Devine Scripture

Mark 11:33

What does Mark 11:33 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 11:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 11:33 means

Unable to answer Jesus's question without jeopardizing their own position, the religious leaders eventually replied, "We know not." This feigned ignorance was a dishonest evasion, as their spiritual leadership should have equipped them to discern the origin of a prophetic ministry. In turn, Jesus used their refusal to answer as justification for withholding His own answer regarding His authority, thus silencing His accusers.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

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.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they answering, say to Jesus: We know not. And Jesus answering, saith to them: Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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.

Context

This verse describes the religious leaders' final, evasive answer to Jesus's question about John's authority, after their lengthy deliberation in verses 31-32. Their non-committal response directly prompts Jesus's concluding statement, where He refuses to answer their original question about His authority, thereby ending the confrontation and exposing their disingenuousness.

v.32But should we say, From men—they feared the people: for all verily held John to be a prophet.

v.33This passage

Cross references

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

  • John 9:27

    He answered them, I told you even now, and ye did not hear; wherefore would ye hear it again? would ye also become his disciples?

  • Hosea 4:6

    My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I also will forget thy children.

  • Isaiah 56:10

    His watchmen are blind, they are all without knowledge; they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber.

  • Isaiah 6:9

    And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:15

    But unto this day, whensoever Moses is read, a veil lieth upon their heart.

  • Proverbs 26:4

    Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Mark 11

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Mark 11.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Mark 11:33.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary