King James Version

What Does Mark 11:19 Mean?

Mark 11:19 in the King James Version says “And when even was come, he went out of the city.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when even was come, he went out of the city.”

Mark 11:19 · KJV

Context

17

And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. of all: or, an house of prayer for all nations

18

And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

19

And when even was come, he went out of the city.

20

And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.

21

And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when even was come, he went out of the city (Ὅταν ὀψὲ ἐγένετο, ἐξεπορεύοντο ἔξω τῆς πόλεως)—Jesus establishes a pattern during Passion Week: teaching in Jerusalem by day, withdrawing at night. The phrase "when even was come" (hotan opse egeneto, ὅταν ὀψὲ ἐγένετο) marks day's end. The imperfect verb exeporeuonto (ἐξεπορεύοντο, "went out") suggests habitual action—Jesus and the disciples repeatedly left the city each evening throughout the week leading to His arrest Thursday night.

This withdrawal served multiple purposes: avoiding arrest (authorities feared seizing Him publicly, v. 18), resting from intense confrontations, and staying with friends in Bethany. The pattern demonstrates Jesus' wisdom in managing dangerous circumstances—He didn't foolishly expose Himself to danger but prudently withdrew until His "hour" came (John 7:30; 8:20). When the appointed time arrived, Jesus willingly submitted to arrest and crucifixion (Mark 14:41-42, 49). This balance between wise caution and willing sacrifice models Christian living in hostile environments: prudent without cowardice, bold without presumption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem was dangerous for Jesus after the temple cleansing. The religious authorities actively plotted His death (v. 18), so staying in the city overnight risked arrest. Bethany, about two miles away on the Mount of Olives' eastern slope, provided safe refuge with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 12:1-2). This family had hosted Jesus before (Luke 10:38-42) and witnessed Lazarus's resurrection (John 11:1-44). Jesus' nightly withdrawal to Bethany continued from Sunday's Triumphal Entry through Thursday when He stayed in Jerusalem for the Passover meal, Gethsemane, and arrest. The pattern broke Thursday night when Jesus remained in Jerusalem, knowing His "hour had come" (John 13:1). During this final week, Jesus taught extensively in the temple courts (Mark 11:27-12:44), delivered the Olivet Discourse (Mark 13), and engaged in intense debates with Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, and scribes (Mark 11:27-12:40). Each evening's withdrawal preserved His life until the divinely appointed time for sacrifice.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' pattern of bold daytime ministry followed by prudent nighttime withdrawal teach about balancing courage with wisdom in hostile environments?
  2. How does Jesus' control over the timing of His arrest and crucifixion demonstrate that His death was voluntary sacrifice, not tragic martyrdom?
  3. In what ways can Christians today discern when to boldly confront evil and when to prudently withdraw to preserve life and ministry?

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

ὅτε2 of 8

“when”

G3753

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

ὀψὲ3 of 8

“even”

G3796

(adverbially) late in the day; by extension, after the close of the day

ἐγένετο4 of 8

“was come”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐξεπορεύετο5 of 8

“he went”

G1607

to depart, be discharged, proceed, project

ἔξω6 of 8

“out of”

G1854

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively

τῆς7 of 8
G3588

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

πόλεως8 of 8

“the city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

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 11:19 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 11:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 21:37Mark 11:11John 12:36

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