Devine Scripture

Mark 11:29

What does Mark 11:29 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 11:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 11:29 means

Jesus, rather than directly answering their accusatory question, skillfully turned the tables by posing a question of His own. He offered a conditional exchange: if they answered His question, He would then reveal the source of His authority. This strategic move demonstrated Jesus's wisdom and His refusal to be cornered, shifting the burden of truth and moral accountability back onto His interrogators.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

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.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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:

Context

In response to the direct challenge to His authority in verse 28, Jesus wisely deflects by posing a counter-question. This strategic move sets up the intellectual and spiritual challenge to the religious leaders, preparing for His specific question about John the Baptist which will expose their hypocrisy and ultimately silence them.

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

v.29This passage

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

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 52:13

    Behold, my servant shall deal wisely, he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high.

  • Matthew 21:24

    And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one question, which if ye tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things.

  • Luke 20:3

    And he answered and said unto them, I also will ask you a question; and tell me:

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