King James Version

What Does Mark 11:12 Mean?

Mark 11:12 in the King James Version says “And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:” — study this verse from Mark chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:”

Mark 11:12 · KJV

Context

10

Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

11

And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

12

And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:

13

And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon : and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.

14

And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.

Read Mark 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry (τῇ ἐπαύριον ἐξελθόντων αὐτῶν ἀπὸ Βηθανίας ἐπείνασεν)—Mark emphasizes Jesus' genuine humanity. The verb epeinasen (ἐπείνασεν, "he was hungry") highlights physical need. Though divine, Jesus experienced true human limitations: hunger, thirst, weariness, suffering. This authenticates the incarnation—the Word became flesh (John 1:14) and experienced full humanity except for sin (Hebrews 4:15).

The timing "on the morrow" (Monday of Passion Week) places this event between the Triumphal Entry and the temple cleansing. Mark's narrative sandwiches the temple cleansing (vv. 15-17) between the fig tree cursing (vv. 12-14) and its withering (vv. 20-21), creating an interpretive framework: the fig tree symbolizes Israel's religious establishment—outwardly flourishing but spiritually barren, facing divine judgment. Jesus' hunger becomes the occasion for a prophetic sign-act revealing God's judgment on fruitless religion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus and the disciples traveled from Bethany to Jerusalem, a journey of about two miles. They likely left early, before breakfast, explaining Jesus' hunger. The route descended the Mount of Olives' eastern slope, crossed the Kidron Valley, and ascended to Jerusalem and the temple mount. This was Monday of Passion Week; Jesus would be crucified Friday. The intervening days were filled with confrontations with religious leaders (Mark 11:27-12:40), apocalyptic teaching (Mark 13), and preparation for the Passover meal (Mark 14:12-16). The fig tree incident must be understood symbolically, not as Jesus having a temper tantrum over not finding breakfast. Jesus, who fed 5,000 with loaves and fish, wasn't merely frustrated about missing a meal. Rather, the fig tree becomes a living parable—a prophetic sign-act demonstrating God's judgment on Israel's fruitless religion, particularly the corrupt temple system Jesus would cleanse later that day.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' genuine human experience of hunger authenticate the reality of the incarnation and His ability to sympathize with our weaknesses?
  2. What does the timing of this event—between Triumphal Entry and temple cleansing—reveal about Jesus' progressive revelation of judgment?
  3. In what ways does Mark's 'sandwich' narrative technique (fig tree cursing around temple cleansing) help readers interpret both events?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
Καὶ1 of 8

“And”

G2532

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

τῇ2 of 8
G3588

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

ἐπαύριον3 of 8

“on the morrow”

G1887

occurring on the succeeding day, i.e., (g2250 being implied) to-morrow

ἐξελθόντων4 of 8

“were come”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

αὐτῶν5 of 8

“when they”

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

ἀπὸ6 of 8

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

Βηθανίας7 of 8

“Bethany”

G963

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

ἐπείνασεν8 of 8

“he was hungry”

G3983

to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave

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 11:12 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 11:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 21:18-22Matthew 4:2John 19:28John 4:31-33Luke 4:2John 4:6-7

Places in This Verse

Bethany 1Settlement · Modern: Al Eizariya · 31.77°N, 35.26°E12 verses across 4 books
View all places in Mark 11 →

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