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Matthew 21:8
ESV Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
NIV A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
NASB Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road.
CSB A very large crowd spread their clothes on the road; others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road.
NLT Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
KJV And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
NKJV And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

What does Matthew 21:8 mean?

This is the moment celebrated in Christian churches on Palm Sunday: Jesus' arrival into Jerusalem at the beginning of what is often called Holy Week or Passion Week. This is also referred to as the "triumphal entry" of Christ.

Jesus has been telling His disciples that He is going to Jerusalem to be arrested, condemned, crucified, and then raised on the third day (Matthew 17:22–23). When they finally reach the city, however, Jesus enters to cheers and celebration from the people. Matthew has mentioned that a large crowd was following Jesus as He passed through Jericho on His way toward the city (Matthew 20:29). Now that crowd, perhaps along with others who know Jesus as the healer and miracle worker and "prophet" (Matthew 21:11), spread their outer cloaks on the road before Him as He rides into town and throw palm branches in front of His path along the way. This is a profound act of honor and acclamation.

It's true that those who made the journey from other parts of Israel to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration were sometimes greeted in this way. However, these acts of submission and praise are clearly and specifically directed at Jesus alone. The city is stirred up over Him (Matthew 21:10). The crowd will explicitly refer to Jesus' role as Messiah as they cry out (Matthew 21:9).

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey specifically to fulfill Zechariah's prophecy about the coming of the king of Israel (Zechariah 9:9). Placing outer garments under the feet of the king was a sign of respect and submission (2 Kings 9:13). Branches, especially palm branches, were a symbol of Israel and her victories in the past. It's likely that not everyone who participated knew fully what was going on, but they welcomed Jesus as if welcoming a king.
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