Mark 11:3

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} if {G1437} any man {G5100} say {G2036} unto you {G5213}, Why {G5101} do ye {G4160} this {G5124}? say ye {G2036} that {G3754} the Lord {G2962} hath {G2192} need {G5532} of him {G846}; and {G2532} straightway {G2112} he will send {G649} him {G846} hither {G5602}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If anyone asks you, `Why are you doing this?' tell him, `The Lord needs it,' and he will send it here right away."

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 11:3 is a pivotal instruction given by Jesus to His disciples concerning the acquisition of a colt for His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This verse reveals Jesus' profound divine foreknowledge and sovereign authority, as He anticipates the exact challenge His disciples will face and provides the precise, authoritative response: "the Lord hath need of him." It underscores His control over circumstances and individuals, orchestrating events to fulfill His redemptive purpose and messianic identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 11:3 is an integral part of the narrative leading up to Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, detailed in [Mark 11:1-11](/mark/11-1-11 "Mark 11:1-11 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem"). Immediately preceding this verse, in [Mark 11:1-2](/mark/11-1-2 "Mark 11:1-2 - Jesus Sends Disciples for the Colt"), Jesus gives highly specific instructions to two disciples: to go into the village ahead, find a colt tied "whereon never man sat," and untie it. Verse 3 then provides the crucial response they are to give if questioned, demonstrating Jesus' pre-emptive knowledge and authority. This entire sequence sets the stage for the public declaration of Jesus' messianic kingship, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and contrasting with the typical military expectations of a king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is near Jerusalem, specifically Bethphage and Bethany, on the Mount of Olives, just days before Passover. This was a time of heightened religious and political tension, with many pilgrims arriving for the feast. The act of riding a donkey into Jerusalem would have been highly symbolic. Unlike a warhorse, a donkey was a symbol of peace and humility, often associated with kings in ancient Israel (e.g., King David's sons rode mules). More importantly, it directly fulfilled the prophecy in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"), which spoke of Zion's king coming "lowly, and riding upon a donkey, and upon a colt the foal of a donkey." The owner's immediate compliance, without question, speaks to the profound respect or awe inspired by the mention of "the Lord," a title that would have carried significant weight in Jewish society.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights Jesus' **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**, demonstrating His omniscience not only of the colt's location but also of the owner's response, revealing His active orchestration of events. It also underscores Jesus' **Messianic Authority**, as His declaration "the Lord hath need of him" is not a request but an authoritative command, met with immediate obedience. This echoes the theme of His authority over nature, demons, and sickness seen throughout [Mark's Gospel](/mark/1 "The Gospel According to Mark"). Furthermore, it illustrates **Obedience and Provision**, as the disciples' trust in Jesus' unusual command and the owner's willingness to yield his property exemplify faith and God's ability to provide precisely what is needed for His divine plans, even through seemingly ordinary means.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios_):** (G2962) From a root implying supremacy, this term denotes one supreme in authority, a controller, or master. When Jesus refers to Himself as "the Lord" in this context, it is a clear and unequivocal assertion of His divine status and supreme authority. It signifies His rightful claim not just as a teacher or prophet, but as the sovereign Master over all creation, including the will of men and their possessions.
* **Need (Greek, _chreía_):** (G5532) This word implies employment, an affair, occasion, demand, or requirement. The phrase "hath need of him" (ἔχει χρείαν) signifies a legitimate, necessary, and imperative claim, not merely a polite request. It conveys that the colt is required for a divine purpose, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of Jesus' mission and the owner's implicit obligation to comply.
* **Straightway (Greek, _euthéōs_):** (G2112) This adverb means directly, at once, or soon. Its inclusion here highlights the immediate and unquestioning obedience of the colt's owner, underscoring the power and authority inherent in Jesus' declaration. It signifies the seamless and divinely orchestrated nature of the event, where there is no hesitation or resistance to the Lord's command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this?":** This clause sets up the anticipated challenge or question the disciples might face when untying the colt. It demonstrates Jesus' foreknowledge of the situation, preparing His disciples for a specific interaction and ensuring their mission proceeds without hindrance.
* **"say ye that the Lord hath need of him;":** This is the core instruction and the authoritative declaration. It is the precise phrase Jesus commands His disciples to use, asserting His supreme authority and rightful claim over the animal. This statement is not a negotiation but a divine imperative, revealing Jesus' identity as the sovereign "Lord."
* **"and straightway he will send him hither.":** This final clause is Jesus' prophetic declaration of the outcome. It predicts the immediate and unquestioning compliance of the colt's owner, confirming Jesus' divine control over circumstances and individuals. It highlights the seamless execution of His plan, demonstrating that His word carries inherent power and authority.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 11:3 employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus' precise instructions and foreknowledge of the colt's location and the owner's response foreshadow His divine nature and the meticulously orchestrated events leading to His crucifixion and resurrection. There is also an element of **Divine Irony** in the scene; the King of Kings, who holds all authority, "needs" a humble, unbroken colt, contrasting with worldly expectations of power and pomp. The phrase "the Lord hath need of him" functions as a direct **Assertion of Authority**, serving as a verbal command that reveals Jesus' identity as the sovereign Lord, whose word is sufficient to compel obedience. This entire episode also serves as a **Prophetic Fulfillment** of Old Testament scripture, particularly [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"), though not explicitly stated in this verse, the context strongly implies it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 11:3 profoundly illustrates the active sovereignty of God in human affairs, demonstrating that even seemingly mundane details are under His divine orchestration. Jesus' foreknowledge and the immediate compliance of the colt's owner highlight that God's plans are not subject to human resistance but unfold according to His perfect will. This verse teaches us that God often uses ordinary people and resources in extraordinary ways to accomplish His purposes, and that true authority is recognized and obeyed, even when it seems unconventional. It calls believers to a posture of readiness and obedience, trusting that when the Lord "has need" of something or someone, it is for a purpose far grander than our immediate understanding.

* [Psalm 24:1](/psalm/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's")
* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Lordship and Exaltation")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 11:3 offers a powerful lesson in divine provision and the call to obedient surrender. Just as the disciples were called to trust Jesus' seemingly unusual instructions, and the owner was prompted to release his valuable property, we too are invited to recognize Christ's sovereign claim over all aspects of our lives. This verse challenges us to consider what "the Lord hath need of" in our own lives—our time, talents, resources, and even our comfort. It reminds us that our possessions are not truly our own, but are entrusted to us by God, to be used for His glory and purposes. When we yield ourselves and our resources to Him, we participate in His unfolding kingdom work, witnessing His power to orchestrate events and provide for His mission in ways that transcend our understanding. Our prompt and unquestioning obedience, like that of the colt's owner, becomes an act of worship and a testament to our faith in His supreme authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my life or what possessions do I hold onto most tightly, which the Lord might "have need of" for His purposes?**
* **How does Jesus' foreknowledge in this verse encourage my trust in His divine plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate immediate and unquestioning obedience to Christ's call in my daily life, mirroring the response of the colt's owner?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus need a colt "whereon never man sat"?**

Answer: The specification that the colt was "whereon never man sat" (ἀνθρώπων οὐδείς ἐκάθισεν) is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it indicates that the animal was unbroken and unused, making its immediate compliance and calm demeanor under Jesus' riding a subtle miracle and a testament to His divine authority over creation. Secondly, in Jewish tradition, animals used for sacred purposes, particularly those involved in religious rituals or carrying sacred figures, were often required to be pure and untouched by common use. This detail underscores the sacred and unique nature of Jesus' entry, setting Him apart as the Messiah. It also symbolically represents the freshness and newness of the reign of the King of Peace, as prophesied in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 11:3, though seemingly a simple logistical instruction, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications. Jesus' declaration, "the Lord hath need of him," is a powerful assertion of His divine identity and sovereign authority, revealing Him as the very Lord of creation and history. This moment foreshadows His ultimate reign, not as a conquering military king, but as the humble King of Peace who comes to Jerusalem to offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. The immediate obedience of the colt's owner, prompted by Jesus' authoritative word, prefigures the universal submission that will one day be rendered to Christ, as every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). This scene, therefore, is a microcosm of God's redemptive plan, where the Lord orchestrates every detail, from the humblest animal to the grandest cosmic event, to bring about the salvation of humanity through the sacrificial work of His Son ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). The "need" of the Lord here is ultimately for the fulfillment of His mission to redeem a lost world, a mission perfectly accomplished through His death and resurrection ([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

Hebrews 2:7

Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

Hebrews 2:9

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

1 Chronicles 29:12

Both riches and honour [come] of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand [is] power and might; and in thine hand [it is] to make great, and to give strength unto all.

1 Chronicles 29:18

O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:

Psalms 110:3

Thy people [shall be] willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

Acts 1:24

And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all [men], shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

2 Corinthians 8:9

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.