πῶλος (pōlos)
pōlos
colt
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun pōlos refers to a young animal, specifically a colt or foal. In classical usage it could describe the young of a horse, but in the New Testament it is applied exclusively to the offspring of a donkey. The sources note that this term frequently translates the Hebrew word ayir in the Septuagint, linking it to the imagery of a young donkey used in Old Testament contexts.
This word appears in eleven verses, primarily within the Synoptic Gospels and John’s account of Jesus’ triumphal entry. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all describe Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a pōlos, fulfilling prophetic scripture. The texts specify that it was a colt belonging to an ass, emphasizing its youth and untamed nature rather than its status as a trained war horse.
The choice of this humble beast carries significant theological weight. By riding a young donkey’s colt, Jesus presents himself as a peaceful king, contrasting with the militaristic symbolism of a warhorse. The sources highlight that this act fulfills the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, where the coming king is described as righteous and victorious, yet humble and riding on a donkey’s colt. This detail underscores the gentle and servant-hearted character of Jesus’ ministry.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pōlos points to a young donkey, specifically a foal that had never been ridden before. In the New Testament, this humble animal becomes the vessel for Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It was not a warhorse prepared for battle, but a gentle creature suited for peace. This choice reveals a King who comes in humility rather than force, inviting us to see leadership as service and strength as gentleness.
When we encounter this image, it reminds us that God often chooses the lowly things of the world to display His glory. The fact that no one had ever sat on this colt highlights its unique purpose. It was set apart for a moment that would change history. We can find comfort in knowing that our King does not demand grandeur or power, but rather a willing heart ready to carry His peace into our daily lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- colt5×
- a colt5×
- colt?2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πῶλον10×
- πῶλον;2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 21:5
“Tell the daughter of Zion, behold, your King comes to you, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
This verse explicitly links the colt to Zechariah’s prophecy, identifying Jesus as the humble King fulfilling Old Testament expectations.
-
Mark 11:2
and said to them, “Go your way into the village that is opposite you. Immediately as you enter into it, you will find a young donkey tied, on which no one has sat. Untie him and bring him.
The detail that no one had ever sat on this young donkey emphasizes its untamed nature and specific preparation for this holy moment.
-
Luke 19:35
Then they brought it to Jesus. They threw their cloaks on the colt and sat Jesus on them.
Here the colt becomes a throne of sorts, as people lay their cloaks upon it, showing reverence for the King who rides in peace.
-
John 12:15
“Don’t be afraid, daughter of Zion. Behold, your King comes, sitting on a donkey’s colt.”
John records Jesus sitting on the donkey’s colt to reassure the crowd that their King has come without fear or threat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word pōlos mean?
Why did Jesus ride a colt instead of a horse?
Is there a difference between a colt and a young donkey in these verses?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 4 books)
Matthew 3 verses
saying to them, “Go into the village that is opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with…
Matthew 21:5“Tell the daughter of Zion, behold, your King comes to you, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a…
Matthew 21:7and brought the donkey and the colt and laid their clothes on them; and he sat on them.