40 "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
40 He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out."
40 But he said, "If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise."
40 But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."
40 He replied, "If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 19:40
Commentary on Luke 19:28-40
(Read Luke 19:28-40)
Christ has dominion over all creatures, and may use them as he pleases. He has all men's hearts both under his eye and in his hand. Christ's triumphs, and his disciples' joyful praises, vex proud Pharisees, who are enemies to him and to his kingdom. But Christ, as he despises the contempt of the proud, so he accepts the praises of the humble. Pharisees would silence the praises of Christ, but they cannot; for as God can out of stones raise up children unto Abraham, and turn the stony heart to himself, so he can bring praise out of the mouths of children. And what will be the feelings of men when the Lord returns in glory to judge the world!