A.T. Robertson Commentary Matthew 21:1

"And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples," — Matthew 21:1 (ASV)

Unto Bethphage (εις Βεθφαγη). An indeclinable Aramaic name here only in O.T. or N.T. (Luke 19:29). It means "house of unripe young figs." It apparently lay on the eastern slope of Olivet or at the foot of the mountain, a little further from Jerusalem than Bethany. Both Mark and Luke speak of Christ's coming "unto Bethphage and Bethany" as if Bethphage was reached first. It is apparently larger than Bethany.

Unto the Mount of Olives (εις το ορος των Ελαιων). Matthew has thus three instances of εις with Jerusalem, Mount of Olives. Mark and Luke use προς with Mount of Olives, the Mount of Olive trees (ελαιων from ελαια, olive tree), the mountain covered with olive trees.