Mark 11 5

Mark 11:5 kjv

And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?

Mark 11:5 nkjv

But some of those who stood there said to them, "What are you doing, loosing the colt?"

Mark 11:5 niv

some people standing there asked, "What are you doing, untying that colt?"

Mark 11:5 esv

And some of those standing there said to them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?"

Mark 11:5 nlt

As they were untying it, some bystanders demanded, "What are you doing, untying that colt?"

Mark 11 verses

Mark 11 5 Meaning

This verse describes a specific moment during Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem when His disciples are untying a colt as instructed. Bystanders, observing this seemingly unauthorized act of taking someone else's property, immediately question the disciples, demanding to know the reason for their action. It highlights a common human reaction to an unusual public occurrence involving property, setting the stage for Jesus' divinely ordained provision and authority.

Mark 11 5 Context

Mark 11 marks the pivotal week leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, beginning with His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday). Verses 1-11 describe this event, particularly Jesus' deliberate action of sending disciples to fetch a specific, unridden colt from a village. This meticulous instruction and the subsequent event, including the bystander's question in verse 5, underscore Jesus' sovereignty and fulfillment of prophecy (Zech 9:9). The questions from the onlookers highlight the perceived unusualness of the disciples' action from a human standpoint, serving to set up Jesus' divinely inspired reply given in verse 6: "The Lord has need of it," thus revealing His profound authority even over property. This mundane inquiry is thus integrated into the narrative of Jesus asserting His Messianic identity as He enters the holy city.

Mark 11 5 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): A common coordinating conjunction, linking this event directly to the disciples' action of untying the colt (Mark 11:4). It signals a seamless progression in the narrative.
• some (τινες - tines): An indefinite pronoun meaning "certain ones" or "a few." This indicates that not the entire crowd, but specific individuals, observing the disciples, raised the query. It suggests an organic, rather than mob, reaction.
• of them that stood there (τῶν ἐκεῖ ἑστηκότων - tōn ekei hestēkotōn): A participle phrase indicating those already present and observant in the vicinity. They were not part of a planned welcoming party but natural bystanders witnessing the unfolding events. This detail adds realism, emphasizing the public nature of the disciples' act.
• said (ἔλεγον - elegon): Imperfect tense of legō, suggesting the action of "saying" was direct and perhaps immediate. It signifies the commencement of an inquiry rather than a prolonged discussion.
• unto them (αὐτοῖς - autois): Refers directly to the two disciples whom Jesus had sent to retrieve the colt.
• What do ye (Τί ποιεῖτε - Ti poieite): A direct interrogative, "What are you doing?" It expresses curiosity and likely suspicion, given the potential implications of taking an animal. This is a common phrase used when questioning unusual or unauthorized actions.
• loosing (λύοντες - lyontes): A present active participle from lyō, meaning "to untie," "unbind," or "release." This highlights the specific action that prompted the question—the disciples were actively untying the colt, not just inspecting it, making their intent to take it clear.
• the colt (τὸν πῶλον - ton pōlon): The specific object being untied. Pōlos typically means a young animal, often a foal or colt, and in this context (Mark 11:2 specifies "on which no one has ever sat"), refers to a young donkey, significant for fulfilling prophetic symbolism (Zech 9:9). The animal's immediate presence is key.

Mark 11 5 Bonus section

The mention of "the colt" (τὸν πῶλον) itself holds further significance beyond being mere property. In Mark 11:2, it's specified as a colt "whereon never man sat." This detail resonates with ancient traditions of animals used for sacred purposes being "untouched" or never having borne a burden (cf. Num 19:2 regarding a red heifer, or 1 Sam 6:7-8 regarding cows for the ark). This unspoken characteristic implicitly elevates the animal's status, making its intended use by Jesus a fitting emblem for His unique person and mission as the Messiah entering His city, underscoring both His humility and His inherent royalty. The question in verse 5, then, isn't just about property, but unknowingly steps into the realm of the sacred purpose for which Jesus claimed it.

Mark 11 5 Commentary

Mark 11:5 captures a very human, realistic detail within a moment of profound divine orchestration. The bystanders' question, "What do ye, loosing the colt?", is a perfectly rational query stemming from societal norms where taking an animal, even briefly, without obvious permission would be questioned, perhaps even seen as theft. This seemingly mundane inquiry, however, serves a greater purpose. It highlights Jesus' remarkable foreknowledge and control, as He had already anticipated this very question (Mark 11:3) and provided the specific, concise answer for His disciples ("The Lord has need of it"). This immediate, unscripted confrontation from curious or suspicious onlookers authenticates the divine setup of the event. The disciples' subsequent reply (Mark 11:6) thus becomes a powerful, yet understated, declaration of Jesus' unique authority and proprietorship, demonstrating that even common possessions are under His sovereign domain when "the Lord has need."