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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - John 12:13 - 12:13
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Branches of palms (τὰ βαΐ́α τῶν φοινίκων)
The A.V. overlooks both the articles, the branches of the palms. βαΐ́α occurs only here in the New Testament, and means palm branches, or, strictly, tops of the palms where the fruit is produced. Of the palms may have been added by John for readers unacquainted with the technical term, but the expression palm branches of the palms, is similar to housemaster of the house (οἰκοδεσπότης τῆς οἰκίας, Luk 22:11). The articles are commonly explained as marking the trees which were by the wayside on the route of the procession. Some think that they point to the well-known palm branches connected with the Feast of Tabernacles. On the different terms employed by the Evangelists for “branches,” see on Mar 11:8.
To meet (εἰς ὑπάντησιν)
Very literally, to a going to meet.
Cried (ἔκραζον)
Imperfect, kept crying as he advanced.
Hosanna
Meaning O save!
Blessed (εὐλογημένος)
A different word from the blessed of Mat 5:3 (μακάριος). This is the perfect participle of the verb εὐλογέω, to speak well of, praise, hence our eulogy. Matthew's word applies to character; this to repute. The ascription of praise here is from Psa 118:25, Psa 118:26. This Psalm, according to Perowne, was composed originally for the first celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles after the completion of the sacred temple. The words of the twenty-fifth verse were sung during that feast, when the altar of burnt-offering was solemnly compassed; that is, once on each of the first six days of the feast, and seven times on the seventh day. This seventh day was called “the Great Hosanna,” and not only the prayers for the feast, but even the branches of trees, including the myrtles which were attached to the palm branch, were called “Hosannas.”
The King of Israel
The best texts add καὶ, even the king, etc.