King James Version

What Does Mark 11:4 Mean?

Mark 11:4 in the King James Version says “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.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Mark 11:4 · KJV

Context

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?

6

And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.

Read Mark 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met (εὗρον πῶλον δεδεμένον πρὸς θύραν ἔξω ἐπὶ τοῦ ἀμφόδου)—Mark's characteristic precision provides vivid details: the colt was tied outside a door at a crossroads. The Greek amphodon (ἀμφόδου) means a street or place where two ways meet. This geographical precision authenticates eyewitness testimony—likely Peter's recollections, since early church tradition identifies Mark's Gospel as based on Peter's preaching. The disciples found everything just as Jesus had told them, confirming His prophetic knowledge.

And they loose him (λύουσιν αὐτόν)—the verb lyō (λύω, "loose") appears three times in this passage (vv. 2, 4, 5), emphasizing the act of unbinding. Symbolically, Jesus "looses" what is bound—He liberates captives (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18). The untamed colt, loosed and brought to Jesus, represents humanity: wild and unruly until brought under Christ's lordship, then miraculously submissive and useful for kingdom purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mark's Gospel, likely written for Roman Christians in the mid-60s AD, preserves vivid details suggesting eyewitness sources. The specific mention of the crossroads location would have been meaningful to original readers familiar with Jerusalem's topography. Archaeological excavations have identified Bethphage's approximate location on the Mount of Olives' eastern slope. The detail that the colt was tied "outside" suggests it was tethered in a public or semi-public space, explaining why bystanders questioned the disciples (v. 5). Ancient Near Eastern villages often had communal areas where animals were kept. The fulfillment of Jesus' precise prediction would have strengthened the disciples' faith as they approached the culmination of Jesus' ministry—if He knew about the colt's location, He also knew about His impending death and resurrection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the precise details Mark records authenticate the historical reliability of this account as based on eyewitness testimony?
  2. What spiritual parallels can be drawn between the bound colt being 'loosed' and brought to Jesus and humanity's need for liberation from sin?
  3. How does Jesus' accurate prediction strengthen faith when facing uncertainty about God's plans?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ἀπῆλθον1 of 17

“they went their way”

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

δὲ2 of 17

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

εὗρον4 of 17

“found”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

τὸν5 of 17
G3588

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

πῶλον6 of 17

“the colt”

G4454

a "foal" or "filly", i.e., (specially), a young ass

δεδεμένον7 of 17

“tied”

G1210

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

πρὸς8 of 17

“by”

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,

τὴν9 of 17
G3588

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

θύραν10 of 17

“the door”

G2374

a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)

ἔξω11 of 17

“without”

G1854

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

ἐπὶ12 of 17

“in”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοῦ13 of 17
G3588

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

ἀμφόδου14 of 17

“a place where two ways met”

G296

a fork in the road

καὶ15 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

λύουσιν16 of 17

“they loose”

G3089

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

αὐτόν17 of 17

“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

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 11:4 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 11:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 11:8Matthew 21:6-7John 2:5Luke 19:32-34Matthew 26:19

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