Lexical Summary onos: Donkey Original Word: ὄνος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance donkeyApparently a primary word; a donkey -- an ass. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition a donkey NASB Translation donkey (4), donkey's (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3688: ὄνοςὄνος, ὄνου, ὁ, ἡ (from Homer down), the Sept. for חֲמור and אָתון, an ass: Luke 14:5 Rec.; Matthew 21:5; John 12:15; — ὁ, Luke 13:15; ἡ, Matthew 21:2, 7. Topical Lexicon General Overview Strong’s Greek 3688 denotes the donkey, an animal that appears repeatedly in both Testaments as a symbol of humble service, patient endurance, and covenant blessing. In the Greek New Testament the noun is confined to five verses, all in the Gospels, and each occurrence illuminates vital aspects of Christ’s ministry and the life of God’s people. Occurrences in the New Testament • Matthew 21:2, 21:5, 21:7 – threefold reference to the donkey (and its colt) secured for the Triumphal Entry. Prophetic Fulfillment in the Triumphal Entry Matthew and John expressly connect the donkey to Zechariah’s prophecy: “See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey” (Matthew 21:5, John 12:15). By selecting this mount rather than a war-horse, Jesus publicly identifies Himself as the promised Messianic King whose rule is characterized by peace and righteousness. The deliberate repetition of the noun in Matthew underscores the certainty of fulfillment and the intentionality of Christ’s actions. Cultural and Historical Background In the Ancient Near East, donkeys were reliable beasts of burden for commoners and kings alike; Solomon rode one at his coronation (1 Kings 1:33). Unlike horses, which were associated with militarism, donkeys signified humility and access to all social strata. To the Galilean and Judean audience, Jesus’ choice of a donkey would recall royal precedent yet communicate that His kingdom advances without earthly coercion. Symbolic and Theological Themes 1. Humble Royalty – The donkey conveys a paradox: regal authority expressed through meekness (Philippians 2:6-8). Pastoral and Practical Applications • Worship: The crowds’ response on Palm Sunday invites believers to herald Jesus as King with the same fervor, yet with understanding of His gentle reign. Connections to the Old Testament Genesis 22:3, Exodus 13:13, and Job 1:3 reveal the donkey as integral to patriarchal wealth and sacrificial redemption, themes which converge in Christ, the ultimate substitute and inheritor. The colt “on which no one has ever sat” (Mark 11:2) recalls Numbers 19:2 and Deuteronomy 21:3, where animals set apart for sacred tasks had to be unused, hinting at Jesus’ sanctified mission. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 3688, though linguistically straightforward, carries rich theological weight. Through this humble creature Scripture proclaims the nature of Christ’s kingship, the heart of divine compassion, and the shape of authentic discipleship—truths that continue to instruct and inspire the people of God. Forms and Transliterations όνοι όνοις ονον όνον ὄνον όνος ονου όνου ὄνου όνους όνω όνων το onon ónon onou ónouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 21:2 N-AFSGRK: εὐθέως εὑρήσετε ὄνον δεδεμένην καὶ NAS: you will find a donkey tied KJV: ye shall find an ass tied, INT: immediately you will find a donkey tied and Matthew 21:5 N-AFS Matthew 21:7 N-AFS Luke 13:15 N-AMS John 12:15 N-GFS |
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