Mark 11:2

KJV

And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring [him].

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Go your way {G5217} into {G1519} the village {G2968} over against {G2713} you {G5216}: and {G2532} as soon as {G2112} ye be entered {G1531} into {G1519} it {G846}, ye shall find {G2147} a colt {G4454} tied {G1210}, whereon {G1909}{G3739} never {G3762} man {G444} sat {G2523}; loose {G3089} him {G846}, and bring {G71} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

with these instructions: "Go into the village ahead of you; and as soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there that has never been ridden. Untie it, and bring it here.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

and saith unto them, Go your way into the village that is over against you: and straightway as ye enter into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon no man ever yet sat; loose him, and bring him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 11:2 initiates the dramatic prelude to Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, often commemorated as Palm Sunday. This verse records Jesus' precise instructions to two of His disciples, detailing where they would find a specific colt, its unique condition, and the immediate action they were to take. It powerfully showcases Jesus' divine foreknowledge and sovereign control over circumstances, orchestrating the fulfillment of ancient prophecy and setting the stage for a pivotal moment in His earthly ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 11:2 is nestled within the broader narrative of Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Passion Week. Immediately preceding this verse, [Mark 11:1](/mark/11-1 "Mark 11:1 - Jesus Approaches Jerusalem") describes Jesus and His disciples approaching Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, near the villages of Bethphage and Bethany. The instruction to retrieve the colt is not an isolated event but an integral part of Jesus' deliberate preparation for His public entry into the city, an event laden with Messianic significance. This passage transitions from Jesus' teaching and healing ministry to the climactic events of His passion, crucifixion, and resurrection. The disciples' immediate obedience in [Mark 11:4-6](/mark/11-4-6 "Mark 11:4-6 - Disciples Obey Jesus' Command") further highlights Jesus' authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the approach to Jerusalem during Passover, a time when the city would be teeming with pilgrims. The Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem, was a significant location. Kings and prophets often entered cities in specific ways to convey messages. While Roman rulers might enter on warhorses, a king of peace, as prophesied, would enter humbly. The detail about a colt "whereon never man sat" carries cultural weight, as unbroken animals were often considered pure or specially consecrated for sacred use, similar to how sacrifices or temple vessels were to be unblemished or new. This practice underscored the sanctity and unique purpose of the animal for the Lord's use.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Foreknowledge and Authority**, as Jesus demonstrates precise knowledge of an unseen animal's location and condition, even anticipating the questions of its owners in [Mark 11:3](/mark/11-3 "Mark 11:3 - The Lord Has Need"). This highlights His omniscience and sovereign control over all events, affirming His divine identity. Secondly, it points to the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, specifically [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"), which foretold the Messiah's humble entry into Jerusalem on a donkey's colt. This deliberate act publicly declares Jesus' claim to Messiahship, albeit a different kind of kingship than many expected. Finally, the choice of a humble colt, rather than a warhorse, emphasizes the **Humility of Christ's Kingship**, portraying Him as a King of peace and salvation, not military conquest, a theme prevalent throughout [Mark's Gospel](/mark/1 "The Gospel According to Mark").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **colt (Greek, _pōlos'_):** G4454. This term refers specifically to a young animal, often a donkey or a horse. In this context, given the prophetic fulfillment of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"), it is clearly understood as a young ass or donkey. The youth of the animal may also imply it was unbroken, reinforcing the "never sat" detail.
* **tied (Greek, _déō'_):** G1210. This verb means "to bind" or "to tie." Its use here indicates the colt's restrained state, awaiting its release. The fact that it was tied suggests it was not wild but an animal belonging to someone, which sets up the interaction described in [Mark 11:3](/mark/11-3 "The Lord Has Need").
* **sat (Greek, _kathízō'_):** G2523. This verb means "to sit down." Combined with the preceding "never man" (G3762 _oudeís_ G444 _ánthrōpos_), the phrase "whereon never man sat" signifies that the colt was unused, unbroken, and therefore ritually pure and uniquely consecrated for a sacred purpose. This detail elevates the animal's status, making it uniquely suitable for the Lord's use.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And saith unto them,"**: This indicates Jesus' direct communication and authoritative instruction to His disciples, highlighting His role as the one initiating and directing the events.
* **"Go your way into the village over against you:"**: Jesus provides a precise geographical directive, instructing the disciples to proceed to a specific, nearby village. This demonstrates His detailed knowledge of their surroundings and the exact location of the colt.
* **"and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied,"**: This clause reveals Jesus' omniscience. He knows not only that a colt is there but also its specific state—it is "tied." The phrase "as soon as ye be entered" emphasizes the immediacy and certainty of their discovery.
* **"whereon never man sat;"**: This crucial detail describes the colt's unique condition. It was an unbroken, unused animal, signifying its purity and special consecration for a sacred purpose, making it uniquely fit for the Messiah's entry.
* **"loose him, and bring [him]."**: This is Jesus' direct command, requiring immediate obedience from the disciples. "Loose him" implies an act of liberation, and "bring him" signifies the transfer of the colt into Jesus' service.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's concise narrative style employs several literary devices in this verse. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jesus' precise instructions and the specific details about the colt ("whereon never man sat") subtly hint at the significant, divinely ordained event that is about to unfold—the Triumphal Entry. The use of **Symbolism** is also evident; the colt itself, an unbroken and unused animal, symbolizes purity and consecration, making it a fitting mount for the Messiah. Furthermore, Jesus' **Authoritative Command** to "loose him, and bring him" underscores His divine power and control, not only over the situation but also over the disciples' actions and even the will of the colt's owners (as revealed in [Mark 11:3](/mark/11-3 "The Lord Has Need")). The entire scene is a carefully orchestrated **Dramatic Irony**, as the disciples and onlookers may not fully grasp the profound Messianic implications of Jesus' actions, even as they participate in the fulfillment of prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 11:2 profoundly illustrates Jesus' divine sovereignty and meticulous orchestration of events, even down to the seemingly minute detail of finding a specific, unused colt. This foreknowledge is a powerful testament to His deity, demonstrating that His journey to Jerusalem was not a series of random occurrences but a divinely appointed progression towards His atoning sacrifice. The selection of an unbroken colt, an animal typically reserved for sacred use, underscores the unique and holy nature of Jesus' mission as the Messiah. This act also highlights the theme of humble kingship, contrasting earthly power with God's chosen path of humility and service, which ultimately leads to redemption.

* [Matthew 21:2-3](/matthew/21-2-3 "Matthew 21:2-3 - Jesus' Instructions for the Donkey")
* [Luke 19:30-31](/luke/19-30-31 "Luke 19:30-31 - Jesus Sends Disciples for the Colt")
* [John 12:14-15](/john/12-14-15 "John 12:14-15 - Jesus Rides on a Young Donkey")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 11:2 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Jesus' detailed foreknowledge and precise instructions remind us that God is intimately involved in the specifics of our lives, often orchestrating circumstances in ways we cannot perceive. Just as the colt was uniquely prepared for a sacred purpose, and the disciples were called to obediently retrieve it, we too are called to recognize our unique purpose in God's grand narrative. This passage encourages us to cultivate a spirit of readiness and obedience, trusting that even in seemingly ordinary tasks, we can be instruments in God's extraordinary plans. It challenges us to surrender our own agendas and allow God to "loose" us from our ties, making us available for His use, however humble or unexpected that may be. Our willingness to serve, like the colt, allows us to participate in the unfolding of God's redemptive work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust more deeply in God's detailed foreknowledge and provision?**
* **How does the idea of being "unbroken" or "unused" for the Lord's service resonate with my current spiritual state? Am I truly available for His unique purposes?**
* **What "tied up" aspects of my life might God be calling me to "loose" so that I can be more fully used by Him?**

### FAQ

**Why was it important that "never man sat" on the colt?**

Answer: The detail that "never man sat" on the colt (Greek: _eph' hon oudeis pōpote anthrōpōn ekathisen_) is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it indicates that the animal was unbroken and untrained, suggesting a miraculous element in its docile behavior under Jesus. More importantly, in ancient cultures, an animal that had never been used for common labor or ridden by a man was considered pure and specially consecrated for sacred purposes. This made it uniquely suitable for the Messiah's entry, elevating the event's sanctity and underscoring Jesus' divine authority. It paralleled the requirements for animals used in temple sacrifices or objects designated for holy use, which often had to be new or untouched. This detail emphasizes the unique and holy nature of Jesus' mission and the divine orchestration of His Triumphal Entry.

**How does this verse demonstrate Jesus' divine foreknowledge?**

Answer: Mark 11:2 provides compelling evidence of Jesus' divine foreknowledge. He knows the exact location of the colt ("into the village over against you"), its specific condition ("tied, whereon never man sat"), and even anticipates the questions the owners would ask, providing the precise answer in [Mark 11:3](/mark/11-3 "The Lord Has Need"). This level of detailed, pre-cognitive knowledge goes beyond human intuition or planning, affirming His omniscience and sovereign control over all circumstances. It showcases that Jesus is not merely reacting to events but is actively orchestrating them according to a divine plan, reinforcing His identity as the Son of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 11:2, with its meticulous details and prophetic overtones, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in portraying Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, yet one who defies conventional expectations of kingship. The humble entry on a colt, explicitly noted as "whereon never man sat," directly fulfills the prophecy of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"), declaring Jesus as Zion's King who comes not on a warhorse but as a Prince of Peace. This act foreshadows His ultimate mission: to establish a spiritual kingdom through humble sacrifice rather than earthly conquest. The colt, consecrated by its untouched nature for the Lord's use, symbolizes Jesus Himself—pure, undefiled, and uniquely set apart for the ultimate redemptive purpose. His foreknowledge and authority in orchestrating this event, even down to the precise location and condition of the animal, underscore His divine nature as the sovereign Son of God, who willingly humbles Himself to walk the path to the cross, as described in [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation"). The Triumphal Entry, initiated by the command in [Mark 11:2](/mark/11-2 "Mark 11:2 - Jesus' Instructions for the Colt"), therefore serves as a public declaration of Jesus' Messianic identity, setting the stage for His atoning work, which culminates in His death and resurrection, offering salvation to all who believe, as proclaimed in [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love").

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 21:2

Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose [them], and bring [them] unto me.

Matthew 21:3

And if any [man] say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.

Luke 19:30

Saying, Go ye into the village over against [you]; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring [him hither].

Luke 19:31

And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose [him]? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.