King James Version

What Does Mark 11:1 Mean?

Mark 11:1 in the King James Version says “And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his di... — study this verse from Mark chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,

Mark 11:1 · KJV


Context

1

And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,

2

And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.

3

And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As Jesus approached Jerusalem, 'when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples' (Ὅτε ἐγγίζουσιν εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα εἰς Βηθφαγὴ καὶ Βηθανίαν πρὸς τὸ Ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν, ἀποστέλλει δύο τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ). This geographical note marks the beginning of Jesus' passion week. Bethphage and Bethany were villages near Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives' eastern slope. Jesus' approach fulfilled Zechariah 14:4, which prophesied the Messiah would stand on the Mount of Olives. Sending disciples for the colt (vv. 2-6) demonstrates Jesus' foreknowledge and sovereign orchestration of prophetic fulfillment. Everything leading to the cross happened according to divine plan, not random circumstance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Mount of Olives overlooks Jerusalem from the east, separated by the Kidron Valley. Bethany (meaning 'house of affliction' or 'house of dates') was home to Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 11:1), where Jesus stayed during passion week. Bethphage (meaning 'house of unripe figs') was closer to Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives held eschatological significance—Zechariah 14:4 prophesied God would stand there when delivering Jerusalem. Pilgrims approaching Jerusalem for Passover from the east would descend the Mount of Olives, cross Kidron, and enter the city. Jesus deliberately timed His entry for maximum visibility during Passover, when Jerusalem's population swelled from 50,000 to over 200,000 with pilgrims. This set the stage for His triumphal entry (Mark 11:7-11).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' deliberate approach to Jerusalem via the Mount of Olives fulfill Old Testament prophecy and demonstrate sovereign control over His passion?
  2. What does the geographical setting teach about Jesus consciously orchestrating events rather than being victim of circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὅτε2 of 19

when

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἐγγίζουσιν3 of 19

they came nigh

G1448

to make near, i.e., (reflexively) approach

εἰς4 of 19

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἰερουσαλήμ5 of 19

Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

εἰς6 of 19

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Βηθφαγὴ7 of 19

Bethphage

G967

fig-house; beth-phage, a place in palestine

καὶ8 of 19

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Βηθανίαν9 of 19

Bethany

G963

date-house; beth-any, a place in palestine

πρὸς10 of 19

at

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸ11 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ὄρος12 of 19

the mount

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

τῶν13 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἐλαιῶν14 of 19

of Olives

G1636

an olive (the tree or the fruit)

ἀποστέλλει15 of 19

he sendeth forth

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

δύο16 of 19

two

G1417

"two"

τῶν17 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθητῶν18 of 19

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ19 of 19
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 11:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 11:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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