Triumphal
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The term "triumphal" in a biblical context often refers to the victorious and celebratory nature of certain events, particularly those that demonstrate God's power and the fulfillment of His promises. The most notable instance of a triumphal event in the Bible is the Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, an event that is rich with prophetic significance and theological depth.

Triumphal Entry of Jesus

The Triumphal Entry is recorded in all four Gospels: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-40, and John 12:12-19. This event marks the beginning of what is commonly referred to as Passion Week, the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection.

In the Berean Standard Bible, Matthew 21:9 describes the scene: "The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: 'Hosanna to the Son of David!' 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Hosanna in the highest!'" This acclamation by the crowds is a direct fulfillment of the prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9, which foretold the coming of a king to Jerusalem, humble and riding on a donkey.

The choice of a donkey, rather than a horse, is significant. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a donkey symbolized peace, whereas a horse was associated with war. Jesus' entry on a donkey thus signifies His role as the Prince of Peace, coming to establish a kingdom not by force, but through sacrificial love and humility.

Symbolism and Prophecy

The Triumphal Entry is laden with symbolism and prophetic fulfillment. The spreading of cloaks and palm branches on the road (Matthew 21:8, John 12:13) is reminiscent of royal homage, acknowledging Jesus as the promised Messiah and King. The cries of "Hosanna," meaning "Save now," reflect the people's hope for deliverance, though many misunderstood the nature of the salvation Jesus was bringing.

The event also serves as a stark contrast to the expectations of a political or military messiah. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was not to overthrow Roman rule, but to conquer sin and death through His impending sacrifice on the cross. This triumphal moment foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over the powers of darkness, a theme echoed in Colossians 2:15, where Paul writes, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."

Theological Implications

The Triumphal Entry underscores the dual nature of Christ's mission: as the suffering servant and the conquering king. It invites believers to recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and to embrace the paradox of His kingdom, where true victory is achieved through humility and self-giving love.

In the broader biblical narrative, the concept of triumph is not limited to earthly victories but is ultimately realized in the eschatological hope of Christ's return. Revelation 19:11-16 depicts the final triumph of Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, riding on a white horse, symbolizing His ultimate authority and the consummation of His kingdom.

The triumphal themes in Scripture call believers to live in the light of Christ's victory, participating in His mission of reconciliation and anticipating the day when His kingdom will be fully realized on earth as it is in heaven.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (a.) Of or pertaining to triumph; used in a triumph; indicating, or in honor of, a triumph or victory; as, a triumphal crown; a triumphal arch.

2. (n.) A token of victory.

Greek
2358. thriambeuo -- to triumph
... three-am-byoo'-o) Short Definition: I lead around, make a spectacle of Definition:
(properly: I lead one as my prisoner in a triumphal procession, hence) I ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2358.htm - 7k
Library

The Triumphal Procession
... CORINTHIANS (To II Corinthians, Chap. V) THE TRIUMPHAL PROCESSION. 'Thanks
be unto God, which always leadeth us in triumph in Christ ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the triumphal procession.htm

The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
... The Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem. A Sermon (No.405). Delivered on Sunday
Morning, August the 18th, 1861 by the. Rev. CH SPURGEON,. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the triumphal entry into jerusalem.htm

The Triumphal Feast for Christ's victory Over Sin, and Death, and ...
... Hymns. Book 3. Prepared for the Lord's Supper. Hymn 3:21. The triumphal
feast for Christ's victory over sin, and death, and hell. ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 3 21 the triumphal feast.htm

Christ's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
... ILLUSTRATIONS: CHRIST'S TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM. And when they drew
nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto ...
/.../christs triumphal entry into jerusalem.htm

The Triumphal Entry. Ch. 19:29-48
... VI. THE CLOSING MINISTRY. CHS. 19:29 TO 21:38 A. The Triumphal Entry. Ch.
19:29-48. ... In the case of the triumphal entry, Jesus planned every detail. ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the triumphal entry ch.htm

The Triumphal Feast for Christ's victory Over Sin, and Death, and ...
... Hymns, Book II HYMN 21 The triumphal feast for Christ's victory over sin, and death,
and hell. CM ... [Jesus, the God, invites us here. To this triumphal feast,. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 21 the triumphal feast.htm

The Triumphal Entry.
... HIS LAST WEEK. PALM SUNDAY"THE DAY OF TRIUMPH THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY. On the
morrow when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, unto Bethphage ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the triumphal entry.htm

Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
... the Crucifixion. CV. Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. (from Bethany
to Jerusalem and Back, Sunday, April 2, ad30.) ^A Matthew ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cv jesus triumphal entry into.htm

From the Commencement of Christ's Public Ministry to the Triumphal ...
... PART I. FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF CHRIST'S PUBLIC MINISTRY TO THE TRIUMPHAL
ENTRY.CHAPTER I. JESUS AND JOHN THE BAPTIST."THE FIRST DISCIPLES. ...
/.../part i from the commencement.htm

Christ Triumphant
... Nay, more than this; in our text the cross is spoken of as being Christ's triumphal
chariot in which he rode when he led captivity captive, and received gifts ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christ triumphant.htm

Thesaurus
Triumphal (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Of or pertaining to triumph; used in a triumph; indicating, or in honor
of, a triumph or victory; as, a triumphal crown; a triumphal arch. ...
/t/triumphal.htm - 7k

Triumph (52 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Hence, any triumphal procession; a pompous exhibition; a stately show
or pageant. 3. (n.) A state of joy or exultation for success. ...
/t/triumph.htm - 24k

Arrest (22 Occurrences)
... the Passover, they were deterred from carrying out their design on account of His
manifest popularity with the people, as evidenced by His triumphal entry into ...
/a/arrest.htm - 45k

Trial (45 Occurrences)
... the Passover, they were deterred from carrying out their design on account of His
manifest popularity with the people, as evidenced by His triumphal entry into ...
/t/trial.htm - 52k

Kishon (6 Occurrences)
... In the triumphal song of Deborah (Judges 5:21) it is spoken of as "that ancient
river," either (1) because it had flowed on for ages, or (2), according to the ...
/k/kishon.htm - 12k

Lazarus (19 Occurrences)
... came thither, not only to see Jesus, but also the risen Lazarus, believed in Jesus,
and were enthusiastic in witnessing for Him during the triumphal entry, and ...
/l/lazarus.htm - 21k

Gerasa
... baths, with hippodrome and naumachia. The triumphal arch to the South of
the city is almost entire. Two paved streets with double ...
/g/gerasa.htm - 10k

Gerasenes (3 Occurrences)
... baths, with hippodrome and naumachia. The triumphal arch to the South of
the city is almost entire. Two paved streets with double ...
/g/gerasenes.htm - 11k

Waves (43 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 2:14 But to God be the thanks who in Christ ever heads our triumphal
procession, and by our hands waves in every place that sweet incense, the ...
/w/waves.htm - 18k

Fig-tree (33 Occurrences)
... 14:12. Only a triumphal faith in Yahweh could rejoice in Him "though the
fig-tree shall hot flourish" (Habakkuk 3:17). 2. Natural ...
/f/fig-tree.htm - 26k

Resources
What is the significance of the triumphal/triumphant entry? | GotQuestions.org

What is Palm Sunday? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Christians are the aroma of Christ? | GotQuestions.org

Triumphal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Triumphal (2 Occurrences)

2 Corinthians 2:14
But to God be the thanks who in Christ ever heads our triumphal procession, and by our hands waves in every place that sweet incense, the knowledge of Him.
(WEY NIV)

Isaiah 60:11
Your doors will be open at all times; they will not be shut day or night; so that men may come into you with the wealth of the nations, with their kings at their head.
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Triumphal

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Triumph Over the Wicked
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