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,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when {G3753} they came nigh {G1448} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}, unto {G1519} Bethphage {G967} and {G2532} Bethany {G963}, at {G4314} the mount {G3735} of Olives {G1636}, he sendeth forth {G649} two {G1417} of his {G846} disciples {G3101},

Complete Jewish Bible

As they were approaching Yerushalayim, near Beit-Pagei and Beit-Anyah, by the Mount of Olives, Yeshua sent two of his talmidim

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 11:1 initiates the pivotal narrative of Jesus' final week in Jerusalem, often termed Passion Week, setting the geographical and chronological stage for the Triumphal Entry and the momentous events leading to His crucifixion and resurrection. This verse meticulously places Jesus and His disciples at the threshold of Jerusalem, specifically on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, near the villages of Bethphage and Bethany, underscoring the deliberate and divinely orchestrated nature of His arrival.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 11:1 transitions the Gospel narrative from Jesus' Galilean ministry and journey towards Jerusalem (culminating in the healing of blind Bartimaeus in [Mark 10:46-52](/mark/10-46-52 "Mark 10:46-52 - Healing of Bartimaeus")) to the climactic events of His final week. The preceding chapters have built anticipation for Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem, foreshadowing His suffering and death. This verse immediately precedes the detailed account of the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem ([Mark 11:2-11](/mark/11-2-11 "Mark 11:2-11 - The Triumphal Entry")), where Jesus intentionally fulfills Old Testament prophecy by riding on a colt. The meticulous geographical details in Mark 11:1 serve to ground the extraordinary theological events that follow in concrete historical reality, emphasizing the intentionality and divine timing of Jesus' actions.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' approach to Jerusalem occurred just prior to the Passover festival, a time when the city would swell with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. The villages of Bethphage and Bethany were strategically located on the eastern slopes of the Mount of Olives, a short distance from Jerusalem. Bethany, in particular, was significant as the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, whom Jesus had recently raised from the dead ([John 11:1-44](/john/11-1-44 "John 11:1-44 - The Resurrection of Lazarus")), a miracle that had significantly increased His public profile and the animosity of the religious authorities. The Mount of Olives itself held profound prophetic significance, being associated with the Lord's return in [Zechariah 14:4](/zechariah/14-4 "Zechariah 14:4 - The Lord's Return to the Mount of Olives") and later becoming the site of Jesus' ascension ([Acts 1:12](/acts/1-12 "Acts 1:12 - Jesus Ascends from the Mount of Olives")). The deliberate approach from this direction, rather than the more common Jericho road, held symbolic weight for those familiar with messianic expectations.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 11:1 introduces several crucial themes that permeate the Passion narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Purpose and Timing**, emphasizing that Jesus' journey to Jerusalem was not accidental but a predetermined step in God's redemptive plan. His arrival "nigh to Jerusalem" signals the imminence of His ultimate sacrifice, a theme consistently present throughout Mark's Gospel (e.g., [Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Predicts His Death")). Secondly, the verse **Sets the Stage for the Passion**, marking the definitive beginning of the climactic week that includes the Triumphal Entry, temple cleansing, various teachings and confrontations, the Last Supper, His arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. This period, often called "Passion Week," is the theological epicenter of Christian faith. Thirdly, while not explicitly detailed in this verse, the subsequent actions of Jesus in sending His disciples with specific instructions ([Mark 11:2-3](/mark/11-2-3 "Mark 11:2-3 - Jesus' Specific Instructions")) underscore His **Sovereign Foreknowledge and Authority** over circumstances, demonstrating His full awareness of His mission and destiny.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **nigh (Greek, _engízō'_):** From G1448, meaning "to make near, i.e. (reflexively) approach." This word emphasizes the deliberate and intentional movement of Jesus and His disciples towards Jerusalem. It signifies not merely a casual proximity but a purposeful drawing near to the city where the culmination of His earthly ministry would unfold. The verb's active sense highlights Jesus' agency in fulfilling His divine mission.
* **sendeth forth (Greek, _apostéllō'_):** From G649, meaning "set apart, i.e. (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively." This term is significant as it denotes a formal commissioning or dispatching. Jesus is not just sending them on an errand but on a specific mission, which, as subsequent verses reveal, is integral to the Triumphal Entry. The use of this verb underscores Jesus' authority and the divine nature of the task.
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** From G3101, meaning "a learner, i.e. pupil." This refers to those who followed Jesus, learning from His teachings and observing His actions. The fact that Jesus sends "two of his disciples" highlights their role as participants in His ministry and witnesses to His messianic claims, preparing them for their future roles as apostles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And when they came nigh to Jerusalem,"**: This clause establishes the critical geographical context and the imminence of the events. The journey to Jerusalem is the ultimate destination of Jesus' earthly ministry, signifying the approaching climax of His redemptive work. The use of "came nigh" (engízō) emphasizes a deliberate, purposeful approach, not a coincidental arrival.
* **"unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives,"**: This provides precise geographical markers. Bethphage ("House of Figs") and Bethany ("House of Dates" or "House of Affliction") were small villages on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. This specific approach route from the east, over the Mount of Olives, held profound symbolic and prophetic significance for Jewish audiences, connecting Jesus' arrival to messianic expectations. The Mount of Olives itself was a prominent landmark overlooking the city, deeply embedded in Israel's history and prophecy.
* **"he sendeth forth two of his disciples,"**: This final clause introduces Jesus' immediate action and demonstrates His sovereign foreknowledge and authority. By "sending forth" (apostéllō) two disciples, Jesus initiates the specific preparations for His entry into Jerusalem, revealing His control over the unfolding events and His intentional fulfillment of prophecy. The number "two" often signifies a legal witness or a mission of particular importance in biblical tradition.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 11:1 employs several key literary devices. **Geographical Specificity** is paramount, grounding the narrative in concrete, verifiable locations (Jerusalem, Bethphage, Bethany, Mount of Olives). This precision lends historical credibility to the account and allows for deeper symbolic interpretations, particularly regarding the Mount of Olives. **Foreshadowing** is subtly present; the deliberate approach to Jerusalem, especially from the Mount of Olives, hints at the fulfillment of messianic prophecies and the impending Passion. The verse also sets a **Narrative Pacing** that builds anticipation, signaling the beginning of the climactic final week of Jesus' earthly ministry. The phrase "he sendeth forth" introduces **Divine Authority** and **Intentionality**, indicating that Jesus is not merely reacting to circumstances but actively orchestrating events according to a divine plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 11:1 serves as a profound theological gateway, ushering in the most significant week in human history. It underscores God's meticulous sovereignty, demonstrating that Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem was not a happenstance but the precise fulfillment of divine prophecy and a necessary step in the unfolding drama of salvation. The approach from the Mount of Olives, a place steeped in eschatological expectation, subtly connects Jesus' present actions to His future return, affirming His identity as the long-awaited Messiah and King. This verse highlights the intentionality of God's plan to redeem humanity through the suffering and triumph of His Son, inviting believers to recognize the profound significance of every detail in God's redemptive narrative.

* [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King's Entry")
* [John 11:45-53](/john/11-45-53 "John 11:45-53 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")
* [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 11:1 invites us to consider the profound intentionality of God's plan for our salvation. Just as Jesus deliberately and precisely approached Jerusalem to fulfill His redemptive purpose, so too does God orchestrate the details of our lives with perfect timing and divine wisdom. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when circumstances seem unclear or challenging. It reminds us that our lives, like Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, are part of a larger, purposeful narrative, and that even the most difficult seasons can be part of God's unfolding plan for growth and glory. We are called to live with a similar intentionality, aligning our steps with God's will and participating in His ongoing mission in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the deliberate nature of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem impact your view of God's sovereignty in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's timing and intentionality more fully, rather than rushing ahead or giving up?**
* **How can the anticipation and significance of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem inspire you to live with greater purpose and dedication to His kingdom?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the Mount of Olives in this verse?**

Answer: The Mount of Olives is highly significant for several reasons. Geographically, it's a prominent hill overlooking Jerusalem from the east, making it a natural approach route for pilgrims. Theologically, it holds deep prophetic meaning. [Zechariah 14:4](/zechariah/14-4 "Zechariah 14:4 - The Lord's Return to the Mount of Olives") prophesies that the Lord's feet will stand on the Mount of Olives when He returns, splitting it in two. This association with divine presence and eschatological events would have been well-known to Jewish audiences. Furthermore, it was a place Jesus frequently visited for prayer and teaching ([Luke 21:37](/luke/21-37 "Luke 21:37 - Jesus Teaches in the Temple and Stays on the Mount of Olives")). Later, it was from the Mount of Olives that Jesus ascended into heaven ([Acts 1:12](/acts/1-12 "Acts 1:12 - Jesus Ascends from the Mount of Olives")). Thus, His approach from this specific location for the Triumphal Entry carried immense symbolic weight, subtly pointing to His identity as the Messiah and His future return.

**Why are Bethphage and Bethany mentioned specifically?**

Answer: Bethphage and Bethany are small villages on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem. Their specific mention provides precise geographical detail, confirming the historical reality of the event. Bethany was particularly significant as the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, whom Jesus had recently raised from the dead ([John 11:1-44](/john/11-1-44 "John 11:1-44 - The Resurrection of Lazarus")), an event that had drawn considerable attention to Jesus. Bethphage, meaning "House of Figs," was likely a small agricultural village closer to Jerusalem than Bethany. These locations mark the exact spot where Jesus began the final, pre-ordained leg of His journey into Jerusalem for the Passion Week, underscoring the deliberate nature of His actions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 11:1, by initiating the Passion narrative, points profoundly to Christ's ultimate fulfillment of His messianic calling and redemptive purpose. Jesus' deliberate approach to Jerusalem, from the Mount of Olives and through Bethphage and Bethany, is not merely a geographical detail but a purposeful act of the Son of God fulfilling ancient prophecies and embracing His destiny as the Suffering Servant and triumphant King. This entry, often called the Triumphal Entry, is a direct fulfillment of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King's Entry"), where the King comes "humble and mounted on a donkey." Jesus, the Lamb of God, is intentionally presenting Himself for sacrifice, yet simultaneously asserting His rightful kingship over Israel and all creation. His journey to the cross, initiated in this verse, is the ultimate act of obedience to the Father ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")), securing salvation for all who believe. Every step He takes from this point forward is imbued with the weight of cosmic redemption, culminating in His death, resurrection, and ascension, through which He became the High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")) and the reigning Lord ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 21:1

¶ And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

Matthew 21:11

And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

John 12:14

And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,

John 12:19

The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

Luke 19:29

And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called [the mount] of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

Luke 19:40

And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

John 8:1

¶ Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.