Devine Scripture

Mark 11:3

What does Mark 11:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 11:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 11:3 means

Jesus anticipated a potential challenge to His disciples' actions, providing them with a simple explanation: "The Lord hath need of him." This declaration asserts Jesus's authority and rightful claim over all creation. He also guaranteed that the owner would immediately return the colt, further demonstrating His power and the willing submission of those involved, even unforeseen individuals. The phrase "the Lord" served as a clear, albeit veiled, reference to His divine identity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

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.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And if any man shall say to you: What are you doing? Say ye that the Lord hath need of him. And immediately he will let him come hither.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This verse anticipates and addresses the immediate obstacle to the disciples' task set forth in verse 2, providing them with the words to diffuse any potential confrontation. It ensures the smooth execution of Jesus's plan to enter Jerusalem, directly preceding their successful procurement of the colt and setting up the dramatic entrance described in the following verses.

v.2and 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.

v.3This passage

v.4And they went away, and found a colt tied at the door without in the open street; and they loose him.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 24:1

    The earth is Jehovah’s, and the fulness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:9

    For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich.

  • Acts 1:24

    And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show of these two the one whom thou hast chosen,

  • Hebrews 2:7

    Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; Thou crownedst him with glory and honor, And didst set him over the works of thy hands:

  • Acts 10:36

    The word which he sent unto the children of Israel, preaching good tidings of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all)—

  • Acts 17:25

    neither is he served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

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