What Does Matthew 21:6 Mean in the King James?

And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,

Matthew 21:6 · KJV

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 Greek word for “commanded” carries the sense of arranging things in order, so the disciples’ movement makes the direction visible.

THE MEANING

A received word takes visible shape in movement and action. The verse holds direction and doing together, so instruction is more than an idea: it enters the present through what is done.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

It undoes the belief that direction remains abstract: here it takes visible form in movement and action.

THE ROOT

συνέταξεν

synetaxen

GROWS FROM

τάσσω

To arrange, assign, or put in order.

The word translated “commanded” is built on ⁨τάσσω⁩, meaning to arrange or set in order. The disciples’ going and doing give that direction visible form, so English “commanded” carries an added sense of action being placed into order.

ALSO GROWS

syntássō: To arrange together, direct, or command.

συντάσσω

This compound uses the same ⁨τάσσω⁩ root and makes a directive an act of arranging.

diatássō: To arrange, appoint, or command.

διατάσσω

This compound shares the same root, linking a command with something assigned or set in order.

THE PATTERN

A received word becomes visible when it takes shape in action.

Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.

Exodus 40:16 · KJVThe verse joins what is commanded with what is done, making the received direction visible in action.

And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

Luke 5:5 · KJVSimon’s words move directly from hearing the word to an action that gives it form.

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

John 2:5 · KJVThe servants’ action is presented as the visible expression of what has been said.

THE THREAD

And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.

Luke 3:13 · KJV

Luke’s word for “appointed” is ⁨διατάσσω⁩ (diatássō), meaning to arrange or appoint, from the same ⁨τάσσω⁩ (tássō) root as Matthew’s word for “commanded.” The shared root links direction with something set in order; Luke’s verse shows that order taking the form of a defined measure.

Read the SDV Bible.

Every verse has a Deep Dive in the app.

Get Selah Verse

The iPhone Bible app with the Selah Decoded Version.

Does something in this reading look wrong? Tell us