All four of the Gospels tell of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem (Mark 11.1-11; Luke 19.28-38; John 12.12-19), but they each do it in a way that differs from that of the other three. In the comments to follow, attention will be given to some of the unique features that appear in Matthew.
When they drew near is translated “As Jesus and his disciples approached” by Good News Translation. Since this part of the Gospel is frequently used in public reading separately from the previous narrative, it is important that the reader and hearer understand from the outset who is meant by they of the Greek text. In many languages when they drew near will have to be preceded by some statement indicating that they were going toward Jerusalem; for example, “Jesus and his disciples went toward Jerusalem. As they were getting close….”
Jesus’ approach to the city of Jerusalem was made from the direction of Jericho, that is from the east. The exact location of the village of Bethphage is unknown, though it is probably east of Bethany. The name means “house of figs,” with reference to a particular kind of fig that ripens late in the season. Bethphage is mentioned only in conjunction with Jesus’ final entry into Jerusalem; both Mark (11.1) and Luke (19.29) have “to Bethphage and Bethany,” whereas Matthew does not mention Bethany until 26.6. Since Bethphage will not be known to most readers, it may be helpful to say “the village of Bethphage.”
The Mount of Olives is a part of the main mountain range which runs north and south through central and southern Palestine|fig:Map_Palestine-Jesus.jpg. It overlooks Jerusalem from the east and is separated from the city by the deep crevice of the Kidron Valley.
The structure of the text, to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, with to occurring twice, is odd in English and may be misunderstood if translated literally. “Bethphage at the Mount of Olives” of Good News Translation is better. Translators can also say “to Bethphage, a village at the Mount of Olives.”
Mount is a little misleading, since it refers here to a hill, not to a mountain. “Hill” (Barclay) is therefore better. Also, readers must not get the impression that what is involved is a large heap of olives. “Hill (or, Mount) of Olive Trees” is sometimes a better translation.
Sent is perhaps better expressed by “sent … on ahead” (Good News Translation, An American Translation), “sent … ahead” (Phillips), or “sent on” (Barclay). Notice that Good News Translation starts a new sentence here. Translators will need to look at verses 1, 2, and 3 together to decide on the most natural way to structure the whole passage. Sent may have to be rendered “told two of his disciples to go on ahead of them.”
Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .