What Does Matthew 21:5 Mean in the King James?
Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The King’s rule comes near to you in meekness, riding an animal of ordinary labor.
THE MEANING
You are addressed as the one the King comes to, and he approaches mounted on a donkey and its colt. His arrival holds authority and gentleness together: his rule draws near without a display of force.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
It undoes the belief that authority can reach you only through intimidation: this King comes meekly without ceasing to be King.
THE ROOT
βασιλεύς
basileus
GROWS FROM
βασιλεύ-
basileu-
The Greek word-family of kingly rule.
English can make “king” sound like a title attached to a person. The related Greek words for kingdom and reigning show that this King’s coming brings rule into nearness with you.
ALSO GROWS
basileia: Kingdom, reign, or kingship.
βασιλεία
The King who comes to you brings his realm and rule into view.
basileuō: To be king or reign.
βασιλεύω
The same word-family links the King’s identity with the act of ruling.
πραΰς
praus
GROWS FROM
πραΰ-
prau-
Gentle, mild, or meek.
Meekness does not cancel the word King; the verse holds royal authority and gentleness in one arrival. The same adjective describes Jesus in Matthew 11:29, where he names his own nature as meek and lowly in heart.
ALSO GROWS
prautēs: Gentleness or meekness.
πραΰτης
This related noun makes the quality of the King’s arrival a quality in its own right.
praunō: To soften, tame, or make gentle.
πραΰνω
This related verb carries the family’s sense of gentleness into an action.
THE PATTERN
The King’s authority appears through gentleness and peace, not through the breaking of the vulnerable or the instruments of war.
And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.THE THREAD
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.The same Greek adjective rendered “meek” describes the King’s approach here and Jesus’ nature there. The one who comes to you is the one who names himself meek and lowly in heart.
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