Lexical Summary onarion: young donkey, colt Original Word: ὀνάριον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance young donkeyNeuter of a presumed derivative of onos; a little ass -- young ass. see GREEK onos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindim. of onos Definition a little donkey NASB Translation young donkey (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3678: ὀνάριονὀνάριον, ὀναριου, τό (diminutive of ὄνος; cf. (Winer's Grammar, 24 and) γιναικαριον), a little ass: John 12:14. (Machon quoted in Athen. 13, p. 582 c.; (Epictetus diss. 2, 24, 18).) Topical Lexicon Canonical Context of the TermJohn 12:14 contains the sole New Testament occurrence of the noun rendered “young donkey”. By employing this rare word, the apostle John directs attention to the specific, unbroken colt that carried Jesus during His public entry into Jerusalem. The singular use spotlights the moment as unique, solemn, and intentionally tied to prophetic Scripture. Historical and Cultural Background In first-century Judea, donkeys were indispensable for daily transport and agricultural labor. A colt that had never been ridden (compare Mark 11:2; Luke 19:30) signified untapped strength and purity of service. While generals entered cities on war-horses, a king on a donkey signaled peaceful intent. Ancient Near Eastern texts record diplomatic processions featuring donkey mounts, yet Israel uniquely invested the animal with covenant symbolism: humble service under Yahweh’s rule. Prophetic Fulfillment in the Triumphal Entry John immediately links the scene to Zechariah 9:9, where Zion’s King arrives “righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey”. The Gospel writers all cite or allude to this oracle (Matthew 21:5; Mark 11:7; Luke 19:35), but only John uses the term found in Strong’s 3678, highlighting Jesus’ exact obedience to prophetic detail. By mounting the young donkey, Christ publicly identifies Himself as the promised Messianic King, yet does so in humility, confounding expectations of a militaristic deliverer. Theological and Ministry Implications 1. Kingship in Humility The chosen mount proclaims a kingdom established not by coercion but by self-giving love. Jesus enters the city prepared to bear the cross, modeling leadership that serves rather than dominates (Philippians 2:5-8). 2. Peace over Force Zechariah contrasts the Messiah’s donkey with war-chariots and battle bows (Zechariah 9:10). The colt therefore preaches reconciliation: “He will proclaim peace to the nations.” In ministry settings, this image urges believers to advance the gospel through gentleness and sacrificial service. 3. Covenant Faithfulness The meticulous fulfillment of an obscure prophetic detail reinforces Scripture’s reliability. Pastors can point to this episode when teaching about the unity of Old and New Testaments and the precision of divine revelation. Donkey Imagery Across Scripture • Genesis 22:3 – Abraham saddles his donkey on the way to sacrifice Isaac, foreshadowing substitutionary atonement. Together these passages weave a consistent tapestry: God often advances redemptive purposes through lowly creatures and settings, magnifying His grace. Practical Application for Believers • Worship: As crowds once cried “Hosanna,” congregations can celebrate Christ’s triumphal yet gentle reign, allowing Palm Sunday observances to reinforce gospel humility. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 3678 occurs only once, yet its singular appearance carries weighty theological freight. The young donkey under the Messiah becomes a living exegesis of Zechariah’s prophecy, validating Jesus’ identity, exemplifying kingdom values, and urging Christ-followers to embody the same humble peace in their worship, witness, and daily walk. Forms and Transliterations οναριον ονάριον ὀνάριον onarion onárionLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |