Bible Commentaries

Colt

Only Matthew adds the ass. Mark and Luke havecolt only.

In a place where two ways met ( ἐπὶ τοῦ ἀμφόδου )

Ἄμφοδον is literally any road which leads round ( ἀμφί ) a place or a block of buildings. Hence the winding way. The word occurs only here in the New Testament. Rev., in the open street, which in an Eastern town is usually crooked. Perhaps, by contrast with the usual crookedness, the street in Damascus where Paul lodged was called Straight (Acts 9:11). “It is a topographical note,” says Dr. Morison, “that could only be given by an eye-witness.” The detail of Mark 11:4 is peculiar to Mark. According to Luke (Luke 22:8), Peter was one of those sent, and his stamp is probably on the narrative.

In the way

Both Matthew and Luke have ἐν , in; but Mark, εἰς , into. They threw their garments into the way and spread them there.

Branches

Matthew, Hark, and John use each a different word for branches. Matthew, κλάδους , from κλάω , to break; hence a young slip or shoot, such as is broken off for grafting - a twig, as related to a branch. Mark, στιβάδας , from στείβω , to tread or beat down; hence a mass of straw, rushes, or leaves beaten together or strewed loose, so as to form a bed or a carpeted way. A litter of branches and leaves cut from the fields (only Mark) near by. John, βαΐ́α , strictly palm-branches, the feathery fronds forming the tufted crown of the tree.

Hosanna

Meaning,O save!

When he had looked round

Peculiar to Mark. As the master of the house, inspecting. “A look serious, sorrowful, judicial” (Meyer). Compare Mark 3:5, Mark 3:34.

Afar off

Peculiar to Mark.

Having leaves

An unusual thing at that early season.

If haply ( εἰ ἄρα )

If, such being the case, i.e., the tree having leaves - he might find fruit, which, in the fig, precedes the leaf. Mark alone adds, “for the time of figs was not yet.”

His disciples heard it

Peculiar to Mark.

Money-changers ( κολλυβιστῶν )

Another unclassical word, but used also by Matthew. “Such words as these might naturally find their place in the mongrel Greek of the slaves and freedmen who formed the first congregations of the church in Rome” (Ezra Abbott, Art. “Gospels,” in Encyc. Britannica). See on Matthew 21:12.

Vessel ( σκεῦος )

See on Matthew 12:29; and Mark 3:27.

Temple ( ἱροῦ )

See on Matthew 4:5. The temple enclosure, not the ναός , or sanctuary. People would be tempted to carry vessels, etc., through this, in order to save a long circuit. The court of the Gentiles, moreover, was not regarded by the Jews as entitled to the respect due to the other part of the enclosure. This our Lord rebukes.

Of all nations

Which rendering implies, shall be called by all nations. But render with Rev., a house of prayer for all the nations ( πᾶσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν )Thieves ( λῃστῶν )

Rev., correctly, robbers. See on Matthew 21:13; and Matthew 26:55; and John 10:1, John 10:8. From ληίς or λεία , booty. In classical usage mostly of cattle. The robber, conducting his operations on a large and systematic scale, and with the aid of bands, is thus to be distinguished from the κλέπτης , or thief who purloins or pilfers whatever comes to hand. A den would be appropriate to a band of robbers, not to thieves. Thus the traveller to Jericho, in Christ's parable (Luke 10:30), fell among robbers, not thieves.

When evening was come ( ὅταν )

Lit., whenever evening came on; not on the evening of the purging of the temple merely, but each day at evening.

sa40

Shall come to pass ( γίνεται )

Rather cometh to pass, as Rev.

Receive ( ἐλάβετε )

More lit., received. Rev., have received.

Trespasses

See on Matthew 6:14.

Walking

An addition of Mark.