King James Version

What Does Mark 11:3 Mean?

Mark 11:3 in the King James Version says “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 hit... — study this verse from Mark chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Mark 11:3 · 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.

4

And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.

5

And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him (ὁ Κύριος αὐτοῦ χρείαν ἔχει)—the title Kyrios (Κύριος, "Lord") is pivotal. In the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint), Kyrios translates the divine name Yahweh. By instructing the disciples to say "the Lord has need," Jesus makes a veiled claim to divine authority. The phrase also reveals the incarnational paradox: the Lord of heaven and earth "has need" of a donkey—divinity embracing the limitations of humanity.

And straightway he will send him hither (εὐθὺς αὐτὸν ἀποστέλλει πάλιν ὧδε)—Jesus predicts the owner's immediate compliance. The adverb euthys (εὐθύς, "straightway") appears frequently in Mark's Gospel, emphasizing urgency and immediacy. The owner's unhesitating cooperation suggests either prior arrangement or, more likely, divine sovereignty moving human hearts to accomplish prophetic purposes. Reformed theology emphasizes God's providence: nothing happens by chance, and human decisions fulfill divine plans without violating human agency.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century Palestine, temporary requisition of animals by traveling rabbis or officials was not uncommon, especially during Passover when Jerusalem swelled with pilgrims. However, the phrase "the Lord has need" would have carried profound theological weight. The owner's immediate compliance (v. 6) suggests he may have been a disciple or sympathizer who recognized Jesus' authority. Alternatively, Jesus' supernatural foreknowledge may have so precisely predicted the situation that events unfolded exactly as He said. The trilingual inscription on Jesus' cross (John 19:19-20) later proclaimed Him "King" in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek—here His messianic claim begins subtly with the title "Lord." Early Christians used Kyrios as their primary christological confession: "Jesus is Lord" (Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Philippians 2:11).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' use of the title 'Lord' reveal about His self-understanding and His claim to divine authority?
  2. How does the owner's immediate compliance illustrate God's sovereign orchestration of events to fulfill His redemptive purposes?
  3. In what ways does this passage demonstrate that Jesus' crucifixion was not an accident but a carefully orchestrated divine plan?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

And

G2532

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

ἐάν2 of 20

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τις3 of 20

any man

G5100

some or any person or object

ὑμῖν4 of 20

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

εἴπατε5 of 20

say

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Τί6 of 20

Why

G5101

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

ποιεῖτε7 of 20

do ye

G4160

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

τοῦτο8 of 20

this

G5124

that thing

εἴπατε9 of 20

say

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ὅτι10 of 20

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

11 of 20
G3588

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

κύριος12 of 20

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

αὐτὸν13 of 20

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

χρείαν14 of 20

need

G5532

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

ἔχει15 of 20

hath

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

καὶ16 of 20

And

G2532

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

εὐθὲως17 of 20

straightway

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

αὐτὸν18 of 20

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

ἀποστελεῖ19 of 20

he will send

G649

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

ὧδε20 of 20

hither

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither


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 11:3 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 11:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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