King James Version

What Does Mark 11:5 Mean?

Mark 11:5 in the King James Version says “And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?” — study this verse from Mark chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 11:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? (Τί ποιεῖτε λύοντες τὸν πῶλον;)—the bystanders' challenge is natural and expected. Taking someone's animal without permission appears to be theft. The present participle lyontes (λύοντες, "loosing") emphasizes they were caught in the act. Mark's inclusion of this detail demonstrates the Gospel's honesty—it doesn't sanitize potential embarrassments but reports what happened authentically.

This confrontation creates dramatic tension: will the disciples be accused of theft? Will their explanation be accepted? The account shows that following Jesus sometimes requires actions that appear questionable to outsiders. The disciples' obedience to Jesus' instructions, even when challenged, models faithful discipleship that trusts Christ's word over human opinion. Their calm response (v. 6) reflects confidence in Jesus' authority and prophetic word.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Property rights were taken seriously in first-century Judaism, protected by the eighth commandment (Exodus 20:15). Taking an animal without permission could result in legal consequences or violent confrontation. The bystanders' question was legitimate and protective—they were safeguarding the owner's property. Their challenge also demonstrates that this was not a pre-arranged plan between Jesus and the owner; otherwise, bystanders would have been informed. The disciples' vulnerable position—caught taking an animal by multiple witnesses—required faith that Jesus' instructions would prove sufficient. This incident parallels other moments when following Jesus brought disciples into awkward or dangerous situations requiring trust: walking on water (Matthew 14:28-29), the temple tax coin (Matthew 17:24-27), finding the upper room (Mark 14:13-15).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this confrontation illustrate that obedience to Jesus sometimes requires actions that appear questionable to outsiders?
  2. What does the disciples' willingness to follow Jesus' instructions, even when challenged, teach about authentic discipleship?
  3. In what situations might faithful obedience to Christ conflict with conventional social expectations or propriety?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καί1 of 12

“And”

G2532

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

τινες2 of 12

“certain of them”

G5100

some or any person or object

τῶν3 of 12
G3588

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

ἐκεῖ4 of 12

“there”

G1563

there; by extension, thither

ἑστηκότων5 of 12

“that stood”

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ἔλεγον6 of 12

“said”

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

αὐτοῖς7 of 12

“unto them”

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

Τί8 of 12

“What”

G5101

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

ποιεῖτε9 of 12

“do ye”

G4160

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

λύοντες10 of 12

“loosing”

G3089

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

τὸν11 of 12
G3588

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

πῶλον12 of 12

“the colt”

G4454

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

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 11:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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