Worthy.Bible » Parallel » Mark » Chapter 11 » Verse 1-33

Mark 11:1-33 King James Version (KJV)

1 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,

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.

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.

12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:

13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.

14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.

15 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;

16 And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.

17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

19 And when even was come, he went out of the city.

20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.

21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.

22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

27 And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,

28 And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?

29 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.

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.


Mark 11:1-33 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

1 And G2532 when G3753 they came nigh G1448 to G1519 Jerusalem, G2419 unto G1519 Bethphage G967 and G2532 Bethany, G963 at G4314 the mount G3735 of Olives, G1636 he sendeth forth G649 two G1417 of his G846 disciples, G3101

2 And G2532 saith G3004 unto them, G846 Go your way G5217 into G1519 the village G2968 over against G2713 you: G5216 and G2532 as soon as G2112 ye be entered G1531 into G1519 it, G846 ye shall find G2147 a colt G4454 tied, G1210 whereon G1909 G3739 never G3762 man G444 sat; G2523 loose G3089 him, G846 and bring G71 him.

3 And G2532 if G1437 any man G5100 say G2036 unto you, G5213 Why G5101 do ye G4160 this? G5124 say ye G2036 that G3754 the Lord G2962 hath G2192 need G5532 of him; G846 and G2532 straightway G2112 he will send G649 him G846 hither. G5602

4 And G1161 they went their way, G565 and G2532 found G2147 the colt G4454 tied G1210 by G4314 the door G2374 without G1854 in G1909 a place where two ways met; G296 and G2532 they loose G3089 him. G846

5 And G2532 certain of them G5100 that stood G2476 there G1563 said G3004 unto them, G846 What G5101 do ye, G4160 loosing G3089 the colt? G4454

6 And G1161 they said G2036 unto them G846 even as G2531 Jesus G2424 had commanded: G1781 and G2532 they let G863 them G846 go. G863

7 And G2532 they brought G71 the colt G4454 to G4314 Jesus, G2424 and G2532 cast G1911 their G846 garments G2440 on G1911 him; G846 and G2532 he sat G2523 upon G1909 him. G846

8 And G1161 many G4183 spread G4766 their G846 garments G2440 in G1519 the way: G3598 and G1161 others G243 cut down G2875 branches G4746 off G1537 the trees, G1186 and G2532 strawed G4766 them in G1519 the way. G3598

9 And G2532 they that went before, G4254 and G2532 they that followed, G190 cried, G2896 saying, G3004 Hosanna; G5614 Blessed G2127 is he that cometh G2064 in G1722 the name G3686 of the Lord: G2962

10 Blessed G2127 be the kingdom G932 of our G2257 father G3962 David, G1138 that cometh G2064 in G1722 the name G3686 of the Lord: G2962 Hosanna G5614 in G1722 the highest. G5310

11 And G2532 Jesus G2424 entered G1525 into G1519 Jerusalem, G2414 and G2532 into G1519 the temple: G2411 and G2532 when he had looked round about upon G4017 all things, G3956 and now G2235 the eventide G3798 G5610 was come, G5607 he went out G1831 unto G1519 Bethany G963 with G3326 the twelve. G1427

12 And G2532 on the morrow, G1887 when they G846 were come G1831 from G575 Bethany, G963 he was hungry: G3983

13 And G2532 seeing G1492 a fig tree G4808 afar off G3113 having G2192 leaves, G5444 he came, G2064 if G1487 haply G686 he might find G2147 any thing G5100 thereon: G1722 G846 and G2532 when he came G2064 to G1909 it, G846 he found G2147 nothing G3762 but G1508 leaves; G5444 for G1063 the time G2540 of figs G4810 was G2258 not G3756 yet.

14 And G2532 Jesus G2424 answered G611 and said G2036 unto it, G846 No man G3367 eat G5315 fruit G2590 of G1537 thee G4675 hereafter G3371 for G1519 ever. G165 And G2532 his G846 disciples G3101 heard G191 it.

15 And G2532 they come G2064 to G1519 Jerusalem: G2414 and G2532 Jesus G2424 went G1525 into G1519 the temple, G2411 and began G756 to cast out G1544 them that sold G4453 and G2532 bought G59 in G1722 the temple, G2411 and G2532 overthrew G2690 the tables G5132 of the moneychangers, G2855 and G2532 the seats G2515 of them G846 that sold G4453 doves; G4058

16 And G2532 would G863 not G3756 suffer G863 that G2443 any man G5100 should carry G1308 any vessel G4632 through G1223 the temple. G2411

17 And G2532 he taught, G1321 saying G3004 unto them, G846 Is it G1125 not G3756 written, G1125 G3754 My G3450 house G3624 shall be called G2564 of all G3956 nations G1484 the house G3624 of prayer? G4335 but G1161 ye G5210 have made G4160 it G846 a den G4693 of thieves. G3027

18 And G2532 the scribes G1122 and G2532 chief priests G749 heard G191 it, and G2532 sought G2212 how G4459 they might destroy G622 him: G846 for G1063 they feared G5399 him, G846 because G3754 all G3956 the people G3793 was astonished G1605 at G1909 his G846 doctrine. G1322

19 And G2532 when G3753 even G3796 was come, G1096 he went G1607 out of G1854 the city. G4172

20 And G2532 in the morning, G4404 as they passed by, G3899 they saw G1492 the fig tree G4808 dried up G3583 from G1537 the roots. G4491

21 And G2532 Peter G4074 calling to remembrance G363 saith G3004 unto him, G846 Master, G4461 behold, G2396 the fig tree G4808 which G3739 thou cursedst G2672 is withered away. G3583

22 And G2532 Jesus G2424 answering G611 saith G3004 unto them, G846 Have G2192 faith G4102 in God. G2316

23 For G1063 verily G281 I say G3004 unto you, G5213 That G3754 whosoever G3739 G302 shall say G2036 unto this G5129 mountain, G3735 Be thou removed, G142 and G2532 be thou cast G906 into G1519 the sea; G2281 and G2532 shall G1252 not G3361 doubt G1252 in G1722 his G846 heart, G2588 but G235 shall believe G4100 that G3754 those things which G3739 he saith G3004 shall come to pass; G1096 he G846 shall have G2071 whatsoever G3739 G1437 he saith. G2036

24 Therefore G1223 G5124 I say G3004 unto you, G5213 What G3745 things G3956 soever G302 ye desire, G154 when ye pray, G4336 believe G4100 that G3754 ye receive G2983 them, and G2532 ye G5213 shall have G2071 them.

25 And G2532 when G3752 ye stand G4739 praying, G4336 forgive, G863 if G1536 ye have G2192 ought G1536 against G2596 any: G5100 that G2443 your G5216 Father G3962 also G2532 which G3588 is in G1722 heaven G3772 may forgive G863 you G5213 your G5216 trespasses. G3900

26 But G1161 if G1487 ye G5210 do G863 not G3756 forgive, G863 neither G3761 will G863 your G5216 Father G3962 which G3588 is in G1722 heaven G3772 forgive G863 your G5216 trespasses. G3900

27 And G2532 they come G2064 again G3825 to G1519 Jerusalem: G2414 and G2532 as he G846 was walking G4043 in G1722 the temple, G2411 there come G2064 to G4314 him G846 the chief priests, G749 and G2532 the scribes, G1122 and G2532 the elders, G4245

28 And G2532 say G3004 unto him, G846 By G1722 what G4169 authority G1849 doest thou G4160 these things? G5023 and G2532 who G5101 gave G1325 thee G4671 this G5026 authority G1849 to G2443 do G4160 these things? G5023

29 And G1161 Jesus G2424 answered G611 and said G2036 unto them, G846 I will G1905 also G2504 ask G1905 of you G5209 one G1520 question, G3056 and G2532 answer G611 me, G3427 and G2532 I will tell G2046 you G5213 by G1722 what G4169 authority G1849 I do G4160 these things. G5023

30 The baptism G908 of John, G2491 was G2258 it from G1537 heaven, G3772 or G2228 of G1537 men? G444 answer G611 me. G3427

31 And G2532 they reasoned G3049 with G4314 themselves, G1438 saying, G3004 If G1437 we shall say, G2036 From G1537 heaven; G3772 he will say, G2046 Why G1302 then G3767 did ye G4100 not G3756 believe G4100 him? G846

32 But G235 if G1437 we shall say, G2036 Of G1537 men; G444 they feared G5399 the people: G2992 for G1063 all G537 men counted G2192 John, G2491 that G3754 he was G2258 a prophet G4396 indeed. G3689

33 And G2532 they answered G611 and said G3004 unto Jesus, G2424 We G1492 cannot G3756 tell. G1492 And G2532 Jesus G2424 answering G611 saith G3004 unto them, G846 Neither G3761 do I G1473 tell G3004 you G5213 by G1722 what G4169 authority G1849 I do G4160 these things. G5023


Mark 11:1-33 American Standard (ASV)

1 And when they draw nigh unto Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth two of his disciples,

2 and saith unto them, Go your way into the village that is over against you: and straightway as ye enter into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon no man ever yet sat; loose him, and bring him.

3 And if any one say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye, The Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him back hither.

4 And they went away, and found a colt tied at the door without in the open street; 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 said: and they let them go.

7 And they bring the colt unto Jesus, and cast on him their garments; and he sat upon him.

8 And many spread their garments upon the way; and others branches, which they had cut from the fields.

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

10 Blessed `is' the kingdom that cometh, `the kingdom' of our father David: Hosanna in the highest.

11 And he entered into Jerusalem, into the temple; and when he had looked round about upon all things, it being now eventide, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

12 And on the morrow, when they were come out from Bethany, he hungered.

13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find anything thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for it was not the season of figs.

14 And he answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit from thee henceforward for ever. And his disciples heard it.

15 And they come to Jerusalem: and he entered into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and them that bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves;

16 and he would not suffer that any man should carry a vessel through the temple.

17 And he taught, and said unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations? but ye have made it a den of robbers.

18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, for all the multitude was astonished at his teaching.

19 And every evening he went forth out of the city.

20 And as they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away from the roots.

21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Rabbi, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.

22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

23 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it.

24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

25 And whensoever ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one; that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

26 `But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses.'

27 And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders;

28 and they said unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? or who gave thee this authority to do these things?

29 And Jesus said unto them, I will ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men? answer me.

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 should we say, From men--they feared the people: for all verily held John to be a prophet.

33 And they answered Jesus and say, We know not. And Jesus saith unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.


Mark 11:1-33 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 And when they come nigh to Jerusalem, to Bethphage, and Bethany, unto the mount of the Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,

2 and saith to them, `Go away to the village that is over-against you, and immediately, entering into it, ye shall find a colt tied, on which no one of men hath sat, having loosed it, bring `it':

3 and if any one may say to you, Why do ye this? say ye that the lord hath need of it, and immediately he will send it hither.'

4 And they went away, and found the colt tied at the door without, by the two ways, and they loose it,

5 and certain of those standing there said to them, `What do ye -- loosing the colt?'

6 and they said to them as Jesus commanded, and they suffered them.

7 And they brought the colt unto Jesus, and did cast upon it their garments, and he sat upon it,

8 and many did spread their garments in the way, and others were cutting down branches from the trees, and were strewing in the way.

9 And those going before and those following were crying out, saying, `Hosanna! blessed `is' he who is coming in the name of the Lord;

10 blessed is the coming reign, in the name of the Lord, of our father David; Hosanna in the highest.'

11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple, and having looked round on all things, it being now evening, he went forth to Bethany with the twelve.

12 And on the morrow, they having come forth from Bethany, he hungered,

13 and having seen a fig-tree afar off having leaves, he came, if perhaps he shall find anything in it, and having come to it, he found nothing except leaves, for it was not a time of figs,

14 and Jesus answering said to it, `No more from thee -- to the age -- may any eat fruit;' and his disciples were hearing.

15 And they come to Jerusalem, and Jesus having gone into the temple, began to cast forth those selling and buying in the temple, and the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those selling the doves, he overthrew,

16 and he did not suffer that any might bear a vessel through the temple,

17 and he was teaching, saying to them, `Hath it not been written -- My house a house of prayer shall be called for all the nations, and ye did make it a den of robbers?'

18 And the scribes and the chief priests heard, and they were seeking how they shall destroy him, for they were afraid of him, because all the multitude was astonished at his teaching;

19 and when evening came, he was going forth without the city.

20 And in the morning, passing by, they saw the fig-tree having been dried up from the roots,

21 and Peter having remembered saith to him, `Rabbi, lo, the fig-tree that thou didst curse is dried up.'

22 And Jesus answering saith to them, `Have faith of God;

23 for verily I say to you, that whoever may say to this mount, Be taken up, and be cast into the sea, and may not doubt in his heart, but may believe that the things that he saith do come to pass, it shall be to him whatever he may say.

24 Because of this I say to you, all whatever -- praying -- ye do ask, believe that ye receive, and it shall be to you.

25 `And whenever ye may stand praying, forgive, if ye have anything against any one, that your Father also who is in the heavens may forgive you your trespasses;

26 and, if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in the heavens forgive your trespasses.'

27 And they come again to Jerusalem, and in the temple, as he is walking, there come unto him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,

28 and they say to him, `By what authority dost thou these things? and who gave thee this authority that these things thou mayest do?'

29 And Jesus answering said to them, `I will question you -- I also -- one word; and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things;

30 the baptism of John -- from heaven was it? or from men? answer me.'

31 And they were reasoning with themselves, saying, `If we may say, From heaven, he will say, Wherefore, then, did ye not believe him?

32 But if we may say, From men,' -- they were fearing the people, for all were holding John that he was indeed a prophet;

33 and answering they say to Jesus, `We have not known;' and Jesus answering saith to them, `Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.'


Mark 11:1-33 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 And when they draw near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sends two of his disciples,

2 and says to them, Go into the village which is over against you, and immediately on entering into it ye will find a colt tied, upon which no [child] of man has ever sat: loose it and lead it [here].

3 And if any one say to you, Why do ye this? say, The Lord has need of it; and straightway he sends it hither.

4 And they departed, and found a colt bound to the door without at the crossway, and they loose him.

5 And some of those who stood there said to them, What are ye doing, loosing the colt?

6 And they said to them as Jesus had commanded. And they let them [do it].

7 And they led the colt to Jesus, and cast their clothes upon it, and he sat on it;

8 and many strewed their clothes on the way, and others cut down branches from the trees [and went on strewing them on the way].

9 And those going on before and those following cried out, Hosanna! blessed [be] he that comes in [the] Lord's name.

10 Blessed [be] the coming kingdom of our father David. Hosanna in the highest!

11 And he entered into Jerusalem and into the temple; and having looked round on all things, the hour being already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

12 And on the morrow, when they were gone out of Bethany, he hungered.

13 And seeing from afar off a fig-tree which had leaves, he came, if perhaps he might find something on it. And having come up to it he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the time of figs.

14 And answering he said to it, Let no one eat fruit of thee any more for ever. And his disciples heard [it].

15 And they come to Jerusalem, and entering into the temple, he began to cast out those who sold and who bought in the temple, and he overthrew the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of the dove-sellers,

16 and suffered not that any one should carry any package through the temple.

17 And he taught saying to them, Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations? but *ye* have made it a den of robbers.

18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard [it], and they sought how they might destroy him; for they feared him, because all the crowd were astonished at his doctrine.

19 And when it was evening he went forth without the city.

20 And passing by early in the morning they saw the fig-tree dried up from the roots.

21 And Peter, remembering [what Jesus had said], says to him, Rabbi, see, the fig-tree which thou cursedst is dried up.

22 And Jesus answering says to them, Have faith in God.

23 Verily I say to you, that whosoever shall say to this mountain, Be thou taken away and cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but believe that what he says takes place, whatever he shall say shall come to pass for him.

24 For this reason I say to you, All things whatsoever ye pray for and ask, believe that ye receive it, and it shall come to pass for you.

25 And when ye stand praying, forgive if ye have anything against any one, that your Father also who is in the heavens may forgive you your offences.

26 But if *ye* do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in the heavens forgive your offences.

27 And they come again to Jerusalem. And as he walked about in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders come to him,

28 and they say to him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority, that thou shouldest do these things?

29 And Jesus answering said to them, *I* also will ask you one thing, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things:

30 The baptism of John, was it of heaven, or of men? answer me.

31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we should say, Of heaven, he will say, Why [then] have ye not believed him?

32 but should we say, Of men -- they feared the people; for all held of John that he was truly a prophet.

33 And they answering say to Jesus, We do not know. And Jesus [answering] says to them, Neither do *I* tell you by what authority I do these things.


Mark 11:1-33 World English Bible (WEB)

1 When they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethsphage{TR reads "Bethphage" instead of "Bethsphage"} and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

2 and said to them, "Go your way into the village that is opposite you. Immediately as you enter into it, you will find a young donkey tied, on which no one has sat. Untie him, and bring him.

3 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' say, 'The Lord needs him;' and immediately he will send him back here."

4 They went away, and found a young donkey tied at the door outside in the open street, and they untied him.

5 Some of those who stood there asked them, "What are you doing, untying the young donkey?"

6 They said to them just as Jesus had said, and they let them go.

7 They brought the young donkey to Jesus, and threw their garments on it, and Jesus sat on it.

8 Many spread their garments on the way, and others were cutting down branches from the trees, and spreading them on the road.

9 Those who went in front, and those who followed, cried out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"

11 Jesus entered into the temple in Jerusalem. When he had looked around at everything, it being now evening, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

12 The next day, when they had come out from Bethany, he was hungry.

13 Seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came to see if perhaps he might find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.

14 Jesus told it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again!" and his disciples heard it.

15 They came to Jerusalem, and Jesus entered into the temple, and began to throw out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of those who sold the doves.

16 He would not allow anyone to carry a container through the temple.

17 He taught, saying to them, "Isn't it written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations?' But you have made it a den of robbers!"

18 The chief priests and the scribes heard it, and sought how they might destroy him. For they feared him, because all the multitude was astonished at his teaching.

19 When evening came, he went out of the city.

20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away from the roots.

21 Peter, remembering, said to him, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered away."

22 Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God.

23 For most assuredly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and doesn't doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says.

24 Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.

25 Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions.

26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your transgressions."

27 They came again to Jerusalem, and as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders came to him,

28 and they began saying to him, "By what authority do you do these things? Or who gave you this authority to do these things?"

29 Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

30 The baptism of John -- was it from heaven, or from men? Answer me."

31 They reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we should say, 'From heaven;' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?'

32 If we should say, 'From men'"--they feared the people, for all held John to really be a prophet.

33 They answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said to them, "Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things."


Mark 11:1-33 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

1 And when they came near to Jerusalem, to Beth-phage and Bethany, at the Mountain of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

2 And said to them, Go into the little town opposite: and when you come to it, you will see a young ass with a cord round his neck, on which no man has ever been seated; let him loose, and come back with him.

3 And if anyone says to you, Why are you doing this? say, The Lord has need of him and will send him back straight away.

4 And they went away and saw a young ass by the door outside in the open street; and they were getting him loose.

5 And some of those who were there said to them, What are you doing, taking the ass?

6 And they said to them the words which Jesus had said; and they let them go.

7 And they took the young ass to Jesus, and put their clothing on him, and he got on his back.

8 And a great number put down their clothing in the way; and others put down branches which they had taken from the fields.

9 And those who went in front, and those who came after, were crying, Glory: A blessing on him who comes in the name of the Lord:

10 A blessing on the coming kingdom of our father David: Glory in the highest.

11 And he went into Jerusalem into the Temple; and after looking round about on all things, it being now evening, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

12 And on the day after, when they had come out from Bethany, he was in need of food.

13 And seeing a fig-tree in the distance with leaves, he went to see if by chance it had anything on it: and when he came to it, he saw nothing but leaves, for it was not the time for the fruit.

14 And he said to it, Let no man take fruit from you for ever. And his disciples took note of his words.

15 And they came to Jerusalem; and he went into the Temple, and sent out those who were trading there, overturning the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who were offering doves for money;

16 And he would not let any man take a vessel through the Temple.

17 And he gave them teaching, and said to them, Is it not in the Writings, My house is to be named a house of prayer for all the nations? but you have made it a hole of thieves.

18 And it came to the ears of the chief priests and scribes, and they took thought how they might put him to death; being in fear of him, because all the people were full of wonder at his teaching.

19 And every evening he went out of the town.

20 And when they were going by in the morning, they saw the fig-tree dead from the roots.

21 And Peter, having a memory of it, said to him, Master, see, the tree which was cursed by you is dead.

22 And Jesus, answering, said to them, Have God's faith.

23 Truly I say to you, Whoever says to this mountain, Be taken up and be put into the sea; and has no doubt in his heart, but has faith that what he says will come about, he will have his desire.

24 For this reason I say to you, Whatever you make a request for in prayer, have faith that it has been given to you, and you will have it.

25 And whenever you make a prayer, let there be forgiveness in your hearts, if you have anything against anyone; so that you may have forgiveness for your sins from your Father who is in heaven.

26 []

27 And they came again to Jerusalem: and while he was walking in the Temple, there came to him the chief priests and the scribes and those in authority:

28 And they said to him, By what authority do you do these things? or who gave you authority to do these things?

29 And Jesus said to them, I will put to you one question; give me an answer, and I will say by what authority I do these things.

30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men? give me an answer.

31 And they gave thought to it among themselves, saying, If we say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did you not have faith in him?

32 But if we say, From men--they were in fear of the people, because all took John to be truly a prophet.

33 And they said in answer to Jesus, We have no idea. And Jesus said to them, And I will not say to you by what authority I do these things.

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Mark 11

Commentary on Mark 11 Matthew Henry Commentary


Chapter 11

We are now come to the Passion-Week, the week in which Christ died, and the great occurrences of that week.

  • I. Christ's riding in triumph into Jerusalem (v. 1-11).
  • II. His cursing the barren fig-tree (v. 12-14).
  • III. His driving those out of the temple that turned it into an exchange (v. 15-19).
  • IV. His discourse with his disciples concerning the power of faith and the efficacy of prayer, on occasion of the withering of the fig-tree he cursed (v. 20-26).
  • V. His reply to those who questioned his authority (v. 27-33).

Mar 11:1-11

We have here the story of the public entry Christ made into Jerusalem, four or five days before his death. And he came into town thus remarkably,

  • 1. To show that he was not afraid of the power and malice of his enemies in Jerusalem. He did not steal into the city incognito, as one that durst not show his face; no, they needed not send spies to search for him, he comes in with observation. This would be an encouragement to his disciples that were timorous, and cowed at the thought of their enemies' power and rage; let them see how bravely their Master sets them all at defiance.
  • 2. To show that he was not cast down or disquieted at the thoughts of his approaching sufferings. He came, not only publicly, but cheerfully, and with acclamations of joy. Though he was now but taking the field, and girding on the harness, yet, being fully assured of a complete victory, he thus triumphs as though he had put it off.
    • I. The outside of this triumph was very mean; he rode upon an ass's colt, which being an ass, looked contemptible, and made no figure; and, being but a colt, whereon never man sat, we may suppose, was rough and untrimmed, and not only so, but rude and ungovernable, and would disturb and disgrace the solemnity. This colt was borrowed too. Christ went upon the water in a borrowed boat, ate the passover in a borrowed chamber, was buried in a borrowed sepulchre, and here rode on a borrowed ass. Let not Christians scorn to be beholden one to another, and, when need is, to go a borrowing, for our Master did not. He had no rich trappings; they threw their clothes upon the colt, and so he sat upon him, v. 7. The persons that attended, were mean people; and all the show they could make, was, by spreading their garments in the way (v. 8), as they used to do at the feast of tabernacles. All these were marks of his humiliation; even when he would be taken notice of, he would be taken notice of for his meanness; and they are instructions to us, not to mind high things, but to condescend to them of low estate. How ill doth it become Christians to take state, when Christ was so far from affecting it!
    • II. The inside of this triumph was very great; not only as it was the fulfilling of the scripture (which is not taken notice of here, as it as in Matthew), but as there were several rays of Christ's glory shining forth in the midst of all this meanness.
      • 1. Christ showed his knowledge of things distant, and his power over the wills of men, when he sent his disciples for the colt, v. 1-3. By this it appears that he can do every thing, and no thought can be withholden from him.
      • 2. He showed his dominion over the creatures in riding on a colt that was never backed. The subjection of the inferior part of the creation to man is spoken of, (Ps. 8:5, 6) with application to Christ; (Ps. 8:5, 6, compared with Heb. 2:8) for to him it is owing, and to his mediation, that we have any remaining benefit by the grant God made to man, of a sovereignty in this lower world, Gen. 1:28. And perhaps Christ, in riding the ass's colt, would give a shadow of his power over the spirit of man, who is born as the wild ass's colt, Job 11:12.
      • 3. The colt was brought from a place where two ways met (v. 4), as if Christ would show that he came to direct those into the right way, who had two ways before them, and were in danger of taking the wrong.
      • 4. Christ received the joyful hosannas of the people; that is, both the welcome they gave him and their good wishes to the prosperity of his kingdom, v. 9. It was God that put it into the hearts of these people to cry Hosanna, who were not by art and management brought to it, as those were who afterward cried, Crucify, crucify. Christ reckons himself honoured by the faith and praises of the multitude, and it is God that brings people to do him this honour beyond their own intentions.
        • (1.) They welcomed his person (v. 9); Blessed is he that cometh, the ho erchomenos, he that should come, so often promised, so long expected; he comes in the name of the Lord, as God's Ambassador to the world; Blessed be he: let him have our applauses, and best affections; he is a blessed Saviour, and brings blessings to us, and blessed be he that sent him. Let him be blessed in the name of the Lord, and let all nations and ages call him Blessed, and think and speak highly and honourably of him.
        • (2.) They wished well to his intent, v. 10. They believed that, mean a figure as he made, he had a kingdom, which should shortly be set up in the world, that it was the kingdom of their father David (that father of his country), the kingdom promised to him and his seed for ever; a kingdom that came in the name of the Lord, supported by a divine authority. Blessed be this kingdom; let it take place, let it get ground, let it come in the power of it, and let all opposing rule, principality, and power, be put down; let it go on conquering, and to conquer. Hosanna to this kingdom; prosperity be to it; all happiness attend it. The proper signification of hosanna is that which we find, Rev. 7:10. Salvation to our God, that sitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb; success to religion, both natural and revealed, Hosanna in the highest. Praises be to our God, who is in the highest heavens over all, God blessed for ever; or, Let him be praised by his angels, that are in the highest heavens, let our hosannas be an echo to theirs.

Christ, thus attended, thus applauded, came into the city, and went directly to the temple. Here was no banquet of wine prepared for his entertainment, nor the least refreshment; but he immediately applied himself to his work, for that was his meat and drink. He went to the temple, that the scripture might be fulfilled; "The Lord whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, without sending any immediate notice before him; he shall surprise you with a day of visitation, for he shall be like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap,' Mal. 3:1-3. He came to the temple, and took a view of the present state of it, v. 11. He looked round about upon all things, but as yet said nothing. He saw many disorders there, but kept silence, Ps. 50:21. Though he intended to suppress them, he would not go about the doing of it all on a sudden, lest he should seem to have done it rashly; he let things be as they were for this night, intending the next morning to apply himself to the necessary reformation, and to take the day before him. We may be confident that God sees all the wickedness that is in the world, though he do not presently reckon for it, nor cast it out. Christ, having make his remarks upon what he saw in the temple, retired in the evening to a friend's house at Bethany, because there he would be more out of the noise of the town, and out of the way of being suspected, a designing to head a faction.

Mar 11:12-26

Here is,

  • I. Christ's cursing the fruitless fig-tree. He had a convenient resting-place at Bethany, and therefore thither he went at resting-time; but his work lay at Jerusalem, and thither therefore he returned in the morning, at working-time; and so intent was he upon his work, that he went out from Bethany without breakfast, which, before he was gone far, he found the want of, and was hungry (v. 12), for he was subject to all the sinless infirmities of our nature. Finding himself in want of food, he went to a fig-tree, which he saw at some distance, and which being well adorned with green leaves he hoped to find enriched with some sort of fruit. But he found nothing but leaves; he hoped to find some fruit, for though the time of gathering in figs was near, it was not yet; so that it could not be pretended that it had had fruit, but that it was gathered and gone; for the season had not yet arrived. Or, He found none, for indeed it was not a season of figs, it was no good fig-year. But this was worse than any fig-tree, for there was not so much as one fig to be found upon it, though it was so full of leaves. However, Christ was willing to make an example of it, not to the trees, but to the men, of that generation, and therefore cursed it with that curse which is the reverse of the first blessing, Be fruitful; he said unto it, Never let any man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever, v. 14. Sweetness and good fruit are, in Jotham's parable, the honour of the fig-tree (Jdg. 9:11), and its serviceableness therein to man, preferable to the preferment of being promoted over the trees; now to be deprived of that, was a grievous curse. This was intended to be a type and figure of the doom passed upon the Jewish church, to which he came, seeking fruit, but found none (Lu. 13:6, 7); and though it was not, according to the doom in the parable, immediately cut down, yet, according to this in the history, blindness and hardness befel them (Rom. 11:8, 25), so that they were from henceforth good for nothing. The disciples heard what sentence Christ passed on this tree, and took notice of it. Woes from Christ's mouth are to be observed and kept in mind, as well as blessings.
  • II. His clearing the temple of the market-people that frequented it, and of those that made it a thoroughfare. We do not find that Christ met with food elsewhere, when he missed of it on the fig-tree; but the zeal of God's house so ate him up, and made him forget himself, that he came, hungry as he was, to Jerusalem, and went straight to the temple, and began to reform those abuses which the day before he had marked out; to show that when the Redeemer came to Zion, his errand was, to turn away ungodliness from Jacob (Rom. 11:26), and that he came not, as he was falsely accused, to destroy the temple, but to purify and refine it, and reduce his church to its primitive rectitude.
    • 1. He cast out the buyers and sellers, overthrew the tables of the money-changers (and threw the money to the ground, the fitter place for it), and threw down the seats of them that sold doves. This he did as one having authority, as a Son in his own house. The filth of the daughter of Zion is purged away, not by might, nor by power, but by the spirit of judgment, and the spirit of burning. And he did it without opposition; for what he did, was manifested to be right and good, even in the consciences of those that had connived at it, and countenanced it, because they got money by it. Note, It may be some encouragement to zealous reformers, that frequently the purging out of corruptions, and the correcting of abuses, prove an easier piece of work than was apprehended. Prudent attempts sometimes prove successful beyond expectation, and there are not those lions found in the way, that were feared to be.
    • 2. He would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel, any sort of goods or wares, through the temple, or any of the courts of it, because it was the nearer way, and would save them the labour of going about, v. 16. The Jews owned that it was one of the instances of honour due to the temple, not to make the mountain of the house, or the court of the Gentiles, a road, or common passage, or to come into it with any bundle.
    • 3. He gave a good reason for this; because it was written, My house shall be called of all nations, The house of prayer, v. 17. So it is written, Isa. 56:7. It shall pass among all people under that character. It shall be the house of prayer to all nations; it was so in the first institution of it; when Solomon dedicated it, it was with an eye to the sons of the strangers, 1 Ki. 8:41. And it was prophesied that it should be yet more so. Christ will have the temple, as a type of the gospel-church, to be,
      • (1.) A house of prayer. After he had turned out the oxen and doves, which were things for sacrifice, he revived the appointment of it as a house of prayer, to teach us that when all sacrifices and offerings should be abolished, the spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise should continue and remain for ever.
      • (2.) That it should be so to all nations, and not to the people of the Jews only; for whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved, though not of the seed of Jacob, according to the flesh. It was therefore insufferable for them to make it a den of thieves, which would prejudice those nations against it, whom they should have invited to it. When Christ drove out the buyers and sellers at the beginning of his ministry, he only charged them with making the temple a house of merchandise (Jn. 2:16); but now he chargeth them with making it a den of thieves, because since then they had twice gone about to stone him in the temple (Jn. 8:59; 10:31), or because the traders there were grown notorious for cheating their customers, and imposing upon the ignorance and necessity of the country people, which is no better than downright thievery. Those that suffer vain worldly thoughts to lodge within them when they are at their devotions, turn the house of prayer into a house of merchandise; but they that make long prayers for pretence to devour widows' houses, turn it into a den of thieves.
    • 4. The scribes and the chief priests were extremely nettled at this, v. 18. They hated him, and hated to be reformed by him; and yet they feared him, lest he should next overthrow their seats, and expel them, being conscious to themselves of the profaning and abusing of their power. They found that he had a great interest, that all the people were astonished at his doctrine, and that every thing he said, was an oracle and a law to them; and what durst he not attempt, what could he not effect, being thus supported? They therefore sought, not how he might make their peace with him, but how they might destroy him. A desperate attempt, and which, one would think, they themselves could not but fear was fighting against God. But they care not what they do, to support their own power and grandeur.
  • III. His discourse with his disciples, upon occasion of the fig-tree's withering away which he had cursed. At even, as usual, he went out of the city (v. 19), to Bethany; but it is probable that it was in the dark, so that they could not see the fig-tree; but the next morning, as they passed by, they observed the fig-tree dried up from the roots, v. 20. More is included many times in Christ's curses than is expressed, as appears by the effects of them. The curse was no more than that it should never bear fruit again, but the effect goes further, it is dried up from the roots. If it bear no fruit, it shall bear no leaves to cheat people. Now observe,
    • 1. How the disciples were affected with it. Peter remembered Christ's words, and said, with surprise, Master, behold, the fig-tree which thou cursedst is withered away, v. 21. Note, Christ's curses have wonderful effects, and make those to wither presently, that flourished like the green bay-tree. Those whom he curseth are cursed indeed. This represented the character and state of the Jewish church; which, from henceforward, was a tree dried up from the roots; no longer fit for food, but for fuel only. The first establishment of the Levitical priesthood was ratified and confirmed by the miracle of a dry rod, which in one night budded, and blossomed, and brought forth almonds (Num. 17:8), a happy omen of the fruitlessness and flourishing of that priesthood. And now, by a contrary miracle, the expiration of that priesthood was signified by a flourishing tree dried up in a night; the just punishment of those priests that had abused it. And this seemed very strange to the disciples, and scarcely credible, that the Jews, who had been so long God's own, his only professing people in the world, should be thus abandoned; they could not imagine how that fig-tree should so soon wither away: but this comes of rejecting Christ, and being rejected by him.
    • 2. The good instructions Christ gave them from it; for of those even this withered tree was fruitful.
      • (1.) Christ teacheth them from hence to pray in faith (v. 22); Have faith in God. They admired the power of Christ's word of command; "Why,' said Christ, "a lively active faith would put as great a power into your prayers, v. 23, 24. Whosoever shall say to this mountain, this mount of Olives, Be removed, and be cast into the sea; if he has but any word of God, general or particular, to build his faith upon, and if he shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith, according to the warrant he has from what God hath said, shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he saith.' Through the strength and power of God in Christ, the greatest difficulty shall be got over, and the thing shall be effected. And therefore (v. 24), "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray believe that ye shall receive them; nay, believe that ye do receive them, and he that has power to give them, saith, Ye shall have them. I say unto you, Ye shall, v. 24. Verily I say unto you, Ye shall,' v. 23. Now this is to be applied,
        • [1.] To that faith of miracles which the apostles and first preachers of the gospel were endued with, which did wonders in things natural, healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out devils; these were, in effect, the removing of mountains. The apostles speak of a faith which would do that, and yet might be found where holy love was not, 1 Co. 13:2.
        • [2.] It may be applied to that miracle of faith, which all true Christians are endued with, which doeth wonders in things spiritual. It justifies us (Rom. 5:1), and so removes the mountains of guilt, and casts them into the depths of the sea, never to rise up in judgment against us, Mic. 7:19. It purifies the heart (Acts 15:9), and so removes mountains of corruption, and makes them plains before the grace of God, Zec. 4:7. It is by faith that the world is conquered, Satan's fiery darts are quenched, a soul is crucified with Christ, and yet lives; by faith we set the Lord always before us, and see him that is invisible, and have him present to our minds; and this is effectual to remove mountains, for at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, the mountains were not only moved, but removed, Ps. 114:4-7.
      • (2.) To this is added here that necessary qualification of the prevailing prayer, that we freely forgive those who have been any way injurious to us, and be in charity with all men (v. 25, 26); When ye stand praying, forgive. Note, Standing is no improper posture for prayer; it was generally used among the Jews; hence they called their prayers, their standings; when they would say how the world was kept up by prayer, they expressed it thus, Stationibus stat mundus-The world is held up by standings. But the primitive Christians generally used more humble and reverent gesture of kneeling, especially on fast days, though not on Lord's days. When we are at prayer, we must remember to pray for others, particularly for our enemies, and those that have wronged us; now we cannot pray sincerely that God would do them good, if we bear malice to them, and wish them ill. If we have injured others before we pray, we must go and be reconciled to them; Mt. 5:23, 24. But if they have injured us, we go a nearer way to work, and must immediately from our hearts forgive them.
        • [1.] Because this is a good step towards obtaining the pardon of our own sins: Forgive, that your Father may forgive you; that is, "that he may be qualified to receive forgiveness, that he may forgive you without injury to his honour, as it would be, if he should suffer those to have such benefit by his mercy, as are so far from being conformable to the pattern of it.'
        • [2.] Because the want of this is a certain bar to the obtaining of the pardon of our sins; "If ye do not forgive those who have injured you, if he hate their persons, bear them a grudge, meditate revenge, and take all occasion to speak ill of them, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.' This ought to be remembered in prayer, because one great errand we have to the throne of grace, is, to pray for the pardon of our sins: and care about it ought to be our daily care, because prayer is a part of our daily work. Our Saviour often insists on this, for it was his great design to engage his disciples to love one another.

Mar 11:27-33

We have here Christ examined by the great Sanhedrim concerning his authority; for they claimed a power to call prophets to an account concerning their mission. They came to him when he was walking in the temple, not for his diversion, but teaching the people, first one company and then another. The Peripatetic philosophers were so called from the custom they had of walking when they taught. The cloisters, or piazzas, in the courts of the temple, were fitted for this purpose. The great men were vexed to see him followed and heard with attention, and therefore came to him with some solemnity, and did as it were arraign him at the bar with this question, By what authority doest thou these things? v. 28. Now observe,

  • I. How they designed hereby to run him aground, and embarrass him. If they could make it out before the people, that he had not a legal mission, that he was not duly ordained, though he was ever so well qualified, and preached ever so profitably and well, they would tell the people that they ought not to hear him. This they made the last refuge of an obstinate unbelief; because they were resolved not to receive his doctrine, they were resolved to find some flaw or other in his commission, and will conclude it invalid, if it be not produced and ratified in their court. Thus the Papists resolve their controversy with us very much into the mission of our ministers, and if they have but any pretence to overthrow that, they think they have gained their point, though we have the scripture ever so much on our side. But this is indeed a question, which all that act either as magistrates or ministers, ought to be furnished with a good answer to, and often put to themselves, By what authority do I these things? For how can men preach except they be sent? Or how can they act with comfort, or confidence, or hope of success, except they be authorized? Jer. 23:32.
  • II. How he effectually ran them aground, and embarrassed them, with this question, "What are your thoughts concerning the baptism of John? Was it from heaven, or of men? By what authority did John preach, and baptize, and gather disciples? Answer me, v. 30. Deal fairly and ingenuously, and give a categorical answer, one way or the other.' By this resolve of their question into this, our Saviour intimates how near akin his doctrine and baptism were to John's; they had the same original, and the same design and tendency-to introduce the gospel kingdom. Christ might with the better grace put this question to them, because they had sent a committee of their own house to examine John, Jn. 1:19. "Now,' saith Christ, "what was the result of your enquiries concerning him?'
    They knew what they thought of this question; they could not but think that John Baptist was a man sent of God. But the difficulty was, what they should say to it now. Men that oblige not themselves to speak as they think (which is a certain rule) cannot avoid perplexing themselves thus.
    • 1. If they own the baptism of John to be from heaven, as really it was, they shame themselves; for Christ will presently turn it upon them, Why did ye not then believe him, and receive his baptism? They could not bear that Christ should say this, but they could bear it that their own consciences should say so, because they had an art of stifling and silencing them, and because what conscience said, though it might gall and grate them a little, would not shame them; and then they would do well enough, who looked no further than Saul's care, when he was convicted, Honour me now before this people, 1 Sa. 15:30.
    • 2. If they say, "It is of men, he was not sent of God, but his doctrine and baptism were inventions of his own,' they expose themselves, the people will be ready to do them a mischief, or a least clamour upon them; for all men counted John that he was a prophet indeed, and therefore they could not bear that he should be reflected on. Note, There is a carnal slavish fear, which not only wicked subjects but wicked rulers likewise are liable to, which God makes use of as a means to keep the world in some order, and to suppress violence, that it shall not always grow up into a rod of wickedness. Now by this dilemma to which Christ brought them,
      • (1.) They were confounded and baffled, and forced to make a dishonourable retreat; to pretend ignorance-We cannot tell (and that was mortification enough to those proud men), but really to discover the greatest malice and wilfulness. What Christ did by his wisdom, we must labour to do by our well doing-put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, 1 Pt. 2:15.
      • (2.) Christ came off with honour, and justified himself in refusing to give them an answer to their imperious demand; Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things. They did not deserve to be told; for it was plain that they contended not for truth, but victory; nor did he need to tell them, for the works which he did, told them plainly that he had authority from God to do what he did; since no man could do those miracles which he did unless God were with him. Let them wait but three or four days, and his resurrection shall tell them who gave him his authority, for by that he will be declared to be the Son of God with power, as by their rejecting of him, notwithstanding, they will be declared to be the enemies of God.