Mark 11:5

KJV

And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} certain of them {G5100} that stood {G2476} there {G1563} said {G3004} unto them {G846}, What {G5101} do ye {G4160}, loosing {G3089} the colt {G4454}?

Complete Jewish Bible

The bystanders said to them, "What are you doing, untying that colt?"

Berean Standard Bible

and some who were standing there asked, “Why are you untying the colt?”

American Standard Version

And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 11:5 captures a pivotal moment during Jesus' approach to Jerusalem, revealing the immediate public reaction to His disciples' actions. As the disciples untie the colt Jesus instructed them to retrieve, bystanders question their unusual activity, setting the stage for the Triumphal Entry and underscoring the divine orchestration of even the seemingly mundane details leading up to this significant event. This brief exchange highlights the tension between human curiosity and divine purpose, demonstrating Jesus' foreknowledge and sovereign authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the narrative immediately preceding Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, as recorded in [Mark 11](/mark/11 "Mark 11 - The Triumphal Entry"). It directly follows Jesus' specific and prophetic instructions to two disciples to find a colt tied in a village, one that had never been ridden ([Mark 11:2](/mark/11-2 "Mark 11:2 - Jesus' Instructions for the Colt")). Jesus also provided them with the precise response to any inquiry: "The Lord hath need of him" ([Mark 11:3](/mark/11-3 "Mark 11:3 - The Lord Has Need of It")). Verse 5 describes the anticipated confrontation, confirming Jesus' foreknowledge and the disciples' faithful obedience. The questioning by "certain of them that stood there" builds narrative tension, emphasizing the public nature of this divinely ordained act.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is likely Bethphage and Bethany, villages located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem. This area was a common route for pilgrims approaching the city, especially during Passover. The act of "loosing a colt" could easily be perceived as theft or unauthorized appropriation of property, which would naturally provoke questions from onlookers in a close-knit community where property rights were respected. Animals were valuable assets, and taking one without permission was a serious matter. The fact that the colt was "tied" suggests it was secured by its owner, making the disciples' actions even more conspicuous and requiring a compelling explanation.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 11:5 contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates **Jesus' Divine Foreknowledge and Authority**. His precise instructions and prediction of the bystanders' questions ([Mark 11:2-3](/mark/11-2-3 "Mark 11:2-3 - Jesus' Foreknowledge")) underscore His omniscience and sovereign control over all circumstances, even the seemingly minor details of His earthly ministry. Secondly, the disciples' immediate action highlights the theme of **Obedience to Christ's Command**, even when those commands seem unusual or risky. Their willingness to follow His word without hesitation is a model of faith. Finally, this event is a direct **Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy**, specifically [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Entry"), which foretold the Messiah's humble entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. The public questioning in Mark 11:5 serves to draw attention to this significant moment, ensuring that the Messiah's arrival is observed and acknowledged.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stood (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** This verb signifies "to stand" or "to be present." In this context, it describes the bystanders who were physically present and observing the disciples' actions. Their standing implies a position of observation and perhaps readiness to intervene or inquire, underscoring the public nature of the disciples' obedience.
* **loosing (Greek, _lýō'_):** This primary verb means "to loosen," "to untie," or "to set free." Here, it precisely describes the physical action the disciples were performing on the colt. The imperfect tense implied by the Greek suggests an ongoing action, indicating that the questioners interrupted them mid-act, making their inquiry immediate and direct.
* **colt (Greek, _pōlos'_):** This word specifically refers to a "foal" or "filly," and in this context, it is understood as a young ass or donkey. The significance lies in its specific mention in Old Testament prophecy ([Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The Prophecy of the King on a Donkey")), making its identification crucial to the fulfillment of messianic expectations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And certain of them that stood there":** This phrase introduces the onlookers who were present at the scene where the disciples were untying the colt. The term "certain of them" (G5100, _tìs_) suggests a group of individuals, not necessarily an official delegation, but ordinary people whose curiosity was piqued by the unusual sight of strangers handling someone else's animal. Their presence underscores the public nature of the disciples' mission and the transparency with which Jesus' instructions were carried out.
* **"said unto them,":** This indicates the direct address from the bystanders to the disciples. The verb "said" (G3004, _légō_) implies a verbal communication, initiating the dialogue that Jesus had already predicted. This immediate questioning confirms the accuracy of Jesus' foreknowledge and sets the stage for the disciples to deliver the pre-arranged divine explanation.
* **"What do ye,":** This is an interrogative phrase expressing curiosity and perhaps concern. The verb "do ye" (G4160, _poiéō_) is broad, meaning "to make or do," and here it seeks clarification on the purpose or legitimacy of the disciples' actions. It highlights the apparent impropriety of untying an animal that did not belong to them.
* **"loosing the colt?":** This final clause specifies the particular action that prompted the inquiry. The bystanders are directly questioning the act of "loosing" (G3089, _lýō_) the "colt" (G4454, _pōlos_), which was tied. This precise question confirms that the disciples were indeed carrying out Jesus' instructions exactly as foretold, drawing attention to the specific object and action that were central to the prophetic fulfillment.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 11:5 employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative impact. **Foreshadowing** is evident as the questioning of the bystanders was explicitly predicted by Jesus in [Mark 11:3](/mark/11-3 "Mark 11:3 - Jesus' Prophetic Instruction"), building anticipation and demonstrating Jesus' divine control over events. This also highlights **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is aware of Jesus' foreknowledge and the divine purpose behind the disciples' actions, while the bystanders are not. Their question, "What do ye, loosing the colt?" serves as a form of **Interrogation**, directly engaging with the unfolding scene and inviting the pre-ordained response. The mundane act of untying an animal is imbued with **Symbolism**, as the colt, never ridden, represents something set apart for a divine purpose, much like the Messiah Himself. The entire scene functions as a **Microcosm** of the larger divine plan, where seemingly small, everyday actions are orchestrated by God to fulfill His grand redemptive purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 11:5, though brief, is rich in theological implications, primarily highlighting God's meticulous sovereignty and Jesus' divine authority. It underscores that even seemingly insignificant details are part of God's overarching plan, orchestrated to fulfill His prophetic word. The immediate questioning by the bystanders, anticipated by Jesus, serves to validate His omniscience and demonstrates that His kingdom advances not through clandestine operations but through open, albeit divinely authorized, acts. This moment also subtly emphasizes the theme of divine provision, as the needed animal is readily available and its owners willing to release it upon hearing "The Lord hath need of him," pointing to God's ability to provide for His purposes.

* [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey")
* [Matthew 21:6-7](/matthew/21-6-7 "Matthew 21:6-7 - The Disciples Follow Jesus' Instructions")
* [John 13:19](/john/13-19 "John 13:19 - Jesus' Foreknowledge of Events")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 11:5 invites us to ponder the nature of divine orchestration and our role within it. The disciples' simple act of obedience, despite its potential for misinterpretation, was a crucial step in fulfilling prophecy. This reminds us that God often works through ordinary people performing seemingly ordinary tasks, which, when done in obedience to His command, become extraordinary. We are called to trust God's leading, even when His instructions seem unconventional or when our actions might draw public scrutiny. Just as the disciples had a ready answer, we too must be prepared to articulate the reason for our faith and actions, understanding that our lives, lived in obedience to Christ, are often a public testimony. This verse encourages a deep confidence in God's sovereignty, knowing that He is meticulously at work in every detail of our lives and the world, guiding all things toward His ultimate purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' foreknowledge in this passage challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be asking for "unconventional" obedience, similar to the disciples untying the colt?**
* **How prepared are you to explain your faith or actions when questioned by others, as the disciples were?**
* **What seemingly small or mundane acts of obedience might God be calling you to, knowing they contribute to His larger plan?**

### FAQ

**Why were the bystanders questioning the disciples' actions?**

The bystanders were questioning the disciples because they were untying a colt that did not belong to them, which would naturally appear to be an act of theft or unauthorized taking of property. In that cultural context, animals were valuable assets, and taking one without permission would be a serious matter, prompting immediate inquiry from those observing. This spontaneous questioning highlights the public nature of the disciples' obedience and sets the scene for their unique divine authorization, as Jesus had already predicted this exact interaction in [Mark 11:3](/mark/11-3 "Mark 11:3 - Jesus' Prophetic Instruction").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 11:5, while a seemingly minor detail, profoundly contributes to the Christ-centered narrative by highlighting Jesus' divine authority and the meticulous fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The colt, never ridden, symbolizes purity and being set apart for a sacred purpose, much like Jesus Himself, who was without sin and consecrated for His redemptive mission. His foreknowledge of the colt's location and the very questions the disciples would face ([Mark 11:2-3](/mark/11-2-3 "Mark 11:2-3 - Jesus' Omniscience")) underscores His divine nature, echoing the sovereign control of God throughout salvation history. This scene foreshadows Jesus' ultimate authority over all creation, an authority fully revealed in His death and resurrection, as proclaimed in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). The humble entry on a donkey, prompted by this interaction, directly fulfills [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Entry"), presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah, not as a conquering king on a warhorse, but as a King of peace and humility, whose reign is established through self-sacrifice. Thus, even the simple act of "loosing the colt" points to the liberating work of Christ, who came to "loose" humanity from the bonds of sin and death, offering true freedom found in Him ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - Freedom in Christ")).

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.