John 12:15

Modern

“Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion. See, your King is coming, seated on the colt of a donkey.”

Traditional

Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.

Literal

“Do not fear, daughter of Zion; behold, your King comes, sitting on the colt of a donkey.”

Latin

Noli timere, filia Sion: ecce rex tuus venit sedens super pullum asinæ.

Greek

English

“Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion. See, your King is coming, seated on the colt of a donkey.”

In this part of John’s Gospel, two stories move forward at the same time.
First, more and more people begin to praise Jesus. Their excitement reaches a high point when crowds welcome him into Jerusalem with shouts of joy (12:12–13).
Second, the religious authorities become more determined to arrest Jesus and put him to death. As public support grows, their opposition grows as well.
John's Gospel describes three events that happened only days before Passover (12:1–11, 12–19, 20–36). Then he explains why most of the people refused to believe and describes the final public message spoken by Jesus (12:37–50).

Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Isaiah 62:11
Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the ends of the earth, “Say to Daughter Zion: See, your Savior comes! Look, His reward is with Him, and His recompense goes before Him.”
Zephaniah 3:16–17
On that day they will say to Jerusalem: “Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands fall limp.
Isaiah 35:4–5
Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.”
2 Samuel 16:2
“Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.”
Isaiah 40:9–10
Go up on a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news. Raise your voice loudly, O Jerusalem, herald of good news. Lift it up, do not be afraid! Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”
Isaiah 41:14
Do not fear, O Jacob, you worm, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
Zechariah 2:9–11
I will surely wave My hand over them, so that they will become plunder for their own servants. Then you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me.”

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions