King James Version

What Does Mark 11:9 Mean?

Mark 11:9 in the King James Version says “And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the ... — study this verse from Mark chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

Mark 11:9 · KJV


Context

7

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

8

And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.

9

And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

10

Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

11

And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna (Ὡσαννά)—the Hebrew phrase hoshiya-na (הוֹשִׁיעָה־נָּא) literally means "Save now!" or "Save, we pray!" from Psalm 118:25. This psalm was sung during Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles, anticipating messianic deliverance. By shouting "Hosanna," the crowds plead for Jesus to save Israel from Roman oppression—political liberation uppermost in their minds.

Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord (Εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου)—this quotes Psalm 118:26, clearly recognized as messianic. The phrase "he that cometh" (ho erchomenos, ὁ ἐρχόμενος) was a messianic title meaning "the Coming One." The crowds proclaim Jesus as God's authorized representative, coming "in the name of the Lord" with divine authority. They rightly identify Jesus as Messiah but fail to understand that His saving work requires death and resurrection, not military conquest. Their worship is genuine but incomplete, celebrating the King while missing the cross.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 118 was the last of the "Egyptian Hallel" psalms (Psalms 113-118) sung at Passover, celebrating God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt and anticipating final messianic salvation. Every Jewish pilgrim knew these words by heart. The phrase "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" welcomed pilgrims to Jerusalem but here takes on profound messianic significance. When Jesus later quoted Psalm 118:22-23 about the rejected stone becoming the chief cornerstone (Mark 12:10-11), He revealed the paradox: the One the crowd welcomes as King will be rejected by the builders (religious leaders) and killed. Within a week, the same crowds would turn hostile, disappointed that Jesus wasn't overthrowing Rome. The Pharisees, hearing the commotion, demanded Jesus silence the crowd (Luke 19:39-40), recognizing the political danger of messianic claims. Jesus refused, declaring that if the people stayed silent, "the stones would cry out."

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the crowd's cry 'Hosanna' reveal both right recognition of Jesus as Messiah and wrong expectations about the nature of His salvation?
  2. What does Psalm 118's original context of deliverance from Egypt teach about Jesus as the ultimate Exodus-bringer, delivering from sin and death?
  3. In what ways do Christians today risk celebrating Jesus as King while misunderstanding or avoiding the centrality of the cross?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

And

G2532

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

οἱ2 of 15
G3588

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

προάγοντες3 of 15

they that went before

G4254

to lead forward (magisterially); intransitively, to precede (in place or time (participle, previous))

καὶ4 of 15

And

G2532

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

οἱ5 of 15
G3588

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

ἀκολουθοῦντες6 of 15

they that followed

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

ἔκραζον7 of 15

cried

G2896

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

λέγοντες,8 of 15

saying

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

Ὡσαννά·9 of 15

Hosanna

G5614

oh save!; hosanna (i.e., hoshia-na), an exclamation of adoration

Εὐλογημένος10 of 15

Blessed

G2127

to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)

11 of 15
G3588

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

ἐρχόμενος12 of 15

is he that cometh

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐν13 of 15

in

G1722

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

ὀνόματι14 of 15

the name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

κυρίου·15 of 15

of the Lord

G2962

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


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 11:9 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 11:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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