King James Version

What Does Mark 12:11 Mean?

Mark 12:11 in the King James Version says “This was the Lord's doing , and it is marvellous in our eyes?” — study this verse from Mark chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“This was the Lord's doing , and it is marvellous in our eyes?”

Mark 12:11 · KJV

Context

9

What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.

10

And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:

11

This was the Lord's doing , and it is marvellous in our eyes?

12

And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.

13

And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes—Jesus quotes Psalm 118:23, applying the rejected stone prophecy to Himself. The θαυμαστός (thaumastos, marvelous, wonderful) nature lies in God's sovereign reversal: human rejection becomes divine exaltation. What seemed like defeat (crucifixion) God ordained as victory (resurrection and enthronement).

The shift from human perspective to divine purpose is stunning. The tenants 'cast out' the son to destroy him—but 'this was the Lord's doing.' God's sovereignty transforms the greatest crime (deicide) into the greatest salvation (atonement). The 'marvelous' quality means it provokes astonishment, wonder—even incredulity. Who could imagine that God would use the murder of His Son as the mechanism of redemption? Only divine wisdom could orchestrate such a reversal.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 118 was a Messianic psalm sung during Passover, celebrating God's deliverance. Jesus quotes it during Passion Week, days before becoming the Passover Lamb. The early church saw Psalm 118:22-23 as prophecy fulfilled in Christ's resurrection and exaltation (Acts 4:11, 1 Peter 2:7). What the Sanhedrin intended for evil, God ordained for salvation—the ultimate demonstration of Genesis 50:20.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding God's sovereignty over human evil bring comfort when you face opposition for Christ?
  2. What makes the cross 'marvelous'—how does divine wisdom in using human wickedness for salvation purposes provoke wonder?
  3. In what areas of your life do you need to trust that God's doing behind apparent defeat is actually marvelous victory?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
παρὰ1 of 10
G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

κυρίου2 of 10

“the Lord's”

G2962

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

ἐγένετο3 of 10

“doing”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

αὕτη4 of 10

“This”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

καὶ5 of 10

“and”

G2532

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

ἔστιν6 of 10

“it is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

θαυμαστὴ7 of 10

“marvellous”

G2298

wondered at, i.e., (by implication) wonderful

ἐν8 of 10

“in”

G1722

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

ὀφθαλμοῖς9 of 10

“eyes”

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

ἡμῶν10 of 10

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

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 12:11 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 12:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 118:23Acts 2:32-36Acts 3:12-16Habakkuk 1:51 Timothy 3:16Acts 2:12

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