επουρανιοις — en hupsistois in the highest (Matthew 21:9; Luke 2:14) or en tois epouraniois in the heavenlies (Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:20). Jesus is here pictured as King (Prophet and Priest also) Messiah seated at the right hand of God. [source]
Hebrews 1:3 The effulgence of his glory [απαυγασμα της δοχης]
The word απαυγασμα — apaugasma late substantive from απαυγαζω — apaugazō to emit brightness The meaning “effulgence” suits the context better, though it gives the idea of eternal generation of the Son (John 1:1), the term Father applied to God necessarily involving Son. See this same metaphor in 2 Corinthians 4:6. The very image of his substance (Χαρακτηρ — charaktēr tēs hupostaseōs). χαρασσω — Charaktēr is an old word from τηρ — charassō to cut, to scratch, to mark. It first was the agent (note ending = χαραγμα — tēr) or tool that did the marking, then the mark or impress made, the exact reproduction, a meaning clearly expressed by χαρακτηρ — charagma (Acts 17:29; Revelation 13:16.). Menander had already used (Moffatt) υποστασις — charaktēr in the sense of our “character.” The word occurs in the inscriptions for “person” as well as for “exact reproduction” of a person. The word ψποστασις — hupostasis for the being or essence of God “is a philosophical rather than a religious term” (Moffatt). Etymologically it is the sediment or foundation under a building (for instance). In Hebrews 11:1 μορπη τεου — hypostasis is like the “title-deed” idea found in the papyri. Athanasius rightly used Hebrews 1:1-4 in his controversy with Arius. Paul in Philemon 2:5-11 pictures the real and eternal deity of Christ free from the philosophical language here employed. But even Paul‘s simpler phrase Λογος — morphē theou (the form of God) has difficulties of its own. The use of περων τε — Logos in John 1:1-18 is parallel to Hebrews 1:1-4. And upholding (περω — pherōn te). Present active participle of ων — pherō closely connected with τε — ōn (being) by τωι ρηματι της δυναμεως αυτου — te and like Colossians 1:17 in idea. The newer science as expounded by Eddington and Jeans is in harmony with the spiritual and personal conception of creation here presented. By the word of his power (ρημα — tōi rēmati tēs dunameōs autou). Instrumental case of ρηματι τεου — rēma (word). See Hebrews 11:3 for αυτου — rēmati theou (by the word of God) as the explanation of creation like Genesis, but here καταρισμον των αμαρτιων — autou refers to God‘s Son as in Hebrews 1:2. Purification of sins (Καταρισμος — katharismon tōn hamartiōn). καταριζω — Katharismos is from ποιησαμενος — katharizō to cleanse (Matthew 8:3; Hebrews 9:14), here only in Hebrews, but in same sense of cleansing from sins, 2 Peter 1:9; Job 7:21. Note middle participle ευραμενος — poiēsamenos like εκατισεν — heuramenos in Hebrews 9:12. This is the first mention of the priestly work of Christ, the keynote of this Epistle. Sat down (κατιζω — ekathisen). First aorist active of της μεγαλοσυνης εν υπσηλοις — kathizō “took his seat,” a formal and dignified act. Of the Majesty on high (μεγας — tēs megalosunēs en hupsēlois). Late word from εν υπσηλοις — megas only in lxx (Deut 32:3; 2Sam 7:23, etc.), Aristeas, Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 8:1; Judges 1:25. Christ resumed his original dignity and glory (John 17:5). The phrase εν υπσιστοις — en hupsēlois occurs in the Psalms (Psalm 93:4), here only in N.T., elsewhere εν τοις επουρανιοις — en hupsistois in the highest (Matthew 21:9; Luke 2:14) or en tois epouraniois in the heavenlies (Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:20). Jesus is here pictured as King (Prophet and Priest also) Messiah seated at the right hand of God. [source]

What do the individual words in Matthew 21:9 mean?

The now crowds - going before Him and those following were crying out saying Hosanna to the Son of David Blessed is the [One] coming in [the] name of [the] Lord the highest
Οἱ δὲ ὄχλοι οἱ προάγοντες αὐτὸν καὶ οἱ ἀκολουθοῦντες ἔκραζον λέγοντες Ὡσαννὰ τῷ υἱῷ Δαυίδ Εὐλογημένος ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου τοῖς ὑψίστοις

δὲ  now 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
ὄχλοι  crowds 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ὄχλος  
Sense: a crowd.
οἱ  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
προάγοντες  going  before 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: προάγω  
Sense: to lead forward, lead forth.
οἱ  those 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἀκολουθοῦντες  following 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀκολουθέω  
Sense: to follow one who precedes, join him as his attendant, accompany him.
ἔκραζον  were  crying  out 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: κράζω  
Sense: to croak.
λέγοντες  saying 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: λέγω 
Sense: to say, to speak.
Ὡσαννὰ  Hosanna 
Parse: Hebrew Word
Root: ὡσαννά  
Sense: hosanna.
τῷ  to  the 
Parse: Article, Dative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
υἱῷ  Son 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: υἱός  
Sense: a son.
Δαυίδ  of  David 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Δαβίδ 
Sense: second king of Israel, and ancestor of Jesus Christ.
Εὐλογημένος  Blessed  is 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: εὐλογέω 
Sense: to praise, celebrate with praises.
  the  [One] 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἐρχόμενος  coming 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἔρχομαι  
Sense: to come.
ὀνόματι  [the]  name 
Parse: Noun, Dative Neuter Singular
Root: ὄνομα  
Sense: name: univ.
Κυρίου  of  [the]  Lord 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: κύριος  
Sense: he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord.
ὑψίστοις  highest 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Neuter Plural, Superlative
Root: ὕψιστος  
Sense: highest, most high.