Bethphage, a village of significant biblical importance, is mentioned in the New Testament in connection with the final days of Jesus Christ's earthly ministry. The name "Bethphage" is derived from the Aramaic, meaning "house of unripe figs," which may indicate the agricultural nature of the area or its proximity to fig trees.

Location and Geography

Bethphage is situated on the Mount of Olives, near Jerusalem. It is often mentioned alongside Bethany, another village on the Mount of Olives, which was the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. The exact location of Bethphage is not definitively known today, but it is traditionally believed to be on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, close to the road leading to Jerusalem.

Biblical References

Bethphage is primarily noted in the context of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event that marks the beginning of the Passion Week. The Gospel of Matthew provides a detailed account of this event:

· Matthew 21:1-2 : "As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two disciples, saying to them, 'Go to 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.'"

This passage highlights Bethphage as the starting point for Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which speaks of the King coming to Jerusalem "gentle and riding on a donkey."

Theological Significance

Bethphage holds theological significance as the place where Jesus initiated the fulfillment of messianic prophecy. The act of riding into Jerusalem on a donkey symbolized peace and humility, contrasting with the expectations of a militant messiah. This event set the stage for the unfolding of the Passion narrative, leading to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

The mention of Bethphage in the Gospels underscores the meticulous fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies by Jesus, affirming His identity as the promised Messiah. The village serves as a geographical and symbolic threshold between Jesus' ministry and His sacrificial death and resurrection.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the cultural and historical context of first-century Judea, Bethphage would have been a small, agrarian village. Its proximity to Jerusalem made it a suitable location for travelers and pilgrims heading to the city, especially during significant feasts such as Passover. The presence of fig trees, as suggested by the name, aligns with the agricultural practices of the region.

Bethphage's role in the Gospel narratives highlights the interconnectedness of geography, prophecy, and the life of Jesus. It serves as a reminder of the humble and deliberate path Jesus took in fulfilling His divine mission.Bethsphage (3 Occurrences)

Matthew 21:1
When they drew near to Jerusalem, and came to Bethsphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
(WEB)

Mark 11:1
When they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,
(WEB)

Luke 19:29
It happened, when he drew near to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the mountain that is called Olivet, he sent two of his disciples,
(WEB)

Bethsphage (3 Occurrences)
...Bethsphage (3 Occurrences). Matthew 21:1 When they drew near to Jerusalem, and came
to Bethsphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, (WEB). ...
/b/bethsphage.htm - 7k

Drew (162 Occurrences)
... Matthew 21:1 When they drew near to Jerusalem, and came to Bethsphage, to the Mount
of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV). ...
/d/drew.htm - 36k

Approached (61 Occurrences)
... Matthew 21:1 When they drew near to Jerusalem, and came to Bethsphage, to the
Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, (See NAS NIV). ...
/a/approached.htm - 24k

Bethany (13 Occurrences)
... Mark 11:1 When they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the Mount
of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT ...
/b/bethany.htm - 14k

Olivet (4 Occurrences)
... Luke 19:29 It happened, when he drew near to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the mountain
that is called Olivet, he sent two of his disciples, (WEB ASV NAS RSV). ...
/o/olivet.htm - 7k

Bethsura

/b/bethsura.htm - 6k

Beth-shit'tah (1 Occurrence)
Beth-shit'tah. Beth-shittah, Beth-shit'tah. Bethsphage . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(DBY RSV). Beth-shittah, Beth-shit'tah. Bethsphage . Reference Bible
/b/beth-shit'tah.htm - 6k

Mount (311 Occurrences)
... Matthew 21:1 When they drew near to Jerusalem, and came to Bethsphage, to the Mount
of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT ...
/m/mount.htm - 68k

Olives (30 Occurrences)
... Matthew 21:1 When they drew near to Jerusalem, and came to Bethsphage, to the Mount
of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT ...
/o/olives.htm - 37k

Disciples (277 Occurrences)
... Matthew 21:1 When they drew near to Jerusalem, and came to Bethsphage, to the Mount
of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT ...
/d/disciples.htm - 39k

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