Mark 11 7

Mark 11:7 kjv

And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.

Mark 11:7 nkjv

Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it.

Mark 11:7 niv

When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it.

Mark 11:7 esv

And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it.

Mark 11:7 nlt

Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it.

Mark 11 verses

Mark 11 7 Meaning

Mark 11:7 describes the pivotal moment in Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It details the disciples bringing the designated young donkey (colt) to Jesus, placing their outer garments on it to form a makeshift saddle, and Jesus subsequently seating Himself upon it. This action served as a visual, public declaration of His identity as the Messiah and King, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and commencing the final week of His earthly ministry.

Mark 11 7 Context

Mark 11:7 is situated at the beginning of Jesus' final week before His crucifixion, often referred to as Passion Week. It marks the commencement of the "Triumphal Entry" into Jerusalem. Prior to this, Jesus has been making His way from Jericho, teaching His disciples and performing miracles. He sends two disciples ahead to procure a colt for His entry, specifically one that has never been ridden, highlighting its singular purpose. This careful, pre-planned action by Jesus underscores His sovereign control over the unfolding events, even His humble mode of transportation. This entry sets the stage for intense confrontation with religious authorities in the following days, leading to His arrest and crucifixion, fulfilling prophetic timelines and purposes. Historically, during Passover, Jerusalem was teeming with Jewish pilgrims expecting the Messiah's arrival, often anticipating a conquering king who would liberate them from Roman rule. The act of riding a donkey, specifically a colt, carries significant cultural weight in contrast to a warhorse, signalling a king of peace and humility, fulfilling the specific prophecy of Zechariah 9:9.

Mark 11 7 Word Analysis

• And (καὶ - kai): A simple coordinating conjunction that connects this action to the previous verses, indicating a continuation of the disciples' obedience in bringing the colt.
• they brought (φέρουσιν - pherousin): This verb is in the historical present tense in the original Greek. This literary device makes the action more immediate and vivid for the reader, drawing them into the moment as it unfolds. It refers to the disciples carrying out Jesus' specific instruction from Mark 11:2-3.
• the colt (τὸν πῶλον - ton pōlon): The Greek word pōlos refers to a young animal, here specifically a donkey's foal or colt. Mark 11:2 specifies that "no one has ever sat on it," a detail crucial for Jewish thought where unridden animals were sometimes deemed consecrated for holy use (cf. Num 19:2 for a red heifer, 1 Sam 6:7 for oxen pulling the ark). This highlights the special, divinely appointed nature of this particular animal and Jesus' purpose. It points directly to the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, emphasizing a peaceful king, not a conquering warrior on a warhorse.
• to Jesus (πρὸς τὸν Ἰησοῦν - pros ton Iēsoun): Denotes direction and purpose. The entire preceding preparation culminates in the animal being presented to Jesus, establishing Him as the central figure of the event and the one for whom these preparations are made.
• and (καὶ - kai): Another conjunction, linking the presentation of the colt with the subsequent action of the disciples.
• cast... on (ἐπιβάλλουσιν - epiballousin): Also in the historical present, like "they brought." It means to throw or cast upon. This describes an immediate, willing action by the disciples.
• their garments (τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν - ta himatia autōn): Himatia refers to the outer cloaks or robes that people wore, which also served as blankets at night (cf. Exod 22:26-27). These were personal and valuable possessions. The act of laying them down was a customary gesture of supreme honor and respect for royalty or someone of great dignity. It signifies profound reverence and a spontaneous acclamation of Jesus' kingly status (compare 2 Kgs 9:13, where Jehu is proclaimed king by having cloaks spread under him).
• on him (αὐτῷ - autō): Refers to the colt, signifying the garments were placed on the animal's back to cushion the ride or create a rudimentary saddle.
• and (καὶ - kai): Connects the final act in this sequence.
• He sat (ἐκάθισεν - ekathisen): This verb is in the aorist tense, indicating a completed past action. It denotes a deliberate and decisive act by Jesus. By sitting upon the colt with the cloaks, Jesus publicly accepted the role and the Messianic acclamations that followed, thereby confirming the disciples' and the crowd's recognition of Him as the King of Israel.
• upon it (ἐπ᾽ αὐτόν - ep' auton): Referring to the colt, signifying Jesus' physical position as He mounted the animal for His entry.

Words-group Analysis:

• "And they brought the colt to Jesus": This phrase highlights the disciples' obedience to Jesus' seemingly unusual request and the pre-ordained nature of the event. It sets the scene for Jesus' public demonstration of His divine identity and fulfillment of prophecy.
• "and cast their garments on him": This action is deeply symbolic. It is an act of spontaneous and reverent homage, acknowledging Jesus' kingly status in a very public and visible way. This gesture elevates the significance of Jesus' entry beyond mere transport, signaling it as a royal procession, albeit one uniquely humble.
• "and Jesus sat upon him": This is the culmination of the preparations. Jesus' willing assent to ride the colt signifies His acceptance of His Messianic role and His claim to Jerusalem's rightful King, though a King different from the people's worldly expectations. It also explicitly demonstrates the fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, emphasizing the humble, peace-bringing nature of His reign.

Mark 11 7 Bonus Section

• The significance of the colt being "unridden" (Mk 11:2) is not merely a detail for verisimilitude. In ancient Jewish culture, animals that had never been yoked or ridden were often reserved for sacred purposes or holy offerings. This implies a purity and singular dedication of the animal to its divine rider, emphasizing the sanctity of Jesus' mission and Person.
• The laying of cloaks (talarim) was a practical gesture to cushion the ride on an unbroken animal, but primarily, it was a symbolic act of coronation, similar to spreading cloaks for King Jehu in 2 Kings 9:13. This publicly recognized Jesus' royalty without explicitly saying "king," relying instead on a shared cultural understanding.
• While the crowds later hail Jesus as king (Mark 11:9-10), Mark 11:7 itself shows the disciples performing this act of homage. This indicates an initial, closer recognition from those who had followed Him for some time, setting the tone for the wider public acclaim.
• This entry serves as a direct polemic against the zealot movement's expectation of a warrior-Messiah who would enter on a warhorse to overthrow Roman rule. Jesus chose a donkey, a symbol of humility and peace, subverting worldly power dynamics and redefining the nature of His kingdom.

Mark 11 7 Commentary

Mark 11:7 provides the critical moment when Jesus' instructions from the previous verses are executed, leading to His climactic entrance into Jerusalem. The scene is not accidental but orchestrated by divine foresight and authority, underscoring Jesus' full awareness of His messianic identity and mission. The disciples' act of placing their costly garments on the unbroken colt is a profound, spontaneous display of fealty and recognition, mirroring ancient traditions of honoring a newly proclaimed king. By humbly yet deliberately taking His seat on this particular mount, Jesus consciously embraced His role as the prophesied King, specifically identifying with Zechariah's portrayal of a peaceable, righteous deliverer, contrasting sharply with popular expectations of a warrior-king. This action ignited the public acclamations that followed (Mark 11:8-10), signifying a divine appointment and laying the foundational symbolism for the events of Passion Week that would irrevocably alter history and salvation.