saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This crowd, celebrating Jesus as King, is unconsciously echoing the angels' song at his birth. But where the angels proclaimed "peace on earth", these voices cry "peace in heaven", hinting at a reconciliation between God and humanity that Jesus' coming kingship will secure.
saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus makes His final, dramatic entry into Jerusalem, riding a borrowed colt, a huge crowd erupts in praise. They spread their cloaks and wave branches, calling out acclamations that echo ancient Messianic prophecies. This outpouring, fueled by the recent resurrection of Lazarus, declares Jesus the King who comes with God's blessing, while echoing angelic pronouncements of peace and glory.
The crowd shouts 'King!' but Jesus' ride on a donkey seems to defy all royal expectations. What does this reveal about His reign?
Jesus deliberately chose a humble entrance, riding on a colt, to fulfill prophecy and demonstrate the nature of His kingdom. Unlike earthly kings with their power, wealth, and military might, Jesus' kingship is spiritual and focused on salvation, not earthly dominion. His kingship brings a peace that transcends worldly understanding and a glory that originates from God, not from human accolades or earthly power.
This contrasts sharply with the people's expectations of a conquering king who would overthrow Roman rule. Jesus' choice of a donkey symbolized His role as a bringer of peace and a servant king, aligning with Zechariah's prophecy of a meek and humble king.
A Prophetic Fulfillment
This act wasn't spontaneous; it was a deliberate fulfillment of scripture (Zechariah 9:9). The disciples, though perhaps not fully grasping the depth, echoed this prophecy through their shouts.
A Spiritual Kingdom
The 'King' they acclaimed was not a political figure, but the divine Messiah. His kingdom is not of this world, and His power operates differently than earthly power structures.
The crowd cries 'Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!' What does this heavenly acclamation mean for us on earth?
The cry 'Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!' is a profound declaration that connects earth to the divine realm. It echoes the angelic chorus at Jesus' birth (Luke 2:14), which proclaimed 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those whom he gives his favor!'
Ask a follow-up
Reconciliation and Favor
'Peace in heaven' signifies God's reconciliation with humanity through Christ. It's the result of Jesus' atoning work, bridging the gap created by sin, and restoring a broken relationship. This peace isn't just an absence of conflict, but a deep, settled harmony with God.
Divine Honor
'Glory in the highest' is an acknowledgment of God's supreme majesty and His ultimate triumph. It points to the divine honor that Christ brings and reflects back to God. The multitude, in their enthusiastic praise, were unknowingly participating in a heavenly recognition of Jesus as the King who brings God's favor and glory.
Understand the original words
eulogēmenos · Greek Adjective
A term of adoration meaning 'praised' or 'favored,' used in worship to ascribe supreme honor to God or His anointed representative.
basileus · Greek Noun
A supreme ruler or sovereign. In biblical prophecy, the title is specifically applied to the promised Messiah of the line of David.
eirēnē · Greek Noun
The state of wholeness, harmony, and reconciliation. Biblically, it signifies the well-being that comes from being in right relationship with God.
doxa · Greek Noun
The manifestation of God's presence, splendor, and majesty. It refers to the visible or experiential reality of His infinite worth and power.
The shouts of 'Blessed is the King' echo Zechariah's prophecy of a humble king, contrasting with the people's expectation of a political ruler. This moment, filled with Messianic fervor ignited by recent miracles, unknowingly anticipates Christ's true reign which brings peace through divine reconciliation, not earthly conquest.
c. 700s BC
Prophecy of Messiah's Humble Arrival
The prophet Zechariah foretells the coming of a king to Jerusalem who will be righteous, lowly, and riding on a donkey, not a warhorse.
c. 4 BC
Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem
Jesus is born in Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecies of the Messiah's lineage and birthplace, though his royal status is not yet publicly declared.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry and Miracles
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and performing miracles, building a following that sees him as a potential liberator.
c. AD 30
Raising of Lazarus
Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in Bethany, an event that significantly ignites public enthusiasm and belief in him as the promised King.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Enters Jerusalem
Jesus makes a deliberate, public entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy by riding a colt, signaling his claim to kingship.
c. AD 30
Cleansing of the Temple
Shortly after his triumphant entry, Jesus drives out merchants from the Temple, asserting his authority and challenging the religious establishment.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified, but then resurrects on the third day, demonstrating his ultimate victory over death and sin.
This verse is directly quoted by the crowd, showing that Jesus' entrance was seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy concerning the coming Messiah and King.
Zechariah 9:9This prophecy describes the humble, victorious King who would enter Jerusalem on a donkey, which directly parallels the scene in Luke 19 and explains the crowd's acclamation of Jesus as King.
Luke 2:14The phrase 'peace in heaven and glory in the highest' echoes the angels' song at Jesus' birth, drawing a connection between Jesus' inauguration as King and the heavenly peace and glory He brings.
John 12:13This passage shows the disciples themselves using a variation of the same acclamation, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel,' underscoring the messianic significance of Jesus' arrival.
Matthew 21:9Matthew records a similar cry from the multitude, 'Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!', highlighting the messianic lineage and divine authority they recognized in Jesus.
pooleLuke 19:38: "Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest."
See Poole on "Luke 19:35"
bengelLuke 19:38: "Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest."
Luke 19:38 . [ Λέγοντες , saying ) The very prophecy which the Saviour had uttered in Galilee, ch. Luke 13:35 , was in this place fulfilled.—Harm., p. 445.[210]]— βασιλεὺς , King ) It was a noble movement on the part of the people [although His external appearance was not kingly.—V. g.]; but yet they did not understand in its deep significance what they were saying. Comp. Lu…
This crowd, celebrating Jesus as King, is unconsciously echoing the angels' song at his birth. But where the angels proclaimed "peace on earth", these voices cry "peace in heaven", hinting at a reconciliation between God and humanity that Jesus' coming kingship will secure.
As Jesus makes His final, dramatic entry into Jerusalem, riding a borrowed colt, a huge crowd erupts in praise. They spread their cloaks and wave branches, calling out acclamations that echo ancient Messianic prophecies. This outpouring, fueled by the recent resurrection of Lazarus, declares Jesus the King who comes with God's blessing, while echoing angelic pronouncements of peace and glory.
As Jesus makes His final, dramatic entry into Jerusalem, riding a borrowed colt, a huge crowd erupts in praise. They spread their cloaks and wave branches, calling out acclamations that echo ancient Messianic prophecies. This outpouring, fueled by the recent resurrection of Lazarus, declares Jesus the King who comes with God's blessing, while echoing angelic pronouncements of peace and glory.
"saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”" — This crowd, celebrating Jesus as King, is unconsciously echoing the angels' song at his birth. But where the angels proclaimed "peace on earth", these voices cry "peace in heaven", hinting at a r…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026