Matthew 21:4 - All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying,
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What does "Matthew 21:4" mean?
The verse "All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying," from Matthew 21:4 is a key phrase used repeatedly in the Gospel of Matthew to emphasize that Jesus's life and actions were foretold in the Old Testament prophecies. It specifically highlights that Jesus's entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilled a prophecy about the Messiah.
Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"All this was done...": This refers to the preceding events in the narrative. In this case, it's about the disciples going to get the donkey and colt as instructed by Jesus.
"...that it might be fulfilled...": This is the core purpose statement. It indicates that the events were not random or coincidental but were part of God's preordained plan, revealed through prophecy. The word "fulfilled" means to bring to completion or realization. It's a claim that Jesus' actions aligned with and completed the prophecies of the Old Testament.
"...which was spoken through the prophet...": This points to the source of the prophecy - an Old Testament prophet. It legitimizes the claim by grounding it in recognized scripture.
"...saying,": This introduces the specific Old Testament prophecy that Matthew believes is being fulfilled. Matthew 21:5 then quotes Zechariah 9:9: "Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’"
In essence, the verse is saying: The events leading up to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem happened precisely so that the prophecy given by an ancient prophet (Zechariah) would come true, demonstrating that Jesus is the Messiah.
Significance and Implications:
Confirmation of Jesus's Messianic Identity: Matthew uses this phrase repeatedly to argue that Jesus is the Messiah promised in the Old Testament. By fulfilling prophecies, Jesus demonstrates his divine mission and authority.
Emphasis on Divine Plan: It underscores the idea that God has a plan for salvation history, and Jesus's life is the central point of that plan.
Interpreting Scripture: It highlights a particular way of reading and interpreting the Old Testament, seeing it as predictive of Jesus.
Strengthening Faith: For early Christians, this connection between the Old Testament and the New Testament provided evidence and strengthened their faith in Jesus as the Messiah.
The use of this fulfillment formula is a characteristic feature of Matthew's Gospel and reflects his intention to present Jesus as the culmination of Israel's history and the fulfillment of God's promises.
Matthew 21:4 - All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying,
What does "Matthew 21:4" mean?
The verse "All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying," from Matthew 21:4 is a key phrase used repeatedly in the Gospel of Matthew to emphasize that Jesus's life and actions were foretold in the Old Testament prophecies. It specifically highlights that Jesus's entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilled a prophecy about the Messiah.
Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"All this was done...": This refers to the preceding events in the narrative. In this case, it's about the disciples going to get the donkey and colt as instructed by Jesus.
"...that it might be fulfilled...": This is the core purpose statement. It indicates that the events were not random or coincidental but were part of God's preordained plan, revealed through prophecy. The word "fulfilled" means to bring to completion or realization. It's a claim that Jesus' actions aligned with and completed the prophecies of the Old Testament.
"...which was spoken through the prophet...": This points to the source of the prophecy - an Old Testament prophet. It legitimizes the claim by grounding it in recognized scripture.
"...saying,": This introduces the specific Old Testament prophecy that Matthew believes is being fulfilled. Matthew 21:5 then quotes Zechariah 9:9: "Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’"
In essence, the verse is saying: The events leading up to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem happened precisely so that the prophecy given by an ancient prophet (Zechariah) would come true, demonstrating that Jesus is the Messiah.
Significance and Implications:
Confirmation of Jesus's Messianic Identity: Matthew uses this phrase repeatedly to argue that Jesus is the Messiah promised in the Old Testament. By fulfilling prophecies, Jesus demonstrates his divine mission and authority.
Emphasis on Divine Plan: It underscores the idea that God has a plan for salvation history, and Jesus's life is the central point of that plan.
Interpreting Scripture: It highlights a particular way of reading and interpreting the Old Testament, seeing it as predictive of Jesus.
Strengthening Faith: For early Christians, this connection between the Old Testament and the New Testament provided evidence and strengthened their faith in Jesus as the Messiah.
The use of this fulfillment formula is a characteristic feature of Matthew's Gospel and reflects his intention to present Jesus as the culmination of Israel's history and the fulfillment of God's promises.