Palm Sunday is a special and meaningful day for Christians. It marks the beginning of Holy Week—the final days before Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. On this day, we remember how Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, and the crowds welcomed Him with palm branches and joyful shouts of “Hosanna!”
This moment is filled with emotion—joy, hope, peace, and anticipation—all pointing to the deeper truth of what was to come. Through Bible verses about Palm Sunday, we’re reminded of God’s love, His plan for redemption, and the peace Jesus brings.
Whether you’re reflecting personally, teaching others, or preparing for worship, these verses offer encouragement, insight, and timeless truth for your faith journey.
Below are 35 carefully chosen Bible verses about Palm Sunday, each with a short explanation to help you understand its meaning and apply it to your life.
1. John 12:13
They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!”
This verse directly recounts the crowd’s response as Jesus entered Jerusalem. The palm branches symbolized victory and peace, and the shouts of “Hosanna” expressed praise and a plea for salvation.
2. Matthew 21:9
The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
This verse highlights the public celebration of Jesus as the promised Messiah. The title “Son of David” acknowledges Jesus as the rightful King in the line of David.
3. Mark 11:9-10
Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Mark captures the enthusiasm of the crowd and their deep hope for the restoration of Israel. Their words echo Old Testament prophecy, connecting Jesus with God’s eternal plan.
4. Luke 19:38
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Luke emphasizes peace and glory, pointing to Jesus as the divine King whose kingdom brings heavenly peace and spiritual victory.
5. Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
This Old Testament prophecy is fulfilled on Palm Sunday, showing Jesus as a humble and peaceful King, not a military leader.
6. John 12:14-15
Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”
John directly links Jesus’ actions to the prophecy in Zechariah, emphasizing that His mission was one of peace and divine purpose.
7. Matthew 21:5
Say to Daughter Zion, “See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
This verse, quoted from prophecy, reminds us that Jesus’ kingship is marked by gentleness, not worldly power.
8. Psalm 118:25-26
Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you.
These words are echoed in the Palm Sunday celebration, with “Hosanna” translating to “Save us, Lord,” showing the crowd’s longing for salvation.
9. Isaiah 62:11
The Lord has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: “Say to Daughter Zion, See, your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.”
This verse speaks of the arrival of a Savior who brings both salvation and justice—a perfect reflection of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem.
10. Luke 19:35-36
They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
Spreading cloaks was a sign of honor and submission to a king. The crowd acknowledged Jesus’ royal status, even if they didn’t fully understand His mission.
11. Matthew 21:8
A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
This action symbolized the people’s recognition of Jesus as royalty. Laying down cloaks and branches was an ancient custom to honor a king or dignitary.
12. John 12:12
The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem.
This verse sets the scene, showing the excitement and anticipation among the people during Passover week—a time loaded with spiritual meaning.
13. Luke 19:37
When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen.
The crowd wasn’t just celebrating; they were acknowledging Jesus’ divine power and miracles, praising Him as the long-awaited Savior.
14. Matthew 21:10-11
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Jesus’ arrival caused a city-wide stir. While some recognized Him as a prophet, His true identity as the Messiah was still unfolding.
15. Mark 11:7
When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it.
This simple yet symbolic act fulfilled prophecy and signaled the humble nature of Jesus’ kingship.
16. Psalm 24:7
Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
Though originally written for temple worship, this verse beautifully echoes the grandeur of Palm Sunday as the true King enters the city.
17. John 1:29
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
Even before Palm Sunday, Jesus was identified as the sacrificial Lamb—a truth that would become clear by the end of Holy Week.
18. Revelation 7:9
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude… holding palm branches in their hands.
This heavenly vision mirrors Palm Sunday, with people worshiping the Lamb. It reminds us that Jesus’ triumph goes beyond Jerusalem—it’s eternal.
19. Colossians 1:13
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem symbolizes His mission to bring light into a dark world and establish His eternal kingdom.
20. Philippians 2:8-9
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him…
Palm Sunday leads us to the cross. Jesus’ humility and obedience are central to understanding His purpose and glory.
21. Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Palm Sunday’s joy foreshadows the depth of love shown at the cross. Jesus came knowing He would give His life.
22. 1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
This verse speaks to the ultimate victory Jesus secured, a truth Palm Sunday celebrates as it leads into Easter.
23. Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born… And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
The peace Jesus brings, highlighted on Palm Sunday, was foretold centuries before. He is the Prince of Peace.
24. Psalm 96:7-8
Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Palm Sunday is about giving God glory. This psalm reminds us to praise the Lord with joyful hearts.
25. Romans 10:9
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart… you will be saved.
Palm Sunday reminds us to confess and believe. Recognizing Jesus as Lord is the foundation of Christian faith.
26. Hebrews 12:2
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith…
As we reflect on Palm Sunday, we’re called to stay focused on Jesus—the beginning and end of our faith.
27. Galatians 4:4-5
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son… to redeem those under the law.
Palm Sunday wasn’t random. It was God’s perfect timing, part of His plan to redeem humanity through His Son.
28. Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Jesus, the ultimate peacemaker, rides into Jerusalem not with weapons, but with peace—a model for all who follow Him.
29. 1 Peter 2:24
He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross…
Palm Sunday points us to the cross, where Jesus carried the weight of our sins to bring us healing and hope.
30. Ephesians 2:14
For he himself is our peace…
Palm Sunday celebrates the arrival of peace. Not just the absence of conflict, but wholeness through Christ.
31. 2 Corinthians 5:21
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us…
Jesus entered Jerusalem spotless, yet He willingly took on our sin. His journey is one of sacrificial love.
32. Luke 1:68-69
Praise be to the Lord… because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
This verse celebrates God’s faithfulness, echoed in Palm Sunday as the Redeemer arrives to fulfill His promises.
33. Psalm 145:1
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.
Palm Sunday is a perfect day to lift our voices in praise. This psalm reflects the attitude of worship the crowds had.
34. Isaiah 40:3
A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord…”
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, and Palm Sunday is the moment that preparation becomes public proclamation.
35. Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise…
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people celebrated with joy. This verse encourages us to always approach God with thankful hearts.
Conclusion: Let Palm Sunday Transform Your Heart
Palm Sunday is more than a tradition—it’s a spiritual reminder of who Jesus is and why He came. These Bible verses about Palm Sunday help us reflect on God’s deep love, Jesus’ humility, and the promise of salvation.
His entry into Jerusalem was both a celebration and a foreshadowing of the greatest sacrifice ever made for humanity.
As we wave our own metaphorical palm branches today, may we do so with joy, gratitude, and faith in the King who saves.
What about you?
Have any of these verses touched your heart today? Do you have a favorite Palm Sunday scripture or a special memory tied to this holy day? Share your thoughts, reflections, or favorite verses in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!