Bible Strands
Matthew 21:1
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two disciples,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus directs two disciples while traveling with his group toward Jerusalem. This occurs at Bethphage on the Mount of Olives immediately prior to entering the city.
The words — ἤγγισαν (ēngisan) literally means "they drew near," marking the group's physical approach to Jerusalem. ἦλθον (ēlthon) translates to "they came," confirming their arrival at Bethphage on the Mount of Olives.
The thread — The Mount of Olives location anticipates Zechariah’s prophecy of the Lord’s feet standing there (Zechariah 14:4). Mark records the identical approach to Bethphage at this ridge (Mark 11:1), and Matthew later places Jesus teaching from this same location (Matthew 24:3).
Why it lands — The text positions Jesus’ arrival at Jerusalem as a deliberate, geographically specific movement rather than a random journey. Readers must note the precise location to recognize the fulfillment of prophetic markers before the subsequent command to secure a donkey.
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 when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
Cross-references
- Zechariah 14:4 On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half the mountain moving to the north and half to the south.
- Mark 11:1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two of His disciples
- Matthew 24:3 While Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”
- Matthew 26:30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
- Luke 19:28 After Jesus had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
- Luke 21:37 Every day Jesus taught at the temple, but every evening He went out to spend the night on the Mount of Olives.
- John 8:1 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
- Acts 1:12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near the city, a Sabbath day’s journey away.
- Luke 22:39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him.
- Mark 14:26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.