King James Version

What Does Mark 11:27 Mean?

Mark 11:27 in the King James Version says “And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scri... — study this verse from Mark chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,

Mark 11:27 · KJV


Context

25

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

26

But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

27

And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,

28

And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?

29

And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. question: or, thing


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple—Jesus returns to Jerusalem after the temple cleansing (11:15-18), boldly walking in the very place He had disrupted. There come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders—This represents the Sanhedrin's full leadership: chief priests (high priest and priestly aristocracy controlling temple operations), scribes (legal experts and Torah interpreters), and elders (respected laymen from prominent families). Their united delegation signaled official interrogation. The confrontation was inevitable—Jesus had overturned money-changers' tables, driven out merchants, and accused them of making God's house a den of robbers. This directly challenged temple system corruption, threatening both religious authority and economic interests.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Sanhedrin was Judaism's supreme council (71 members) ruling on religious law, criminal justice, and civil governance under Roman oversight. Chief priests included Caiaphas and leading priestly families (predominantly Sadducees). Scribes were Torah scholars, mostly Pharisees. Elders represented wealthy lay families. This diverse coalition—theological adversaries united by perceived threat—confronted Jesus together. The temple was Second Temple Judaism's heart—religious, economic, political. Its Court of the Gentiles had been converted into an exploitative marketplace.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus's boldness in returning to the temple after confrontation teach about courageous witness?
  2. How do religious systems become corrupted when spiritual authority mingles with economic interests and political power?
  3. Why did the religious establishment perceive Jesus as a threat?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

And

G2532

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

ἔρχονται2 of 22

there come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πάλιν3 of 22

again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

εἰς4 of 22

to

G1519

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

Ἱεροσόλυμα5 of 22

Jerusalem

G2414

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine

καὶ6 of 22

And

G2532

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

ἐν7 of 22

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ8 of 22
G3588

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

ἱερῷ9 of 22

the temple

G2411

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

περιπατοῦντος10 of 22

was walking

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

αὐτὸν11 of 22

as he

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

ἔρχονται12 of 22

there come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρὸς13 of 22

to

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,

αὐτὸν14 of 22

as he

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

οἱ15 of 22
G3588

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

ἀρχιερεῖς16 of 22

the chief priests

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

καὶ17 of 22

And

G2532

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

οἱ18 of 22
G3588

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

γραμματεῖς19 of 22

the scribes

G1122

a professional writer

καὶ20 of 22

And

G2532

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

οἱ21 of 22
G3588

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

πρεσβύτεροι22 of 22

the elders

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"


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 11:27 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 11:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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