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Book of Matthew - Chapter 21 - Verse 3

21:3
And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.

Meaning

When Jesus instructs his disciples in Matthew 21:3 saying, "And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them," he is demonstrating the importance of obedience and faith in God's plan. This verse emphasizes the disciples' trust in the Lord's authority, as they are told to simply respond with the knowledge that the Lord has need of the items in question. By following these instructions, the disciples are showing their submission to God's will and their willingness to serve Him. This verse serves as a reminder to believers to trust in God's timing and to always be ready to fulfill His purposes, even when it may seem unexpected or unconventional. It reinforces the idea that God knows our needs and will provide for them, if only we have faith and obedience in His divine plan.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse from the Book of Matthew emphasizes the concept of divine sovereignty and providence. By declaring that "The Lord hath need of them," Jesus is asserting His authority over all creation, including the material possessions of individuals. This highlights the belief that everything belongs to God, and He can choose to use any means necessary to accomplish His will. Additionally, this verse demonstrates the obedience that is expected from Jesus' followers. In this instance, the disciples are instructed to utter a specific phrase in order to secure the use of the animals for Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in following God's will, even when it may seem unconventional or challenging. Furthermore, a word study of the phrase "ye shall say" reveals the Greek word "ereite," which conveys a sense of authority and command. This reinforces the idea that believers are called to speak and act with confidence in the power and authority of the Lord.

American Standard Version

And if any one say aught unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.
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