Matthew 21:4
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
American King James Version (AKJV)
All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
American Standard Version (ASV)
Now this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying,
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Now this took place so that these words of the prophet might come true,
Webster's Revision
All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
World English Bible
All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying,
English Revised Version (ERV)
Now this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
Clarke's Matthew 21:4 Bible Commentary
All this was done - The word all, in this clause, is omitted by some MSS., versions, and fathers.
Which was spoken - The Spirit of God, which predicted those things that concerned the Messiah, took care to have them literally fulfilled:
1. To show the truth of prophecy in general; and,
2. To designate Christ as the person intended by that prophecy.
See the note on Matthew 2:23.
Barnes's Matthew 21:4 Bible Commentary
All this was done ... - The prophecy here quoted is found in Zechariah 9:9. It was always, by the Jews, applied to the Messiah.
Daughter of Zion - That is, "Jerusalem." "Zion" was one of the hills on which the city of Jerusalem was built. On this stood the city of David and some strong fortresses. The names "daughter and virgin" were given to it often, in accordance with the Oriental figurative manner of expression. See the notes at Isaiah 1:8. Compare Amos 5:2; Psalm 45:13; Psalm 137:8; Isaiah 47:1. It was given to them as an expression of their beauty or comeliness.
Meek - See the notes at Matthew 5:5. The expression here rather denotes "peaceful, not warlike;" not with pomp, and state, and the ensigns of ambition. He came in the manner in which kings were accustomed to ride, but with none of their pride and ambitious feeling.
Sitting upon an ass ... - He rode on the colt (Mark and Luke). This expression in Matthew is one which is common with all writers. See Genesis 19:29; Judges 12:7.