Luke 19:31
New International Version
If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

New Living Translation
If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

English Standard Version
If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’”

Berean Standard Bible
If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

Berean Literal Bible
And if anyone may ask you⁺, ‘Why are you⁺ loosing it?’ thus you⁺ will say, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’”

King James Bible
And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.

New King James Version
And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you loosing it?’ thus you shall say to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’ ”

New American Standard Bible
And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’”

NASB 1995
“If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of it.’”

NASB 1977
“And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ thus shall you speak, ‘The Lord has need of it.’”

Legacy Standard Bible
And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’”

Amplified Bible
If anybody asks you, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ you will say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

Berean Annotated Bible
If anyone asks, ‘Why are you⁺ untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord {Kyrios} needs it.

Christian Standard Bible
If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it? ’ say this: ‘The Lord needs it.’ ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If anyone asks you, Why are you untying it?’ say this: The Lord needs it.’”

American Standard Version
And if any one ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say, The Lord hath need of him.

Contemporary English Version
If anyone asks why you are doing this, just say, 'The Lord needs it.'"

English Revised Version
And if any one ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say, The Lord hath need of him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If anyone asks you why you are untying it, say that the Lord needs it."

Good News Translation
If someone asks you why you are untying it, tell him that the Master needs it."

International Standard Version
If anyone asks you why you are untying it, say this: 'The Lord needs it.'"

NET Bible
If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' just say, 'The Lord needs it.'"

New Heart English Bible
If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say to him: 'Because the Lord needs it.'"

Webster's Bible Translation
And if any man shall ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say to him, Because the Lord hath need of him.

Weymouth New Testament
And if any one asks you, 'Why are you untying the colt?' simply say, 'The Master needs it.'"
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

World English Bible
If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say to him: ‘The Lord needs it.’”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and if anyone questions you, Why do you loose [it]? Thus you will say to him: The LORD has need of it.”

Berean Literal Bible
And if anyone may ask you⁺, ‘Why are you⁺ loosing it?’ thus you⁺ will say, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’”

Young's Literal Translation
and if any one doth question you, Wherefore do ye loose it? thus ye shall say to him -- The Lord hath need of it.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And if any ask you, Wherefore loose ye? thus shall ye say to him, Because the Lord has need of him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And if any man shall ask you: Why do you loose him? you shall say thus unto him: Because the Lord hath need of his service.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And if anyone will ask you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this to him: ‘Because the Lord has requested its service.’ ”

New American Bible
And if anyone should ask you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you will answer, ‘The Master has need of it.’ ”

New Revised Standard Version
If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And if any man should ask you, Why do you untie it? tell him this: Our lord needs it.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“If a man asks you why you are loosing him, say thus to him: 'He is needed for Our Lord.' “
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And if any one ask you why you loose him, thus shall you say to him: The Lord has need of him.

Godbey New Testament
And if any one may ask you, Why do you loose him? thus say to him, that the Lord hath need of him:

Haweis New Testament
And if any man ask you, Why ye loose it? thus shall ye say to him, That the Lord hath need of him.

Mace New Testament
if any one should ask you, why you untie it, let this be your answer, because the Lord has occasion for it.

Weymouth New Testament
And if any one asks you, 'Why are you untying the colt?' simply say, 'The Master needs it.'"

Worrell New Testament
And, if any one ask you, 'Why do ye loose him?' thus shall ye say, 'Because the Lord hath need of him.'"

Worsley New Testament
And if any one ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, The Lord hath need of him.

Additional Translations ...



Context
The Triumphal Entry
30saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32So those who were sent went out and found it just as Jesus had told them.…

Cross References
If anyone asks,

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

Exodus 12:26-27
When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’ / you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians and spared our homes.’” Then the people bowed down and worshiped.

Deuteronomy 6:20-25
In the future, when your son asks, “What is the meaning of the decrees and statutes and ordinances that the LORD our God has commanded you?” / then you are to tell him, “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. / Before our eyes the LORD inflicted great and devastating signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his household. …
‘Why are you untying it?’

Matthew 21:2
saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to Me.

Mark 11:2
and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here.

Luke 13:15
“You hypocrites!” the Lord replied. “Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it to water?
tell him,

Luke 12:11-12
When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. / For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.”

Matthew 10:19-20
But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Exodus 4:12
Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”
‘The Lord needs it.’”

Mark 11:3
If anyone asks, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it shortly.’”

Matthew 21:3
If anyone questions you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

Psalm 50:10-12
for every beast of the forest is Mine—the cattle on a thousand hills. / I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are Mine. / If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is Mine, and the fullness thereof.
John 12:14-15
Finding a young donkey, Jesus sat on it, as it is written: / “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion. See, your King is coming, seated on the colt of a donkey.”

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.

Matthew 21:5
“Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

John 14:13-14
And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. / If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.


Treasury of Scripture

And if any man ask you, Why do you loose him? thus shall you say to him, Because the Lord has need of him.

the Lord.

Psalm 24:1
A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Psalm 50:10-12
For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills…

Matthew 21:2,3
Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me…

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Luke 19
1. Of Zacchaeus a tax collector.
11. The ten minas.
28. Jesus rides into Jerusalem with triumph;
41. weeps over it;
45. drives the buyers and sellers out of the temple;
47. Teaching daily in it. The rulers seek to destroy him, but fear the people.












If anyone asks,

Jesus anticipated that the colt’s owners or others nearby would question the disciples’ actions.

1Pe 3:15 But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord.…
Exo 12:26-27 When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean…
Deu 6:20-25 In the future, when your son asks, “What is the meaning of…

‘Why are you untying it?’

Taking an animal without explanation would naturally raise concern, especially in a close village community where property was carefully watched.

Mat 21:2 “Go into the village ahead of you, and at once…”…
Mrk 11:2 Go into the village ahead of you and as soon as you enter it…
Luk 13:15 “You hypocrites!” the Lord replied. “Does not each of you…

tell him,

Jesus gave the disciples a clear response, showing that they acted under His authority.

Luk 12:11-12 When you are brought before synagogues, rulers…
Mat 10:19-20 But when they hand you over, do not worry…
Exo 4:12 “Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach”…

‘The Lord needs it.’”

The colt was being set apart for Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where He would publicly present Himself as the promised King.

Mrk 11:3 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you doing this?’…
Mat 21:3 If anyone questions you, tell him that the Lord needs them,…
Psa 50:10-12 for every beast of the forest is Mine—the cattle…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is preparing for His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. His instructions demonstrate His divine authority and foreknowledge.

2. Disciples
The followers of Jesus who are tasked with retrieving the colt. Their obedience is crucial to fulfilling Jesus' instructions.

3. Jerusalem
The city where Jesus is heading, symbolizing the fulfillment of prophecy and the coming of the Messiah.

4. Colt
The young donkey that Jesus instructs His disciples to untie and bring to Him. It is significant as it fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9.

5. Owners of the Colt
The individuals who possess the colt and question the disciples. Their compliance is essential to the unfolding of the event.
Teaching Points
Divine Authority and Foreknowledge
Jesus demonstrates His divine authority by instructing His disciples with specific details about the colt. This reminds us of His sovereignty and omniscience.

Obedience to Christ's Commands
The disciples' willingness to follow Jesus' instructions without question is a model for our own obedience to God's commands, even when we do not fully understand them.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
The event underscores the importance of prophecy in validating Jesus as the Messiah. It encourages us to study and trust the Scriptures as God's revealed truth.

The Lord's Provision
The phrase "The Lord needs it" highlights God's provision and the way He orchestrates events for His purposes. We can trust that God will provide what is necessary for His plans.

Humility and Kingship
Jesus' choice of a donkey, a symbol of humility, contrasts with worldly expectations of a king. This teaches us about the nature of Christ's kingdom and calls us to embrace humility.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Luke 19:31?

2. How does Luke 19:31 demonstrate Jesus' authority over earthly possessions?

3. What does "The Lord needs it" reveal about God's sovereignty and provision?

4. How can we trust God's provision in our lives like in Luke 19:31?

5. What Old Testament prophecies connect to Jesus' actions in Luke 19:31?

6. How can we apply the obedience shown in Luke 19:31 to our lives?

7. Why did Jesus instruct the disciples to say, "The Lord needs it" in Luke 19:31?

8. How does Luke 19:31 demonstrate Jesus' authority and divine knowledge?

9. What is the significance of the colt in the context of Luke 19:31?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 19?


(31) Because the Lord hath need of him.--See Note on Matthew 21:3 as to the meaning of the word "Lord" as thus used.

Verse 31. - And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. Had he not right here? surely the cattle on a thousand hills were his I St. Matthew not only mentions the colt, but also the ass. This little detail is unnoticed by St. Luke. Probably the colt, though not broken in, would go the more quietly accompanied by its mother. But the reason of St. Matthew's special mention of the ass as well as of the colt was the reference to Genesis 49:11, in which Justin Martyr, in a curious chapter of the 'Dialogue with Trypho,' finds a direct reference to the ass and the foal (see Justin Martyr, 'Dialogue with Trypho,' c. 53.).

Every clause of Luke 19:31 highlights Christ’s sovereign foreknowledge, precise instruction, and rightful authority. The disciples’ obedience and the owners’ compliance reveal that when the Lord declares a need, people and possessions alike must respond. The passage invites believers today to trust His detailed wisdom, speak His exact words, and release whatever He claims for His kingdom purposes.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
If
ἐάν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

anyone
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

asks
ἐρωτᾷ (erōta)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2065: Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request.

why
Διὰ (Dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

you are untying [it],
λύετε (lyete)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3089: A primary verb; to 'loosen'.

tell [him]
ἐρεῖτε (ereite)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2046: Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.

that
Ὅτι (Hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

the
(HO)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord
Κύριος (Kyrios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

needs
χρείαν (chreian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5532: From the base of chraomai or chre; employment, i.e. An affair; also occasion, demand, requirement or destitution.

it.”
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


Additonal Resources
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NT Gospels: Luke 19:31 If anyone asks you 'Why are you (Luke Lu Lk)

Luke 19:30
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