Mark 11:3

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

2 and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here.

If anyone asks, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it shortly.’”

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

5 and some who were standing there asked, “Why are you untying the colt?”

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
If anyone asks, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it shortly.’”
KJV
And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.
WEB
If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs him;’ and immediately he will send him back here.”
ASV
And if any one say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye, The Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him back hither.
DARBY
And if any one say to you, Why do ye this? say, The Lord has need of it; and straightway he sends it hither.
BLB
And if anyone should say to you⁺, ‘Why are you⁺ doing this?’ say, ‘Because the Lord has need of it, and immediately He sends it again here.’”
ÅB
Og dersom noen sier til dere: Hva er det dere gjør? da skal dere si: Herren har bruk for den, og han sender den straks tilbake igjen.
OTB
Hvis noen spør dere om dette, si: ‘Herren trenger det og vil snart sende det tilbake.’»
B1930
Og dersom nogen sier til eder: Hvad er det I gjør? da skal I si: Herren har bruk for den, og han sender den straks tilbake igjen.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 2 Corinthians 8:9

    For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.

    Read in context
  • Hebrews 2:7–9

    You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor

    Read in context
  • Acts 17:25

    Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.

    Read in context
  • Mark 14:15

    And he will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”

    Read in context
  • Acts 10:36

    He has sent this message to the people of Israel, proclaiming the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.

    Read in context
  • Acts 1:24

    And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen

    Read in context
  • Psalms 24:1

    The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein.

    Read in context
  • Psalms 110:3

    Your people shall be willing on Your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, to You belongs the dew of Your youth.

    Read in context