Mark 11:4

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Mark 11:4 describes the immediate obedience of Jesus's disciples and the precise fulfillment of His instructions concerning the procurement of a colt for His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Context

This verse is a direct continuation of Jesus's specific instructions to two of His disciples regarding finding a young donkey. The event occurs just before the pivotal Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, a significant moment leading up to the Passion week. The disciples' journey and discovery confirm Jesus's divine foreknowledge and authority, setting the stage for His public declaration as King.

Key Themes

  • Divine Foreknowledge and Authority: Jesus demonstrates complete knowledge of future events, down to the precise location and condition of the colt ("tied by the door without in a place where two ways met"). This underscores His divine nature and supreme authority over all creation, even seemingly mundane details.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: While not explicitly quoted by Mark here, the act of Jesus riding a donkey into Jerusalem directly fulfills Old Testament prophecy, particularly from Zechariah 9:9, which speaks of Zion's king coming "lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." This validates Jesus's messianic claims.
  • Disciples' Obedience: The disciples simply "went their way" and acted upon Jesus's word without question, finding everything exactly as He had described. Their immediate and unquestioning obedience serves as a powerful example for believers.
  • Humility of Christ: The choice of a young donkey (a "colt") rather than a warhorse symbolizes Jesus's mission as the Prince of Peace. He enters Jerusalem as a humble king, aligning with the prophetic depiction of the Messiah, rather than as a conquering military leader.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "colt" is polos (πῶλος), which specifically refers to a young animal, often a donkey, indicating one that may not have been ridden before. The phrase "where two ways met" translates the Greek amphodon (ἄμφοδον), signifying a public place, like a crossroads or an open square, making the finding of the colt a visible, undeniable act witnessed by others.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers to trust in Jesus's perfect knowledge and sovereignty. Just as the disciples found the colt exactly as Jesus foretold, we can have confidence that God's plans and promises will unfold precisely as He has declared. It also highlights the importance of simple, unquestioning obedience to Christ's commands, knowing that His instructions are always purposeful and lead to the fulfillment of His divine will. Reflect on areas where God might be asking for your immediate and trusting obedience, even when the instructions seem unusual or the outcome is not immediately clear.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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