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John 12:15

John 12:15 in Multiple Translations

“Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion. See, your King is coming, seated on the colt of a donkey.”

Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.

Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.

Have no fear, daughter of Zion: see your King is coming, seated on a young ass.

“Don't be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, riding a donkey's colt.”

Feare not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King commeth sitting on an asses colte.

'Fear not, daughter of Sion, lo, thy king doth come, sitting on an ass' colt.'

“Don’t be afraid, daughter of Zion. Behold, your King comes, sitting on a donkey’s colt.”

Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.

Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy king cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.

You people of Jerusalem, do not be afraid! Look! Your king is coming! He is riding on a donkey’s colt!

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Berean Amplified Bible — John 12:15

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Word Study

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John 12:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK μη φοβου θυγατερ σιων ιδου ο βασιλευς σου ερχεται καθημενος επι πωλον ονου
μη G3361 not Particle-N
φοβου phobeō G5399 to fear Verb-PNM-2S
θυγατερ thugatēr G2364 daughter Noun-VSF
σιων Siōn G4622 Zion Noun-PRI
ιδου horaō G3708 to see: see Verb-2AMM-2S
ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM
βασιλευς basileus G935 king Noun-NSM
σου su G4771 you Pron-2GS
ερχεται erchomai G2064 to come/go Verb-PNI-3S
καθημενος kathēmai G2521 to sit Verb-PNP-NSM
επι epi G1909 upon/to/against Prep
πωλον pōlos G4454 colt Noun-ASM
ονου onos G3688 donkey Noun-GSF
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — John 12:15

μη G3361 "not" Particle-N
Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.
Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.
φοβου phobeō G5399 "to fear" Verb-PNM-2S
To fear means to be alarmed or in awe of something, like God's power. In the New Testament, it often means to reverence or respect, as in Matthew 10:31.
Definition: φοβέέω, ῶ (φόβος) [in LXX chiefly for מִן יָרֵא ;] __1. in Hem., to put to flight. Pass., to be put to flight, to flee affrighted __2. to terrify, frighten (Wis 179; Hdt. and Att..). Pass. (so always in NT; cf. M, Pr., 162), to be seized with fear, be affrighted, fear: Mat.10:31 14:27, Mrk.5:33 6:50, Luk.1:13 8:50, Jhn.6:19 12:15, Act.16:38, al.; opposite to ὑψηλοφρονεῖν, Rom.11:20; σφόδρα, Mat.17:6 27:54; with cogn. accusative, φόβον μέγαν, Mrk.4:41, Luk.2:9 (1Ma.10:8); φόβον αὐτῶν (obj, genitive, but cf. ICC, in l), 1Pe.3:14; πτόησιν, 1Pe.3:6; with accusative of person(s), Mat.10:26, Mrk.11:18, Luk.19:21, Jhn.9:22, Act.9:26, Rom.13:3, al.; before ἀπό (like Heb. יָרֵא, Jer.1:8, al.; cf. M, Pr., 102, 104n„), Mat.10:28, Luk.12:4; before μή (cl.; Bl., § 65, 3; M, Pr., 184 f.), Act.23:10 27:17; μήπως, Act.27:29, 2Co.11:3 12:20, Gal.4:11; μήποτε, Heb.4:1; with inf. (Bl., § 69, 4; M, Pr., 205), Mat.1:20, Mrk.9:32, al.; of reverential fear: Mrk.6:20, Eph.5:33; τ. θεόν, Luk.1:50, Act.10:2, 1Pe.2:17, Rev.14:7, al.; τ. κύριον, Col.3:22, Rev.15:4; τ. ὄνομα τ. θεοῦ (see: ὄνομα), Rev.11:18; οἱ φοβούμενοι τ. θεόν, of proselytes, Act.13:16, 26 (cf. ἐκ-φοβέω) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 90 NT verses. KJV: be (+ sore) afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence See also: 1 John 4:18; Luke 12:7; 1 Peter 2:17.
θυγατερ thugatēr G2364 "daughter" Noun-VSF
A daughter is a female child or descendant, as seen in Matthew 9:18 and Luke 2:36, where Jesus interacts with daughters and uses the term to address women.
Definition: θυγάτηρ, -τρός, ἡ (for use of vocat., cf. M, Pr., 71; WH, App, 158), [in LXX for בַּת (Gen.5:4, al.), exc. Jdg.21:14 B, 2Ch.21:17 (אִשָּׁה ;] daughter: Mat.9:18 10:35, 37 14:6 15:22, 28, Mrk.5:35 6:22 7:26, 29, Luk.2:36 8:42, 49 12:53, Act.2:17" (LXX) Act.7:21 21:9, Heb.11:24. In NT, as in OT, not in cl.; __(a) as a form of friendly address (cf. Rut.2:2, 22 al.): Mat.9:22, Mrk.5:34, Luk.8:48; __(b) metaphorically: sc. κυρίου, 2Co.6:18 (cf. Isa.43:6); __(with) of posterity: θ. Ἀαρών, Luk.1:5; Ἀβραάμ, Luk.13:16 (cf. Isa.16:2, 4Ma.15:28, al); __(d) of habita­tion: θ. Σιών, Ἱερουσαλήμ, Mat.21:5 (LXX), Luk.23:28, Jhn.12:15 (cf. Isa.1:8, Zec.9:9, al.).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 28 NT verses. KJV: daughter See also: 2 Corinthians 6:18; Mark 5:34; Hebrews 11:24.
σιων Siōn G4622 "Zion" Noun-PRI
Zion refers to a hill in Jerusalem and symbolizes the Church. In the New Testament, it represents the Church and heaven, as seen in Hebrews 12:22 and Revelation 14:1.
Definition: Σιών indecl., in NT anarth., but in LXX when used of the city of Jerusalem, ἡ Σ. (Heb. צִיּוֹן), Zion; __1. the mountain: in typical sense, of the Church, Heb.12:22; of heaven, Rev.14:1. __2. The city, i.e. Jerusalem; in poetical sense; __(a) of the inhabitants: θυγάτηρ Σ, Mat.21:5, Jhn.12:15" (LXX) ; __(b) in wider sense, of Israel: Rom.11:26; __(with) figuratively: τίθήμι ἐν Σ λίθον, Rom.9:33, 1Pe.2:6" (LXX) .† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: Sion See also: 1 Peter 2:6; Matthew 21:5; Hebrews 12:22.
ιδου horaō G3708 "to see: see" Verb-2AMM-2S
This word means 'to see' or 'to perceive', and can also mean 'to attend to' or 'to experience', like in Mark 6:38 and John 1:46. It's a key word for understanding and perceiving things.
Definition: ὁράω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for חזה, etc. ;] in "durative" sense (hence aor. act., εἶδον, pass., ὤφθην, fut., ὄψομαι, from different roots; see M, Pr., 110f.), to see (in colloq. even the present is rare, its place being generally taken by θεωρέω, see BL, §24). __1. Of bodily vision, to see, perceive, behold: absol., Mrk.6:38, al.; ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, Jhn.1:46, al.; before ὅτι, Mrk.2:16, al.; with accusative, Mat.2:2, Mrk.1:10 16:7, Gal.1:19, al.; θεόν, Jhn.1:18, 1Jn.4:20, al. __2. to see with the mind, perceive, discern: absol, Rom.15:21; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.9:2 27:54, Act.8:23, Col.2:18, al. __3. to see, take heed, beware: ὅρα μή, with aor. subjc., Mat.8:4 18:10, Mrk.1:44, 1Th.5:15; id., sc. μὴ ποήσῃς, Rev.19:10 22:9 (Bl., §81, 1); before imperat. Mat.9:30 16:6, Mrk.8:15 __4. to experience: τ. θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; ζωήν, Jhn.3:36; τ. διαφθοράν, Act.2:27. __5. to visit: with accusative of person(s), Luk.8:20, Jhn.12:21, Rom.1:11, al.; with accusative loc, Act.19:21. __6. to see to, care for: Mat.27:4, Act.18:15 (cf. ἀφ-, καθ-, προ-, συν-οράω). SYN.: see: βλέπω. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 605 NT verses. KJV: behold, perceive, see, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 16:40; 1 Peter 1:8.
ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
βασιλευς basileus G935 "king" Noun-NSM
A king is a sovereign ruler, as described in Matthew 1:6 and 2:1. This term is used for human rulers, like Herod, and for God as the ultimate king.
Definition: βασιλεύς, -έως, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for מֶלֶךְ ;] a king: Mat.1:6 2:1; used by courtesy of Herod the Tetrarch, Mat.14:9; of the Roman Emperor, as frequently in κοινή (Deiss., LAE, p. 367), 1Pe.2:13, 17; of the Christ, in the phrase ὁ β. τ. Ἰουδαίων, Mat.2:2, al.; τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, Mrk.15:32, Jhn.1:50 12:13; of God, Mat.5:35, 1Ti.1:17, Rev.15:3; β. βασιλέων, Rev.17:14 19:16; β. τ. βασιλευόντων, 1Ti.6:15 (on the associations of the word to Jewish Hellenists, see Cl. Rev., i, 7).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 105 NT verses. KJV: king See also: 1 Peter 2:13; Luke 23:38; 1 Peter 2:17.
σου su G4771 "you" Pron-2GS
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
ερχεται erchomai G2064 "to come/go" Verb-PNI-3S
To come or go is the meaning of this word, used in many applications, such as in Matthew 8:9 and Romans 9:9. The KJV translates it in various ways, including come, go, and enter.
Definition: ἔρχομαι, [in LXX very frequently for בּוֹא, also for הלךְ ni., אתה, etc., 34 words in all ;] __1. to come; __(a) of persons, either as arriving or returning from elsewhere: Mat.8:9, Mrk.6:31, Luk.7:8, Jhn.4:27, Rom.9:9, al.; before ἀπό, Mrk.5:35 7:1, Jhn.3:2, al.; ἐκ, Luk.5:17, Jhn.3:31, al.; εἰς, Mrk.1:29, al.; διά before εἰς, Mrk.7:31; ἐν (Cremer, 263f., but see: ἐν), Rom.15:29, 1Co.4:21; ἐπί, with accusative, Mrk.6:53 11:13, Jhn.19:33, al.; κατά, with accusative, Luk.10:33 Act.16:7; παρά, with genitive, Luk.8:49; with accusative, Mat.15:29, Mrk.9:14, al.; with dative comm., incomm. (M, Pr., 75, 245), Mat.21:5, Rev.2:5, 16; with adverbs: πόθεν, Jhn.3:8, al.; ἄνωθεν, Jhn.3:31; ὄπισθεν, Mrk.5:27; ὧδε, Mat.8:29; ἐκεῖ, Jhn.18:3; ποῦ, Heb.11:8; before ἕως, Luk.4:42; ἄχρι, Act.11:5; with purpose expressed by inf., Mrk.5:14, Luk.1:59, al.; by fut. ptcp., Mat.27:49; ἵνα, Jhn.12:9; εἰς τοῦτο, ἵνα, Act.9:21; διά, with accusative, Jhn.12:9; before verbs of action, ἔρχεται καί, ἦλθε καί, etc.: Mrk.2:18, Jhn.6:15, al.; ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, Jhn.1:47 11:34; ἐλθών (redundant; Dalman, Words, 20 f.), Mat.2:8 8:7, Mrk.7:25, Act.16:39, al.; similarly ἐρχόμενος, Luk.15:25, al.; of coming into public view: esp. of the Messiah (ὁ ἐρχόμενος, Mat.11:3, al.; see Cremer, 264), Luk.3:16, Jhn.4:25; hence, of Jesus, Mat.11:19, Luk.7:34, Jhn.5:43, al.; of the second coming, Mat.10:23, Act.1:11, 1Co.4:5, 1Th.5:2, al.; __(b) of time: ἔρξονται ἡμέραι (present for fut.: Bl., §56, 8), Luk.23:29, Heb.8:8" (LXX) ; fut., Mat.9:15, Mrk.2:20, al.; ἔρξεται ὥρα, ὅτε, Jhn.4:21, 23. al.; ἦλθεν, ἐλήλυθε ἡ ὥρα, Jhn.13:1 16:32 17:1; ἡ ἡμέρα τ. κυρίου, 1Th.5:2; καιροί, Act.3:19; __(with) of things and events: κατακλυσμός, Luk.17:27; λιμός, Act.7:11; ἡ ὀργή, 1Th.1:10; ὁ λύχνος, Mrk.4:21 (see Swete, in l.). Metaphorical, τ. ἀγαθά, Rom.3:8; τ. τέλειον, 1Co.13:10; ἡ πίστις, Gal.3:23, 25; ἡ ἐντολή, Rom.7:9; with prepositions: ἐκ τ. θλίψεως, Rev.7:14; ἐις τ. χεῖρον, Mrk.5:26; εἰς πειρασμόν, ib. 14:38, al. __2. to go: ὀπίσω, with genitive (Heb. הָלַךְ אַחֲרֵי), Mat.16:24, Mrk.8:34, Luk.9:23; σύν, Jhn.21:3; ὁδόν, Luk.2:44. (Cf. ἀν-, ἐπ-αν-, ἀπ-, δι-, εἰς, ἐπ-εἰσ-, συν-εἰσ-, ἐξ-, δι-εξ-, ἐπ-, κατ-, παρ-, ἀντι-παρ-, περι-, προ-, προσ-, συν-έρχομαι.) SYN.: πορεύομαι, χωρέω (v, Thayer, see word ἔρξομαι). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: accompany, appear, bring, come, enter, fall out, go, grow, X light, X next, pass, resort, be set See also: 1 Corinthians 2:1; Acts 22:11; Hebrews 6:7.
καθημενος kathēmai G2521 "to sit" Verb-PNP-NSM
The Greek word for to sit, used in Matthew 11:16 and many other places to describe people sitting or being seated. It can also mean to remain or reside in a place, and is often used to describe people gathering or meeting together. This word is commonly used in the New Testament to describe various scenes and settings.
Definition: κάθ-ημαι [in LXX chiefly for יָשַׁב ;] in cl. present and imperfect only (prop. pf. and plpf. of καθέζομαι; cf. Bl., § 24), in LXX and NT fut. also, to sit, be seated: Mat.11:16 22:44" (LXX), Mrk.2:6, Jhn.6:3, Act.2:2, Jas.2:3 (on the vulgar imper. κάθου, see Kennedy, Sources, 162), Rev.4:3, al.; before prep. with accusative, ἐπί, Mat.9:9, Mrk.2:14, Jhn.12:16; παρά, Mat.13:1, Mrk.10:46; περί, Mrk.3:32, 34; πρός, Luk.22:56; ὑπό, Jas.2:3; εἰς, Mrk.13:3; μετά, with genitive of person(s), Mat.26:58; ἐκ δεξιῶν, Mat.22:44; ἐπάνω, with genitive, Mat.28:2; ἀπέναντι, with genitive, Mat.27:61; ἐπί, with dative, Act.3:10; id. with genitive, Act.8:28; ἐκεῖ, Mat.15:29; pleonastic (M, Pr., 230, 241; Dalman, Words, 22), Mat.13:2, Act.23:3, Rev.18:7; metaphorically, Mat.4:16, Luk.1:79" (LXX) ; of one's domicile (Neh.11:6, Sir.50:26; Hdt., v, 63), Luk.21:31, Act.2:2, Rev.14:6 (cf. συν-κάθημαι) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 87 NT verses. KJV: dwell, sit (by, down) See also: 1 Corinthians 14:30; Matthew 15:29; Hebrews 1:13.
επι epi G1909 "upon/to/against" Prep
A preposition meaning upon, to, or against, often used to show location or direction, like in Matthew 6:10 where Jesus teaches us to pray for God's will to be done on earth. It can also indicate a sense of time or order.
Definition: ἐπί (before a smooth breathing ἐπ᾽, before a rough breathing ἐφ᾽), prep. with genitive, dative, accusative (accusative most frequently in NT), with primary sense of superposition, on, upon. __I. C. genitive, __1. of place, answering the question, where? __(a) of the place on which, on, upon: ἐπὶ (τ.) γῆς, Mat.6:10, 19, al.; τ. κεφαλῆς, 1Co.11:10; τ. νεφελῶν, Mat.24:3o, al.; like ἐν, in constr. praegn. after verbs of motion: βάλλειν, Mrk.4:26; σπείρειν, ib. 31; ἔρχεσθαι, Heb.6:7, al.; figuratively, ἐπ᾽ ἀληθείας (MM, see word ἀ.); of the subject of thought or speech, Gal.3:16; of power or authority, over, πάντων, Rom.9:5: τ. γάζης, Act.8:27; ἐξουσία, Rev.2:26 20:6; __(b) of vicinity, at, by: τ. θαλάσσης, Jhn.6:9; τ. ὁδοῦ, Mat.21:19; τοῦ βάτου, Mrk.12:26 (see Swete, in l.); with genitive of person(s), in the presence of, before, Mat.28:14, Act.23:30, 1Co.6:1, al. __2. Of time, __(a) with genitive of person(s), in the time of: ἐπὶ Ἐλισαίου, Luk.4:27; ἐπὶ Κλαυδίου, Act.11:28; ἐπὶ Ἀβιάθαρ ἀρχιερέως, when A. was high priest, Mrk.2:26; __(b) with genitive of thing(s), at, at the time of: Mat.1:11, Heb.1:2, 2Pe.3:3; ἐπὶ τ. προσευχῶν, Rom.1:10, Eph.1:16, 1Th.1:2, Phm 4. __II. C. dative, of place, answering the question, where? __(a) lit., on, upon: Mat.9:16, 14:8, al.; after verbs of motion (see supr., I, 1, (a)), Mat.9:16 Act.8:16; above, Luk.23:38; at, by, Mrk.13:29, Jhn.5:2, Act.5:9, al.; __(b) metaphorically, upon, on the ground of, Luk.4:4 (LXX); in the matter of, Mrk.6:52 (see Swete, in l.); upon, of, concerning, Act.5:35, 40; of the ground, reason or motive (Bl., §38, 2; 43, 3), Mat.18:3 19:9, Rom.12:12, al.; ἐφ᾽ ᾧ, for the reason that, because, Rom.5:12 2Co.5:4; after verbs of motion, over, Mat.18:13, Rom.16:19, al.; of a condition (cl.), Rom.8:20, 1Co.9:10; ἐπὶ δυσὶ μάρτυσιν (see Westc. on Heb.9:10), Heb.10:28; of purpose or aim, Eph.2:10, Php.4:10; of authority, over, Mat.24:47 Luk.12:44; of hostility, with dative of person(s) (cl.), against, Luk.12:52; in addition to (cl.), 2Co.7:13; of an adjunct, in, at, on, Php.1:3 2:17. __III. C. accusative, __1. of place of motion upon or over, answering the question, whither? __(a) lit., upon, over: Mat.14:28, 29, Luk.5:19, al. mult.; in NT also, answering the question, where? (as with genitive, dative), Mrk.4:38 11:2, Luk.2:25, Jhn.1:32; ἐπὶ τ. αὐτό, Act.1:15 2:1, al.; of motion to a vicinity, to, Mrk.16:2, Act.8:36, al.; __(b) metaphorically (in wh. "the accusative is more widely prevalent than it strictly should be," Bl., §43, 1); of blessings, evils, etc., coming upon one, with accusative of person(s), Mat.10:13 12:28, Act.2:17, Jhn.18:4, Eph.5:6, al.; of addition (dative in cl.), λύπη ἐπὶ λύπην, Php.2:27; ἐπικαλεῖν ὄνομα ἐπί (see: ἐπικαλέω), Act.15:17, Jas.2:7; καλεῖν ἐπί, to call after, Luk.1:59; of number or degree: ἐπὶ τρίς (cl. εἰς τ.), thrice, Act.10:16 11:10; ἐπὶ πλεῖον, the more, further, Act.4:17 2Ti.2:16 3:9 (see also infr., 2, (a)); ἐφ᾽ ὅσον (see infr., ib.), forasmuch as, Mat.25:40, 45, Rom.11:13; of power, authority, control, Luk.1:33, Act.7:10 Rom.5:14, Heb.3:6, al.; of the direction of thoughts and feelings, unto, towards, Luk.1:17 23:28, Act.9:35, 42, Rom.11:22, Gal.4:9, Eph.2:7, 1Ti.5:5, al.; of purpose, for, Mat.3:7, Luk.23:48; ἐφ᾽ ὅ πάρει (Rec. ἐφ᾽ ᾧ, Mat.26:50; of hostility, against, Mat.24:7, Mrk.3:24-26 10:11 13:8, Luk.9:5, Jhn.13:18, Act.7:54, 1Co.7:36, 2Co.1:23; Of reference, concerning, for (cl. usually dative), Mrk.9:12 15:24, Jhn.19:24, Rom.4:9. __2. Of time, __(a) during, for: Luk.4:25 (WH, txt., omits ἐπί), Act.13:31 16:18, Heb.11:30, al.; ἐφ᾽ ὅσον (χρόνον), as long as, for so long time as, Mrk.9:15 Rom.7:1, al. (for ἐφ᾽ ὅ in another sense, see supr., 1, (b)); ἐφ᾽ ἱκανόν (see: ἱ), Act.20:11; ἐπὶ πλεῖον (see supr., 1, (b)), yet longer, further, Act.20:9 24:4; __(b) on, about, towards (cl. εἰς): Luk.10:35 Act.3:1 4:5. __IV. In composition, ἐπί signifies: up, ἐπαίρω; upon, ἐπίγειος, ἐπιδημέω, ὠπικαθίζω; towards, επιβλέπω, ὠπεκτείνω; over (of superintendence), ἐπιστάτης; again, in addition, ἐπαιτέω; against, ἐπιορκέω, ἐπιβουλή. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 788 NT verses. KJV: about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:4; Acts 4:33; 1 Peter 1:13.
πωλον pōlos G4454 "colt" Noun-ASM
This word means a young donkey or colt, and is used in the Bible to describe the animal that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on, like in Matthew 21:2 and Mark 11:2.
Definition: πῶλος, -ου, ὁ (in cl. also ) [in LXX chiefly for עַיִר ;] a foal, colt, prop., of a horse, then the young of other animals; in NT of the colt of an ass: Mat.21:2, 5" (LXX), Mat.21:7, Mrk.11:2, 4-5 11:7, Luk.19:30, 33 19:35, Jhn.12:15" (LXX) .† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: colt See also: John 12:15; Mark 11:4; Matthew 21:7.
ονου onos G3688 "donkey" Noun-GSF
A donkey is a type of animal, often used for transportation, like when Jesus rode one into Jerusalem in Matthew 21:2. It's also mentioned in Luke 14:5 and John 12:15.
Definition: ὄνος, -ου, ὁ, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for חֲמוֹר, also for אָתוֹן, etc. ;] an ass: Mat.21:2, 5" (LXX), Luk.14:5, Jhn.12:15" (LXX) ; ὁ, Luk.13:15; ἡ, Mat.21:7 .† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: an ass See also: John 12:15; Matthew 21:2; Matthew 21:7.

Study Notes — John 12:15

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
2 Isaiah 62:11 Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the ends of the earth, “Say to Daughter Zion: See, your Savior comes! Look, His reward is with Him, and His recompense goes before Him.”
3 Zephaniah 3:16–17 On that day they will say to Jerusalem: “Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands fall limp. The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.”
4 Matthew 2:2–6 asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of My people Israel.’ ”
5 Isaiah 35:4–5 Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.” Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
6 2 Samuel 16:2 “Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.”
7 Zechariah 2:9–11 I will surely wave My hand over them, so that they will become plunder for their own servants. Then you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me.” “Shout for joy and be glad, O Daughter of Zion, for I am coming to dwell among you,” declares the LORD. “On that day many nations will join themselves to the LORD, and they will become My people. I will dwell among you, and you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me to you.
8 Deuteronomy 17:16 But the king must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’
9 Isaiah 41:14 Do not fear, O worm of Jacob, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
10 Judges 12:14 He had forty sons and thirty grandsons, who rode on seventy donkeys. And he judged Israel eight years.

John 12:15 Summary

[This verse, John 12:15, is a message of hope and comfort, reminding us that even when things seem uncertain or scary, Jesus is coming to us in peace and humility, just like He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey's colt. As it says in Zechariah 9:9, Jesus comes to us in a gentle and loving way, not as a powerful warrior. This reminds us that our King is a servant-King, who loves and cares for us deeply, as seen in Matthew 20:28. By trusting in Jesus and His peaceful nature, we can find courage and confidence to face whatever challenges come our way.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'Daughter of Zion' mean in John 12:15?

The term 'Daughter of Zion' is a metaphorical expression referring to the people of Jerusalem or the church, as seen in Isaiah 62:11 and Zechariah 9:9, emphasizing a special relationship between God and His people.

Why did Jesus ride a donkey's colt into Jerusalem?

Jesus rode a donkey's colt to fulfill the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, which says the King of Israel would come humbly, riding on a donkey, demonstrating His peaceful and servant-like nature, as opposed to a warrior king on a horse.

Is the message 'Do not be afraid' only for the people of Jerusalem?

While the immediate context of John 12:15 is addressed to the Daughter of Zion, the broader message of 'Do not be afraid' is applicable to all believers, as seen in Isaiah 41:10 and Matthew 28:20, where God promises to be with us and give us courage in times of uncertainty.

How does this verse relate to Jesus' kingship?

In John 12:15, Jesus is proclaimed as the King who comes in humility and peace, which is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies like Zechariah 9:9, emphasizing Jesus' unique nature as a King who serves and saves His people, as seen in Luke 19:10 and Matthew 20:28.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to hear the message 'Do not be afraid' and trust in God's presence and provision?
  2. How does the image of Jesus riding a donkey's colt challenge or reinforce my understanding of His nature and mission?
  3. In what ways can I, like the people in Jerusalem, prepare my heart and life to welcome and honor Jesus as my King?
  4. What are some ways I can apply the principle of humility, as demonstrated by Jesus' choice of transportation, to my own life and relationships?

Gill's Exposition on John 12:15

Fear not, daughter of Zion,.... But rejoice; see Zechariah 9:9 and [See comments on Matthew 21:5].

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 12:15

On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, For the exposition, see the notes at Luke 19:29-40.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 12:15

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Trapp's Commentary on John 12:15

15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’ s colt. Ver. 15. Sitting upon an ass] Not upon a stately palfrey, as an earthly potentate; but upon a silly ass, without pomp, to comfort the poorest, and to teach us humility, tolerance, patience. An ass is a beast profitable (whence he hath his name in the original), but born to bear burdens. Oneramus asinum, saith Bernard, et non curat, quia asinus est. But what notorious asses are those superstitious Papists, that show the ass’ s tail in Genoa in Italy, whereon our Saviour rode, for a relic, and give it divine worship. Are not these given up to the very efficacy of error? ονος, παρατοονηααθαι. Hinc Heradidae Sophistae, πσυουεγκωηρον, ονου dixit εγκωμιον.

Ellicott's Commentary on John 12:15

(15) Fear not, daughter of Sion.—The quotation is made freely, and in an abbreviated form. (Comp. the fuller form in Matthew 21:5, and Note upon it there.) It is in the two Hebrew Gospels only that the connection of the fact with the prophecy is mentioned. Sitting on an ass’s colt.—The Greek (LXX.) has “a young ass.” St. John’s translation is nearer to the Hebrew. (Comp. Introduction, p. 374).

Cambridge Bible on John 12:15

15. Fear not, &c. The quotation is freely made; ‘fear not’ is substituted for ‘rejoice greatly,’ and the whole is abbreviated, Zechariah 9:9. In adding ‘thy’ to ‘king’ and in writing ‘an ass’s colt’ the Evangelist seems to be translating direct from the Hebrew. The best editions of the LXX. omit ‘thy’ and all have ‘a young colt’ for the words here rendered ‘an ass’s colt.’ Comp. John 1:29, John 6:45, John 19:37. If the writer of this Gospel knew the O.T. in the original Hebrew he almost certainly was a Jew.

Whedon's Commentary on John 12:15

§ 111.— ENTRY INTO , vv. AND 1ONS THERE, John 12:12-50.See notes on Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44.

Sermons on John 12:15

SermonDescription
Warren Wiersbe An Earthquake in Jerusalem by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the preacher discusses the scene of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a colt, with the crowd laying down their garments and palm branches in his path. The Roman soldiers
Oswald J. Smith First and Second Coming by Oswald J. Smith In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophecies in the Bible about Jesus' first coming. He highlights Zechariah's prophecy about the shepherd being smitten and the sheep being
Vance Havner The Lordship of Christ by Vance Havner In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that while many people may claim to believe in Jesus as Lord, not all are truly w
Carter Conlon Overcoming the Power of Spiritual Defeat by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Zechariah and specifically looks at the symbolism of four horns mentioned in the text. These horns represent powers that have sc
Willie Mullan (John) the Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher discusses the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the timid inquiry of the Greeks. He emphasizes the precious picture of the potentate that is
Art Katz Holl-02 the Broken Down Altar by Art Katz In this sermon, the preacher highlights the issue of living beyond one's means and being absorbed with material possessions. He emphasizes that the world's definition of success an
Art Katz Jap-05 the Lowly King by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker discusses the fulfillment of prophecy in the book of Zechariah regarding the arrival of the king, Jesus. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus' entrance int

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