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Matthew 21:1

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 21:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
Matthew 21:1 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 21

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
2saying unto them, Go into the village that is over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose [them], and bring [them] unto me.
3And if any one say aught unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.
4Now this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying,
← Matthew 20:34Matthew 21:2 →
← Full Chapter 21 Matthew Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, etc.] The Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions read, “when he drew nigh, or was near”; but not alone, his disciples were with him, and a multitude of people also; as is evident from the following account. They might well be said to be near to Jerusalem, since it is added, and were come to Bethphage; which the Jews say f1072 was within the walls of the city of Jerusalem, and was in all respects as the city itself, and was the outermost part of it f1073; and that all within the outward circumference of the city of Jerusalem was called Bethphage f1074: it seems to me to be part of it within the city, and part of it without, in the suburbs of it, which…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS QUESTIONED AND THE REPLY--THE PARABLES OF THE TWO SONS, AND OF THE WICKED HUSBANDMAN. ( = Mark 11:27-12:12; Luke 20:1-19). (Mat. 21:23-46) By what authority doest thou these things!--referring particularly to the expulsion of the buyers and sellers from the temple, and who gave thee this authority?”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem - They were going up now from Jericho. Matthew 20:29. The distance was about 19 miles. The most of the way was a desert, or filled with caves, and rocks, and woods - a suitable place for robbers. See Luke 10:30. The Mount of Olives, or “Olivet,” is on the east of Jerusalem. Between this and Jerusalem there runs a small stream called the brook Kidron, or Cedron. It is dry in the hot seasons of the year, but swells to a considerable size in time of heavy rains. See the notes at John 18:1. The Mount of Olives was so called from its producing in abundance the olive. It was from Jerusalem about a Sabbath-day’s journey. See the notes at Acts 1:12. On the west…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Mar 11:1; Luk 19:29; Joh 12:12. Matthew 21:5”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“21:1–28:20 Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem initiates Matthew’s account of how the Messiah’s suffering and resurrection establish salvation. 21:1 Bethphage (a Hebrew name meaning house of figs) was probably located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives between Bethany and Jerusalem proper.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“when: Mar 11:1; Luk 19:28 Bethphage: Bethphage was a village on the declivity of Mount Olivet, and somewhat nearer to Jerusalem than Bethany. the mount: Mat 24:3, Mat 26:30; Zac 14:4; Luk 19:37, Luk 21:37; Joh 8:1; Act 1:12 Matthew 21:2”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification