Bible Strands
Luke 19:31
If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus instructs his disciples on the approach to Jerusalem, providing a fixed response for when they are questioned about untying the colt.
The words — ὑμᾶς (humas) means "you" and ἐρωτᾷ (erōta) means "asks," establishing the conditional scenario for the messengers. λύετε (luete) translates literally to "do you untie," pinpointing the exact physical action that will trigger the inquiry.
The thread — The declaration of divine necessity runs parallel to Mark 11:3 and draws on the ownership claims of Psalm 24:1 and Psalm 50:10.
Why it lands — The text commands obedience based solely on Christ's stated need, removing the need for human justification. Readers must submit to the authority of that claim without demanding further explanation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.
Cross-references
- Psalms 24:1 A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein.
- Psalms 50:10 for every beast of the forest is Mine—the cattle on a thousand hills.
- Mark 11:3 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it shortly.’”
- Acts 10:36 He has sent this message to the people of Israel, proclaiming the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
- Matthew 21:2 saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to Me.