King James Version

What Does Mark 11:28 Mean?

Mark 11:28 in the King James Version says “And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?” — study this verse from Mark chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 11:28 · KJV

Context

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

30

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?—The double question demands Jesus justify His actions. The Greek exousia means authority, right, or power—both ability to act and legitimacy to do so. They ask: on whose authorization do you overturn temple commerce, teach authoritatively, disrupt established order? They recognize authority as delegated—religious leaders derived authority from ordination, Sanhedrin appointment, or rabbinic succession. Jesus had none of these credentials. Yet He acted with supreme confidence. Their question is actually valid—authority matters, discernment requires evaluating credentials. Yet their hearts were not genuinely seeking truth but looking to trap Jesus. If He claimed divine authority, they would accuse Him of blasphemy; if human authority, He would lose credibility.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism's authority structures were well-defined. Rabbis were ordained by recognized masters; priests inherited authority through Levitical lineage; Sanhedrin members represented official leadership. Jesus fit none of these categories—a lay Galilean, lacking formal credentials. His authority was self-authenticating—flowing from His person, teaching, and miracles—rather than institutional validation. The temple cleansing specifically provoked this confrontation by disrupting temple commerce and challenging priestly administration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you discern legitimate spiritual authority from false claims?
  2. Why did the religious leaders' institutional authority blind them to Jesus's true authority?
  3. How might contemporary Christianity prioritize institutional credentials over actual spiritual authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

λέγουσιν2 of 18

“say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ3 of 18

“unto him”

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

Ἐν4 of 18

“By”

G1722

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

ποίᾳ5 of 18

“what”

G4169

individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one

ἐξουσίαν6 of 18

“authority”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

ταῦτα7 of 18

“these things”

G5023

these things

ποιῇς8 of 18

“do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

καὶ9 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

τίς10 of 18

“who”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

σοι11 of 18

“thee”

G4671

to thee

τὴν12 of 18
G3588

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

ἐξουσίαν13 of 18

“authority”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

ταύτην14 of 18
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἔδωκεν15 of 18

“gave”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ἵνα16 of 18

“to”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ταῦτα17 of 18

“these things”

G5023

these things

ποιῇς18 of 18

“do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

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 11:28 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 11:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 2:14Acts 7:38-39Numbers 16:3Acts 7:51Numbers 16:13Acts 7:27-28

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