Mark 11 4

Mark 11:4 kjv

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.

Mark 11:4 nkjv

So they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door outside on the street, and they loosed it.

Mark 11:4 niv

They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it,

Mark 11:4 esv

And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it.

Mark 11:4 nlt

The two disciples left and found the colt standing in the street, tied outside the front door.

Mark 11 verses

Mark 11 4 Meaning

Mark 11:4 describes the immediate and precise fulfillment of Jesus' instructions by His two disciples. They departed from Bethany, journeying towards Jerusalem, and exactly as Jesus had foretold, they located a young colt (donkey foal) tethered at a visible location outside a house, in the thoroughfare. Following their Master's specific command, they proceeded to untie it, preparing it for His use in His impending triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This action demonstrates the disciples' prompt obedience and highlights Jesus' divine foreknowledge and authority over circumstances and even the will of others.

Mark 11 4 Context

Mark 11:4 is part of the pivotal narrative known as Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Passion Week. This verse directly follows Jesus' remarkably precise instructions to two unnamed disciples in Mark 11:1-3, where He commands them to go into the next village and find a specific colt, describing its exact location and even foretelling the owner's response. The significance of finding a colt that had "never been ridden" (as clarified in the parallel account of Luke 19:30 and implicitly here) for a sacred purpose, further emphasizes its prophetic and unique nature. This event sets the stage for Jesus' public presentation as the King of Israel, though in a humble manner, fulfilling ancient prophecies from Zechariah 9:9 and Isaiah 62:11. It's an act of public declaration, contrasting with contemporary expectations of a militant Messiah, emphasizing His kingly authority and divine control over circumstances leading to His passion.

Mark 11 4 Word analysis

• And (καὶ, kai): A conjunction that smoothly links the disciples' immediate action to Jesus' preceding command, indicating prompt execution of instructions.
• they went away (ἀπελθόντες, apelthontes): "Having gone away." Signifies immediate departure and obedience, a direct response to Jesus' directive without hesitation or questioning.
• and found (εὗρον, euron): "They found." Emphasizes the exact fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy. This wasn't a search for possibilities, but a confident discovery of what Jesus knew.
• a colt (πῶλον, pōlon): A young, unweaned animal, specifically a young donkey. Its significance lies in the fulfillment of Zech 9:9, portraying a humble, peaceful king, rather than one mounted on a warhorse. In ancient traditions, an animal that had never been ridden was considered suitable for sacred purposes, such as carrying a king or prophet.
• tied (δεδεμένον, dedemenon): "Having been tied," a perfect participle. Implies that the colt was securely tethered, not wandering. This specific detail further validates Jesus' foreknowledge.
• at a door (πρὸς θύραν, pros thyran): "Towards a door" or "near a door." Indicates a publicly visible spot, a common place for tethering animals in a village, making its location easy to identify as prophesied. It also implies the colt was accessible, not hidden.
• outside (ἔξω, exō): "Outside" (of a dwelling). Reinforces the public accessibility and visibility of the colt. It was not in a stable or courtyard but openly available.
• in the street (ἐπὶ τῆς ἀμφόδου, epi tēs amphodou): "On the broad way," "in the public way," or "at a crossroads." This further specifies its public, open location. The term often refers to the wider street or public thoroughfare where passersby could observe. The finding was public and without any surreptitious act.
• and they untied it (καὶ λύουσι αὐτόν, kai lyousi auton): "And they untie it" (historical present tense, for vividness). The decisive action taken as commanded by Jesus. This marks the transition from finding to preparing the colt for its significant role. Their untying signifies liberation for purpose.

Mark 11 4 Bonus section

The seemingly casual way the "royal mount" is obtained (a colt tied outside, given upon request) starkly contrasts with how earthly kings secure their transport or status. This subtle detail implicitly challenges the worldly values of power, conquest, and display. Jesus, the King, doesn't need to commission or conquer; He simply knows and requests, demonstrating a divine authority that operates on an entirely different plane—one of foreknowledge, trust, and willing submission (as exemplified by the unknown owner's willingness in Mark 11:3, an implied aspect confirmed by Mark 11:6). The very ordinary nature of the "find" accentuates the extraordinary nature of the finder and the divine plan unfolding.

Mark 11 4 Commentary

Mark 11:4 succinctly captures the profound trust and obedience of the disciples and the unerring accuracy of Jesus' divine knowledge. It's not merely a description of an event, but a powerful affirmation of Jesus' omniscience and sovereign control. The finding of the colt exactly as foretold underscores His supernatural insight into even mundane details and the hearts of men (the owner's readiness to give it). The disciples' prompt untying of the animal exemplifies the essence of biblical faith: hearing God's command, believing in its truthfulness, and acting accordingly, even when the logic or immediate circumstances might seem unclear to human reason. This action initiates the visual prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, presenting Jesus as the peaceful yet legitimate King, publicly embracing His messianic identity in Jerusalem, but doing so on a humble mount, signifying His kingdom is not of this world, nor based on military might, but on humility and peace.