King James Version

What Does Mark 11:33 Mean?

Mark 11:33 in the King James Version says “And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by wha...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Mark 11:33 · King James Version

Context

31

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?

32

But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.

33

And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
We cannot tell—Their answer is a lie masquerading as ignorance. We cannot tell means we do not know, but their internal reasoning proves they did know—they simply would not admit it. This is intellectual dishonesty: professing ignorance when truth is known but inconvenient. Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things—Jesus's refusal is not evasion but righteous judgment. They disqualified themselves by intellectual dishonesty. Genuine truth-seeking dialogue requires honesty; when participants refuse honest engagement, further discussion is futile. Jesus will not cast pearls before swine. Their bad faith forfeited their right to His answer. This demonstrates a crucial principle: God gives light to those who walk in the light they have; He withholds revelation from those who suppress truth already known.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Sanhedrin's evasion was cowardly but politically astute. Admitting John's divine commissioning would validate Jesus's claims. Denying John's authority would alienate the people. Professing ignorance allowed them to avoid immediate crisis while continuing to plot Jesus's destruction. Their subsequent machinations—seeking false witnesses, manipulating Pilate, demanding crucifixion—prove they acted knowingly, not from genuine uncertainty. This confrontation occurred during Passion Week, days before crucifixion. Their hardened rejection sealed their guilt and Israel's judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does professing ignorance about truth you actually know constitute intellectual dishonesty and spiritual hardness?
  2. What does Jesus's refusal to answer bad-faith questions teach about when to engage critics and when to withdraw?
  3. Where might God be withholding further revelation because you have not obeyed or acknowledged truth He has already shown you?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

“And”

kai

G2532

and, also, even

ἀποκριθέντες2 of 21

“answering”

apokrithentes

G611

to answer

τῷ3 of 21

tō

G3588

the

Ἰησοῦ4 of 21

“Jesus”

Iēsou

G2424

Jesus

λέγουσιν5 of 21

“they say”

legousin

G3004

to say, speak

Οὐκ6 of 21

“Not”

Ouk

G3756

not, no

οἴδαμεν7 of 21

“do we know”

oidamen

G1492

to know, perceive

Καὶ8 of 21

“And”

Kai

G2532

and, also, even

ὁ9 of 21

ho

G3588

the

Ἰησοῦς10 of 21

“Jesus”

Iēsous

G2424

Jesus

λέγει11 of 21

“says”

legei

G3004

to say, speak

αὐτοῖς12 of 21

“to them”

autois

G846

he, she, it, they

Οὐδὲ13 of 21

“Neither”

Oude

G3761

and not, neither

ἐγὼ14 of 21

“I”

egō

G1473

I, me

λέγω15 of 21

“tell”

legō

G3004

to say, speak

ὑμῖν16 of 21

“you”

hymin

G4771

you

ἐν17 of 21

“by”

en

G1722

in, on, among

ποίᾳ18 of 21

“what”

poia

G4169

what, which

ἐξουσίᾳ19 of 21

“authority”

exousia

G1849

authority, power

ταῦτα20 of 21

“these things”

tauta

G3778

this, these

ποιῶ21 of 21

“I do”

poiō

G4160

to make, do

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 11:33 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 11:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 6:9-102 Corinthians 4:3-42 Thessalonians 2:10-12Isaiah 29:9-14Malachi 2:7-8Luke 20:7-8

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