Mark 11 1

Mark 11:1 kjv

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

Mark 11:1 nkjv

Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples;

Mark 11:1 niv

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples,

Mark 11:1 esv

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples

Mark 11:1 nlt

As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead.

Mark 11 verses

Mark 11 1 Meaning

Mark 11:1 initiates the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry, detailing His precise approach to Jerusalem during Passover season. It establishes the geographical context – the villages of Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives – and highlights Jesus' sovereign authority as He sends two disciples ahead with specific instructions, orchestrating His own entrance into the Holy City. This deliberate action sets the stage for His public declaration as Messiah, albeit a misunderstood one, and the subsequent fulfillment of prophetic scriptures regarding His passion and redemptive work.

Mark 11 1 Context

Mark 11:1 marks a pivotal transition in Jesus' ministry narrative, shifting from His final journey and teachings to His entrance into Jerusalem for the climactic Passion Week. This verse occurs immediately after Jesus' specific prophecies about His suffering, death, and resurrection in Jerusalem (Mark 10:32-34) and His interaction with blind Bartimaeus in Jericho (Mark 10:46-52), highlighting a growing openness about His identity and purpose as He nears the city. Historically and culturally, Jerusalem during Passover was a bustling hub of pilgrimage and messianic expectation. Pilgrims journeyed to the city for the festival, bringing heightened religious and political fervor. Jesus’ approach from the east, specifically through Bethphage and Bethany towards the Mount of Olives, holds immense symbolic and prophetic weight, echoing Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's coming. The mention of these specific locations grounds the narrative in geographical reality while also imbuing it with theological significance as the setting for the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan.

Mark 11 1 Word analysis

• When they were approaching (Ὅτε ἐγγίζουσιν / Hote engizousin):

  • "When" (Ὅτε / Hote): A conjunction of time, indicating a specific point in the sequence of events, setting the scene for what follows.
  • "they were approaching" (ἐγγίζουσιν / engizousin): Present active indicative verb, often used in Greek with an historical present sense for vividness. It signifies a continuous, ongoing action of drawing near. It highlights the purposeful and deliberate movement of Jesus and His disciples towards their destination, not a sudden arrival. This journey had been purposeful (Lk 9:51).

• Jerusalem (Ἱεροσόλυμα / Hierosolyma):

  • The revered capital city of Judea, center of Jewish worship and political life, often referred to as "the holy city" (Isa 52:1). Its name often connected to "foundation of peace," though it frequently experienced conflict. The destination for the Paschal feast, underscoring the timing and purpose of Jesus' entry. It is the place of God's dwelling (1 Kgs 8:29) and also the place where prophets perish (Lk 13:33).

• at Bethphage (εἰς Βηθφαγῆ / eis Bēthphagē):

  • "at" (εἰς / eis): Implies 'to' or 'into', indicating the direction or point of arrival near.
  • "Bethphage" (Βηθφαγῆ / Bēthphagē): An Aramaic place name meaning "House of Unripe Figs." It was a village situated on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, between Jericho and Jerusalem. Its specific mention grounds the narrative historically and geographically, aligning with prophetic routes. Its produce-related name (figs) adds a layer of subtle symbolism as Jesus later curses a fig tree (Mk 11:12-14, 20-21).

• and Bethany (καὶ Βηθανία / kai Bēthania):

  • "and" (καὶ / kai): A simple conjunction, linking the two villages.
  • "Bethany" (Βηθανία / Bēthania): Another Aramaic name, potentially meaning "House of Dates" or "House of Affliction." This village, located just under two miles east of Jerusalem on the southeast slope of the Mount of Olives, was a favored lodging place for Jesus, home to Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (Jn 11:1). Its close proximity and Jesus' ties there highlight His final journey before confrontation in Jerusalem.

• near the Mount of Olives (πρὸς τὸ ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν / pros to oros tōn Elaiōn):

  • "near" (πρὸς / pros): Indicates proximity or direction towards.
  • "Mount of Olives" (ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν / oros tōn Elaiōn): A prominent ridge overlooking Jerusalem from the east. It is a highly significant geographical and theological location in biblical prophecy. It is where David fled from Absalom (2 Sam 15:30), where Ezekiel saw God’s glory depart Jerusalem (Ezek 11:23), and where the Messiah is prophesied to stand at His return (Zech 14:4). Its mention anchors the event within this rich prophetic tapestry, hinting at the messianic implications of Jesus' arrival.

• He sent (ἀποστέλλει / apostellei):

  • Present active indicative, again used as a historical present for immediacy and vividness. The verb "apostellei" means "to send out with a commission or authority," similar to "apostle." It highlights Jesus' deliberate action, His foreknowledge, and His sovereign control over the unfolding events, demonstrating that His entry into Jerusalem was no accident but a divinely orchestrated plan.

• two of His disciples (δύο τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ / dyo tōn mathētōn autou):

  • "two" (δύο / dyo): A specific number. Sending disciples in pairs was a common practice of Jesus (Mk 6:7, Lk 10:1), providing mutual support, witness, and fulfilling legal requirements (Deut 19:15).
  • "of His disciples" (τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ / tōn mathētōn autou): Those who followed Jesus, learned from Him, and were commissioned by Him. Their specific involvement underscores the divine orchestration of the entry.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives": This phrase sets a meticulously detailed geographical context. The gradual "approaching" emphasizes the deliberateness of Jesus' movement, building anticipation for His arrival in Jerusalem. The specific named locations—Bethphage, Bethany, and the Mount of Olives—are not arbitrary details; they are deeply symbolic. These locations root the narrative in history and connect it to prophecies of the Messiah's coming, particularly from the east (Ezek 43:1-2), and establish the immediate stage for the triumphal entry.
  • "He sent two of His disciples": This crucial act demonstrates Jesus' full command and foresight. He is not passively arriving but actively initiating and directing the events that are about to unfold. His sending them forth with explicit instructions underscores His divine authority and knowledge of things before they happen (as seen in the subsequent verses Mark 11:2-3). It is an act of commissioning, mirroring His earlier practices of sending out disciples to carry out specific tasks related to His ministry. This foreknowledge signifies His control over circumstances and His divine planning, revealing His omnipotence rather than a reaction to circumstances.

Mark 11 1 Bonus section

The historic present tense used for "engizousin" ("were approaching") and "apostellei" ("He sent") is characteristic of Mark's Gospel. This grammatical feature serves to immerse the reader directly into the moment, creating a sense of immediacy and urgency. It emphasizes the active, unfolding nature of God's redemptive plan as executed by Jesus. The precise geographic details in Mark 11:1 also serve to firmly anchor the divine events in real-world history and geography, underscoring the reliability and verifiability of the narrative, contrasting with mythical or allegorical tales. The entire chapter unfolds rapidly from this strategic approach, highlighting the concentrated intensity of Jesus' final days leading up to His ultimate sacrifice for humanity's redemption.

Mark 11 1 Commentary

Mark 11:1 marks the precise initiation of the Passion Week, a deliberate move by Jesus towards the destiny of His atoning work. It portrays Jesus not as a passive participant, but as the orchestrator of divine prophecy, sovereignly moving towards His crucifixion and resurrection. His careful instruction to the two disciples underscores His foreknowledge and control, echoing His previous authoritative commissions. The choice of approaching from Bethphage and Bethany, near the prophetic Mount of Olives, subtly signals His identity to those who understood the scriptural implications, specifically connecting His entry to Zechariah 9:9 and 14:4. This entrance, while seemingly humble, was a profound and intentional messianic claim, fulfilling ancient expectations in a way that defied contemporary political ambitions for a conquering king. It begins a period of intensified public teaching and confrontation in Jerusalem that would culminate in the ultimate sacrifice.