The verse highlights that it wasn't just Jerusalem residents who knew Jesus was coming, but "much people that had come to the feast." This means many pilgrims from various places, already gathered for Passover, heard the news and responded, revealing a wider awareness of Jesus beyond just the local population. This influx of people turned a local event into a massive public demonstration of recognition and anticipation for Jesus.
The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead, a powerful sign that has drawn a large crowd to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, many of whom are now seeking Jesus and Lazarus. On the following day, this crowd hears that Jesus is entering the city.
Imagine arriving in Jerusalem for a major festival, buzzing with excitement. Then, you hear Jesus is coming. What's behind this massive swell of interest?
The crowd mentioned in John 12:12 wasn't just a random group; they were people who had traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. This means they were already gathered, already in a festive and perhaps expectant mood.
Jesus enters Jerusalem, not with a military parade, but on a donkey. Why this specific, prophetic act, and what did it signify to those who understood?
Jesus's entry into Jerusalem wasn't a spontaneous event; it was a carefully orchestrated fulfillment of prophecy, a public declaration of His identity as the promised King.
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Understand the original words
heortē · Greek Noun
A designated time for communal religious observance, worship, and celebration, specifically referring in this context to the Passover feast in Jerusalem.
baia tōn phoinikōn · Greek Noun phrase
A rhythmic, aromatic palm branch used symbolically in Jewish culture to signify celebration, victory, and royal honor, often associated with the Feast of Tabernacles.
hôshî‘â nnâ · Hebrew Interjection
A Hebrew expression meaning 'save now' or 'save, we pray,' used as an appeal to God for salvation and later as an exclamation of praise and adoration for the Messianic King.
Kyriou · Greek Noun
The God of Israel, the Creator and Covenant-keeper, whose authority and character Jesus represents in His Messianic mission.
basileus · Greek Noun
The promised Anointed One, the Davidic descendant who rules God's people with righteousness and justice; in this context, it signifies Jesus as the fulfillment of Messianic expectation.
thygatēr Siōn · Greek Noun phrase
A descriptor for the people of God, frequently used in the prophets to refer to the city of Jerusalem or its inhabitants in their relationship with God.
mē phobou · Greek Verb phrase
An imperative to abandon dread, terror, or paralyzing anxiety; in a biblical context, it is often given by God to His people in light of His divine presence, protection, or the arrival of His deliverance.
This verse captures the immediate build-up to Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, set against the backdrop of the Passover feast. The arrival of Jesus sparks widespread excitement among pilgrims, many drawn by His miracles, especially the resurrection of Lazarus, which directly sets the stage for His public, albeit controversial, claim to kingship.
c. AD 30, early April
Jesus arrives in Bethany
Jesus arrives in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, likely on the Friday evening before Passover. He spends the Sabbath there, a brief period of rest before the intense events that follow.
c. AD 30, early April (Sunday)— this verse
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
On the 'next day' (Sunday), Jesus makes His deliberate and public entrance into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey's colt, fulfilling prophecy and claiming Kingship.
c. AD 30, early April (Sunday)
Crowds welcome Jesus
A large crowd, many of whom had come to Jerusalem for the Passover feast and were stirred by the recent miracle of Lazarus' resurrection, hailed Jesus as King.
c. AD 30, early April (Sunday)
Chief priests plot against Jesus and Lazarus
The chief priests, alarmed by Jesus' growing popularity and the testimony of Lazarus' resurrection, conspire not only against Jesus but also to kill Lazarus.
c. AD 30, early April (Days leading up to Passover)
Passover Feast begins
The annual Passover feast commences in Jerusalem, a time of national remembrance and pilgrimage, which also marks the period of Jesus' crucifixion.
This passage provides a parallel account of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, detailing the crowd's enthusiastic reception and Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy.
Mark 11:1-11Mark also describes the events leading up to and including Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem, highlighting the crowd's acclamations and the significance of his humble kingship.
Luke 19:29-44Luke offers another perspective on the entry into Jerusalem, emphasizing Jesus' lament over the city and the people's joyful praise, further illustrating the impact of his arrival.
Zechariah 9:9This Old Testament prophecy directly foretells the humble arrival of a king to Jerusalem riding on a donkey, which is precisely what is depicted in John 12:12-15, showing the fulfillment of God's word.
John 11:55-57This passage immediately precedes John 12:12 and explains the context of many people coming to Jerusalem for the Passover, setting the stage for their hearing about Jesus' imminent arrival.
barnesJohn 12:12: "On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,"
See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 21:1-16 . Also Mark 11:1-11 ; Luke 19:29-44 .
vincentJohn 12:12: "On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,"
A great multitude (ὄχλος πολὺς)Some editors add the article and render, the common people.
The verse highlights that it wasn't just Jerusalem residents who knew Jesus was coming, but "much people that had come to the feast." This means many pilgrims from various places, already gathered for Passover, heard the news and responded, revealing a wider awareness of Jesus beyond just the local population. This influx of people turned a local event into a massive public demonstration of recognition and anticipation for Jesus.
Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead, a powerful sign that has drawn a large crowd to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, many of whom are now seeking Jesus and Lazarus. On the following day, this crowd hears that Jesus is entering the city.
Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead, a powerful sign that has drawn a large crowd to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, many of whom are now seeking Jesus and Lazarus. On the following day, this crowd hears that Jesus is entering the city.
"The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the…" — The verse highlights that it wasn't just Jerusalem residents who knew Jesus was coming, but "much people that had come to the feast." This means many pilgrims from various places, already gathered fo…
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Last reviewed October 2026
