{
  "id": "dict_001045",
  "term": "Colt",
  "slug": "colt",
  "letter": "C",
  "entry_type": "biblical_animal_or_object",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "A colt is a young donkey. In the Gospels, Jesus rides a colt into Jerusalem as a sign of humble kingship and fulfillment of prophecy.",
  "simple_one_line": "A young donkey, especially notable in the triumphal entry of Jesus.",
  "tooltip_text": "A young donkey; in the triumphal entry, Jesus’ riding of a colt fulfills Zechariah 9:9 and displays humble kingship.",
  "aliases": [
    "COLT (donkey)"
  ],
  "scripture_references": [],
  "original_language_terms": [],
  "related_entries": [
    "Triumphal Entry",
    "Zechariah 9:9",
    "Messiah",
    "Kingship of Christ",
    "Humility",
    "Donkey"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "Donkey",
    "Palm Sunday",
    "Son of David",
    "Prophecy and Fulfillment"
  ],
  "lede_intro": "A colt is a young donkey. Its clearest biblical significance appears in the accounts of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where He rides a colt in fulfillment of prophecy and in a manner that signals peace, humility, and royal authority.",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "A young donkey. In Scripture, the colt is most significant because Jesus rode one into Jerusalem, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9.",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [
    "1) A colt is a young donkey. 2) It is most important in the triumphal entry. 3) The scene highlights Christ’s humility and kingship. 4) Its symbolic scope should remain tied to that Gospel context."
  ],
  "description_academic_short": "A colt is a young donkey. Its main biblical importance lies in the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where His riding of a colt fulfills Old Testament prophecy and presents Him as the promised King who comes in humility.",
  "description_academic_full": "A colt is a young donkey. In Scripture, the term is most significant in the accounts of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where He rides a colt in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy concerning Zion’s King coming gently and humbly. This scene underscores both the messianic identity of Jesus and the character of His kingship: not worldly display or military conquest, but a righteous and peaceful arrival consistent with the prophetic expectation. The colt is therefore a meaningful biblical image, but its significance should remain anchored to the triumphal entry rather than expanded into a broad standalone symbol throughout Scripture.",
  "background_biblical_context": "The colt appears most prominently in the Gospel narratives of the triumphal entry. Jesus directs His disciples to obtain the animal, then rides into Jerusalem while the crowds welcome Him as the Davidic King. The event deliberately echoes Zechariah 9:9 and marks the public presentation of Jesus to Israel shortly before His death and resurrection.",
  "background_historical_context": "In the ancient Near East, riding an animal could signal status, purpose, and royal intention. A king riding a colt rather than a warhorse would communicate peace, restraint, and humility. The Gospel accounts use that contrast to show the kind of Messiah Jesus is.",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "Second Temple Jewish expectation included hopes for a coming Davidic King and the fulfillment of prophetic promises. Zechariah’s description of a humble king arriving on a donkey shaped messianic interpretation for many readers and provides the background for the Gospel presentation of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.",
  "key_texts_primary": [
    "Zechariah 9:9",
    "Matthew 21:1-11",
    "Mark 11:1-10",
    "Luke 19:28-40",
    "John 12:12-15"
  ],
  "key_texts_secondary": [
    "Genesis 49:10-11",
    "1 Kings 1:33-40"
  ],
  "original_language_note": "English colt normally refers to a young donkey or foal. In the Gospel triumphal entry narratives, the animal is described in ways that correspond to a young donkey, connecting the event to Zechariah 9:9.",
  "theological_significance": "The colt serves as a sign of Jesus’ messianic identity and humble kingship. It highlights fulfillment of prophecy, the peaceful character of Christ’s reign, and the public presentation of the King of Israel.",
  "philosophical_explanation": "As a biblical symbol, the colt is not abstractly philosophical; its significance is narrative and prophetic. It communicates by contrast: a true king may arrive humbly, and power in God’s kingdom is often displayed through restraint rather than spectacle.",
  "interpretive_cautions": "Do not over-allegorize the colt or treat it as a major independent symbol across Scripture. Its meaning is best understood in the specific triumphal entry context, where it functions as part of the fulfillment of prophecy and the revelation of Christ’s kingship.",
  "major_views_note": "Readers generally agree that the colt in the triumphal entry points to Zechariah 9:9 and to Jesus’ humble kingship. The main interpretive caution is scope: the symbolism is real, but limited to the Gospel narrative rather than a broad biblical motif.",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "This entry should not be used to support speculative symbolism or hidden meanings beyond the text. It does not alter the clear biblical testimony to Christ’s deity, messiahship, humility, or kingship.",
  "practical_significance": "The colt reminds believers that Jesus fulfills Scripture and rules in humility. It encourages trust in God’s Word and a view of leadership shaped by meekness, obedience, and peace rather than pride or force.",
  "meta_description": "A colt is a young donkey, best known in Scripture as the animal Jesus rode into Jerusalem in the triumphal entry, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/colt/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/colt.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}