Mark 11:6

KJV

And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they said {G2036} unto them {G846} even as {G2531} Jesus {G2424} had commanded {G1781}: and {G2532} they let {G863} them {G846} go {G863}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They gave the answer Yeshua had told them to give, and they let them continue.

Berean Standard Bible

The disciples answered as Jesus had instructed them, and the people gave them permission.

American Standard Version

And they said unto them even as Jesus had said: and they let them go.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 11:6 succinctly captures the immediate and precise fulfillment of Jesus' instructions regarding the acquisition of a young colt for His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This brief verse underscores the disciples' unquestioning obedience and, more significantly, highlights Jesus' profound divine foreknowledge and sovereign authority, as the animal's owners readily complied with His unique request, allowing the event to unfold exactly as He had orchestrated.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 11:6 is an integral part of the narrative of Jesus' [Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem](/mark/11-1-11 "Mark 11:1-11 - The Triumphal Entry"), a pivotal moment leading up to His passion week. In the preceding verses ([Mark 11:1-5](/mark/11-1-5 "Mark 11:1-5 - Jesus Sends Disciples for a Colt")), Jesus, approaching Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, sends two disciples ahead with remarkably specific instructions: they are to find a colt tied at a crossroads, one that has never been ridden. He anticipates that if questioned about taking the animal, they are to respond, "The Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither." Mark 11:6 serves as the immediate confirmation that these precise, almost unbelievable, instructions were carried out to the letter, and the outcome was exactly as Jesus foretold, setting the stage for the public declaration of His Messiahship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event takes place as Jesus approaches Jerusalem for the Passover festival, a time when the city would be teeming with pilgrims. The act of riding a donkey or colt into Jerusalem was not a common mode of royal entry for a conquering king, who would typically ride a warhorse. However, it directly fulfilled the prophecy in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"), which describes Zion's king coming "lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." This humble entry underscored Jesus' identity as a Messiah of peace, not a political revolutionary, yet still a king. The owners' willingness to release their animal upon hearing "The Lord hath need of him" could suggest a recognition of Jesus' authority, perhaps due to His widespread fame, or a divinely prompted compliance, indicating God's sovereign hand in preparing hearts and circumstances for His Son's arrival.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Mark's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates **Divine Authority and Foreknowledge**. Jesus' detailed instructions, knowing precisely where the colt would be and what the owners would say, underscore His omniscience and sovereign control over all circumstances, even seemingly minor ones. This echoes His authority over nature, demons, and disease seen elsewhere in Mark. Secondly, the disciples' **Obedience and Trust** are highlighted. Their immediate and unquestioning compliance with an unusual command showcases their faith in Jesus' word, a recurring theme for discipleship in Mark. Their obedience facilitates the unfolding of God's plan. Finally, the event, though subtly referenced in this verse, is a clear **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, specifically [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The Prophecy of the Humble King"). This highlights Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah, aligning His actions with the divine blueprint laid out centuries prior, reinforcing the reliability of God's word and plan, as seen throughout [the Old Testament prophets](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of Immanuel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** From G2036, a primary verb meaning "to speak or say (by word or writing)." In this context, it signifies the disciples' direct verbal communication to the owners, relaying Jesus' exact message. The effectiveness of their "saying" is immediately evident in the owners' response, highlighting the power inherent in the words given by Jesus.
* **commanded (Greek, _entéllomai'_):** From G1781, meaning "to enjoin" or "to give charge/commandments." This word emphasizes the authoritative nature of Jesus' instructions. It was not merely a suggestion but a directive, a specific charge that the disciples were to execute precisely. This choice of word underscores Jesus' position of authority over both His disciples and the circumstances they encountered.
* **let...go (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** From G863, meaning "to send forth," "to leave," or "to permit." Here, it denotes the owners' act of releasing the colt. The immediacy and lack of resistance implied by "let them go" upon hearing Jesus' name speak volumes about the compelling nature of the request, whether through supernatural prompting or recognition of Jesus' renown.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said unto them":** This clause refers to the two disciples sent by Jesus. Upon encountering the owners of the colt, they verbally conveyed the message Jesus had given them. This emphasizes their role as faithful messengers, executing their master's instructions.
* **"even as Jesus had commanded":** This crucial phrase highlights the precision of the disciples' obedience and the accuracy of Jesus' foreknowledge. It confirms that the disciples did not deviate from the specific words Jesus had given them, and that Jesus' prediction of what they should say, and how it would be received, was perfectly accurate.
* **"and they let them go.":** This final clause describes the owners' response. Without argument or hesitation, they released the colt to the disciples. This immediate compliance is remarkable and points to a divine orchestration, where hearts were prepared to yield to the "Lord's need," demonstrating Jesus' inherent authority.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's concise narrative style, often termed **Narrative Economy**, is evident in this verse, quickly moving the plot forward without unnecessary detail, focusing directly on the action and its immediate outcome. The phrase "even as Jesus had commanded" serves as a powerful instance of **Verification**, confirming the accuracy of Jesus' foreknowledge and the disciples' obedience. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the owners' swift compliance; what might seem like a simple request is, in fact, a divinely orchestrated event, highlighting Jesus' hidden authority over human will and property. Furthermore, the entire episode functions as **Foreshadowing** of Jesus' ultimate authority and sovereignty, which will be fully displayed in His death and resurrection, demonstrating His control even over the most mundane details of His earthly ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 11:6, though brief, is rich in theological implications, primarily affirming the absolute sovereignty and divine authority of Jesus Christ. It demonstrates that Jesus is not merely a prophet or a teacher, but the Lord who commands creation and circumstances, and whose word is inherently powerful and effective. This passage reinforces the biblical truth that God is meticulously at work in every detail of His plan, orchestrating events and preparing hearts to fulfill His purposes. It also serves as a profound testament to the importance of faithful obedience to Christ's commands, even when the reasons are not fully understood, as the disciples' simple compliance facilitated a pivotal moment in redemptive history.

* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Love and Obedience")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 11:6 invites believers to a deeper trust in the meticulous providence of God and the unquestionable authority of Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus knew precisely where the colt would be and how the owners would respond, we can rest assured that He is intimately aware of every detail of our lives and orchestrates circumstances for His perfect will. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of immediate and unquestioning obedience to Christ's commands, even when they seem unconventional or we don't fully grasp the "why." Our willingness to simply "go and do" what the Lord has commanded, like the disciples, can unlock divine provision and facilitate the unfolding of God's greater purposes, often in ways we could never anticipate. It reminds us that God's kingdom advances not always through grand displays of power, but often through humble acts of faith and obedience to His specific directives, trusting that He has already prepared the way.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to trust in Jesus' specific instructions, even if they seem unusual or illogical?**
* **How does the disciples' immediate obedience challenge your own willingness to follow Christ's commands without hesitation?**
* **What does the owners' quick compliance teach you about God's ability to prepare hearts and provide for His kingdom's needs?**
* **How can recognizing Jesus' foreknowledge in this small event strengthen your faith in His sovereign control over larger, more complex situations in your life?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: The detail that the colt had "never been ridden" ([Mark 11:2](/mark/11-2 "Mark 11:2 - The Unridden Colt")) carries significant symbolic and theological weight. In ancient Jewish culture, animals used for sacred purposes, especially those involved in religious ceremonies or carrying holy persons, were often required to be unblemished and previously unused. This ensured their purity and dedication solely for God's purposes. By riding an unridden colt, Jesus underscored His unique status and the sacred nature of His entry, signifying that the animal was consecrated specifically for Him, the Lord. This detail also further highlights Jesus' divine authority, as an untrained animal would typically be difficult to ride, yet it submitted to Him.

**How did the owners know to "let them go" so readily?**

Answer: The text simply states that the owners complied upon hearing the disciples say, "The Lord hath need of him." While the Gospels don't explicitly detail the owners' prior knowledge or motivation, several possibilities exist. It's plausible that Jesus, having performed many miracles and taught widely, was already well-known in the region, and His name carried a certain authority. The phrase "The Lord hath need of him" might have been a pre-arranged signal, or it could have been a divinely prompted response, where God supernaturally inclined their hearts to release the animal without resistance. This demonstrates God's sovereign hand in orchestrating events, ensuring that every detail aligns with His perfect plan, as seen in other instances of divine provision throughout Scripture (e.g., [Exodus 12:35-36](/exodus/12-35-36 "Exodus 12:35-36 - Borrowing from the Egyptians")).

**What does this verse teach us about Jesus' authority?**

Answer: Mark 11:6 powerfully demonstrates Jesus' profound divine authority and foreknowledge. His ability to predict the exact location of the colt, the specific questions the owners would ask, and their willing compliance, reveals an omniscience and sovereign control that transcends human understanding. He is not merely reacting to circumstances but actively orchestrating them. The phrase "The Lord hath need of him" carries an inherent, compelling authority that moves hearts and ensures the fulfillment of His purposes. This seemingly small event is a microcosm of His greater authority over all creation, sin, and death, affirming His identity as the Son of God who commands all things (cf. [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ's Supremacy")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 11:6, in its simple declaration of obedience and divine orchestration, points powerfully to the Christ-centered nature of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' foreknowledge and authority over the colt's acquisition foreshadow His ultimate sovereignty over all creation and His divine mission. Just as the colt was willingly given for the Lord's use, Christ Himself, the ultimate "Lamb of God," willingly offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, fulfilling the will of the Father ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His humble entry on a colt, facilitated by this verse, prefigures His kingship, not of earthly might, but of spiritual dominion, culminating in His death, resurrection, and ascension, through which He secured salvation for all who believe ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). The obedience of the disciples and the compliance of the owners, though minor details, highlight the pervasive influence of Christ's divine will, demonstrating that every aspect of creation is ultimately subject to Him, working together for the glory of God and the establishment of His eternal kingdom ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")).

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.