Mark 11:4

KJV

And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they went their way {G565}, and {G2532} found {G2147} the colt {G4454} tied {G1210} by {G4314} the door {G2374} without {G1854} in {G1909} a place where two ways met {G296}; and {G2532} they loose {G3089} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They went off and found a colt in the street tied in a doorway, and they untied it.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And they went away, and found a colt tied at the door without in the open street; and they loose him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 11:4 meticulously records the immediate and precise fulfillment of Jesus's instructions by His disciples, demonstrating His divine foreknowledge and authority. As commanded, they readily located the specific colt, tied in a public, easily identifiable spot, setting the stage for Jesus's humble yet kingly entry into Jerusalem, an event pregnant with prophetic significance and theological depth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the direct and immediate response to Jesus's detailed instructions given in [Mark 11:1-3](/mark/11-1-3 "Mark 11:1-3 - Jesus's Instructions for the Colt"). Jesus had sent two disciples ahead from Bethphage and Bethany, instructing them to find a colt tied at a specific location, which no one had ridden, and to bring it to Him. He even provided them with the precise words to use if questioned: "The Lord has need of him." Mark 11:4 serves as the narrative's swift confirmation that the disciples acted exactly as commanded and found the situation precisely as foretold. It bridges Jesus's prophetic word with its physical manifestation, preparing the way for the momentous [Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem](/mark/11-7-10 "Mark 11:7-10 - The Triumphal Entry"). The narrative emphasizes Jesus's control over circumstances and His disciples' unwavering obedience.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the approach to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, a time when the city would be bustling with pilgrims. Bethphage and Bethany were villages on the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem, making the journey into the city a short one. The act of riding a donkey or colt into a city was not uncommon for travelers, but for a king or dignitary, it carried specific symbolic weight, particularly in the Jewish tradition. Unlike a warhorse, which symbolized military conquest, a donkey symbolized peace and humility. The mention of the colt being "tied by the door without in a place where two ways met" suggests a common, public location, perhaps a village square or a well-trafficked intersection, where animals might be temporarily left. This detail highlights the public nature of the event and the precise knowledge Jesus possessed, which would have been remarkable to the disciples.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 11:4 powerfully underscores several key themes central to Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus's Divine Foreknowledge and Authority**. His ability to describe the colt's exact location and state, as well as the anticipated response of its owners, demonstrates a supernatural insight that transcends mere human prediction, affirming His divine nature and sovereign control over all creation. Secondly, the verse illustrates the theme of **Prophetic Fulfillment**. While Mark does not explicitly quote it here, the entire episode of Jesus riding a donkey into Jerusalem directly fulfills the ancient prophecy of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the Coming King"), which describes Zion's king coming "lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." This fulfillment validates Jesus's messianic claims in a public and undeniable way. Lastly, the **Disciples' Obedience** is a prominent theme. Their immediate and unquestioning action, finding everything precisely as Jesus had described in [Mark 11:2-3](/mark/11-2-3 "Mark 11:2-3 - Jesus's Specific Instructions"), serves as a profound example of faith and submission to Christ's authority, even when the instructions seem unusual or the outcome uncertain.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **found (Greek, _heurískō'_):** A prolonged form of a primary verb, meaning to find (literally or figuratively); to get, obtain, perceive, or see. In this context, it emphasizes the disciples' successful discovery of the colt exactly as Jesus had foretold, highlighting the precision of His divine knowledge and the accuracy of their obedient search.
* **colt (Greek, _pōlos'_):** Apparently a primary word; a "foal" or "filly," specifically referring to a young ass. This term emphasizes the animal's youth and likely its unbroken nature, reinforcing the detail in [Mark 11:2](/mark/11-2 "Mark 11:2 - The Colt No One Had Ridden") that "never man sat." The choice of a young, unridden animal adds to the significance of Jesus's entry, symbolizing His unique authority and the newness of His kingdom.
* **place where two ways met (Greek, _ámphodon'_):** From the base of *amphóteros* (both) and *hodós* (way); a fork in the road, a crossroads, or an open square. This detail indicates a public, easily accessible location, not a hidden or obscure spot. The specificity of the location further underscores Jesus's precise foreknowledge and makes the disciples' discovery a publicly verifiable event.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they went their way":** This opening clause immediately conveys the disciples' prompt and unquestioning obedience. Without hesitation or debate, they set out to fulfill Jesus's instructions, demonstrating a trust in His word that is foundational to discipleship. Their action is a direct response to the command given in [Mark 11:2](/mark/11-2 "Mark 11:2 - Jesus's Command to Find the Colt").
* **"and found the colt tied by the door without":** This part of the verse details the precise fulfillment of Jesus's prophecy. The disciples found the animal exactly as described: a "colt," "tied," and specifically "by the door without" (outside a dwelling or gate). This exact match between prophecy and reality serves to validate Jesus's divine authority and omniscience. The detail of it being "tied" suggests it was readily available and awaiting their arrival.
* **"in a place where two ways met":** This further specifies the location, identifying it as a public crossroads or square. This detail not only confirms Jesus's accurate foreknowledge but also implies a public setting for this miraculous fulfillment, making the event observable and undeniable to anyone passing by. It emphasizes that this was not a private or clandestine act, but one performed in plain sight.
* **"and they loose him":** The final action described is the disciples' immediate and decisive act of untying the colt. This signifies the completion of their mission and their preparation for Jesus's triumphal entry. It also subtly hints at the "loosing" power of Christ, who would soon "loose" humanity from the bonds of sin and death.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 11:4 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Verisimilitude** is evident in the highly specific details provided regarding the colt's location ("tied by the door without in a place where two ways met"). These precise geographical and situational descriptors lend a strong sense of reality and eyewitness authenticity to the narrative, making the event feel tangible and believable. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful example of **Fulfillment**, showcasing the immediate and exact realization of Jesus's prophetic words from [Mark 11:2-3](/mark/11-2-3 "Mark 11:2-3 - Jesus's Prophetic Instructions"). This direct correspondence between word and deed underscores Jesus's divine authority and foreknowledge. Finally, there is a subtle use of **Symbolism** in the act of "loosing" the colt. While literally referring to untying the animal, it can also be seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus's broader mission to "loose" humanity from the bonds of sin and spiritual captivity, preparing the way for His kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 11:4, in its simple declaration of fulfilled prophecy, profoundly reinforces the theological truth of Jesus's divine sovereignty and meticulous control over all circumstances. It is not merely a logistical detail but a demonstration of God's perfect plan unfolding precisely as foretold, down to the smallest particular. This divine precision assures believers that God's promises and purposes, whether for salvation or daily provision, are utterly reliable. The disciples' immediate obedience, born of trust in Jesus's word, models the kind of faith that responds without hesitation to the Lord's commands, knowing that His instructions are always purposeful and ultimately lead to the manifestation of His will. This passage therefore serves as a powerful reminder of the efficacy of divine foreknowledge and the importance of human faithfulness.

* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God's Sovereign Foreknowledge")
* [John 13:19](/john/13-19 "John 13:19 - Jesus's Foreknowledge of Betrayal")
* [Hebrews 11:8](/hebrews/11-8 "Hebrews 11:8 - Abraham's Obedience by Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 11:4 invites us to contemplate the profound implications of Jesus's divine knowledge and the simple yet powerful act of obedience. Just as the disciples found the colt exactly where and how Jesus had described, we are reminded that God's word is always true and His plans are meticulously orchestrated. This should build our confidence in His sovereignty over every detail of our lives, even when circumstances seem uncertain or His instructions unconventional. The disciples' immediate "went their way" and "loose him" without question serves as a potent example for us. In a world that often demands explanations and guarantees before action, their trust-filled obedience challenges us to surrender our need for complete understanding and simply follow where Christ leads. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of readiness and responsiveness to God's voice, trusting that His commands are always purposeful and will lead to the unfolding of His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently being asked to trust God's foreknowledge and obey His instructions, even if the outcome isn't immediately clear?**
* **How does the disciples' immediate and unquestioning obedience challenge your own tendencies to hesitate or seek further clarification before acting on God's word?**
* **What specific "colts" (resources, opportunities, or seemingly mundane details) might God have already prepared for you, waiting for your obedient discovery and release for His purposes?**

### FAQ

**Why was it important that the colt had never been ridden before?**

Answer: The detail that the colt had "never man sat" upon it (as mentioned in [Mark 11:2](/mark/11-2 "Mark 11:2 - The Unridden Colt")) is significant for several reasons. Theologically, an unridden animal was considered ceremonially pure and therefore suitable for sacred purposes, such as carrying a king or a holy person. This aligns with the idea of Jesus's unique purity and holiness. Practically, a young, unbroken animal would typically be difficult to ride, yet it carried Jesus without incident, subtly highlighting His divine authority and control over creation, even over the natural instincts of an animal. It also emphasizes the miraculous nature of the event, as the colt submitted to Him without prior training, further underscoring His unique identity as the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 11:4, while seemingly a simple logistical detail, points profoundly to Christ's divine nature and His ultimate purpose. The meticulous foreknowledge demonstrated by Jesus in knowing the exact location and condition of the colt, and the precise words to be spoken to its owners, reveals His omniscience and sovereign control, attributes belonging to God alone. This is not merely a clever prediction but a manifestation of His inherent divinity, echoing the divine wisdom and power seen in creation itself ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him")). The act of "loosing" the colt for His entry into Jerusalem foreshadows His greater work of "loosing" humanity from the bondage of sin and death, a liberation accomplished through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6-7 "Romans 6:6-7 - Freed from Sin")). Jesus, the humble King riding on a colt, fulfills ancient prophecy, but more importantly, He embodies the peaceful, redemptive reign of God, a reign not established by military might but by self-giving love and ultimate victory over spiritual enemies, culminating in His resurrection and ascension to the right hand of God ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Thus, the simple act of finding and loosing the colt becomes a microcosm of Christ's entire mission: to come, to conquer through humility, and to set His people free.

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 11:8

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Matthew 21:6

And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,

Matthew 21:7

And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set [him] thereon.

Matthew 26:19

And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.

John 2:5

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it].

Luke 19:32

And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.

Luke 19:34

And they said, The Lord hath need of him.