Mark 11:7

KJV

And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they brought {G71} the colt {G4454} to {G4314} Jesus {G2424}, and {G2532} cast {G1911} their {G846} garments {G2440} on {G1911} him {G846}; and {G2532} he sat {G2523} upon {G1909} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They brought the colt to Yeshua and threw their robes on it, and he sat on it.

Berean Standard Bible

Then they led the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, and He sat on it.

American Standard Version

And they bring the colt unto Jesus, and cast on him their garments; and he sat upon him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The pivotal moment in Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem is described, detailing how the disciples brought the young colt to Jesus, placed their cloaks upon it, and Jesus then mounted the animal. This seemingly simple action is laden with profound theological significance, marking the public, yet humble, declaration of Jesus' messianic kingship and setting the stage for the dramatic events of Passion Week, fulfilling ancient prophecies and inviting both adoration and misunderstanding from the crowds.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 11:7 is situated within the broader narrative of Jesus' Triumphal Entry, which commences in [Mark 11:1](/mark/11-1 "Mark 11:1 - Jesus Sends Disciples for a Colt"). The preceding verses ([Mark 11:1-6](/mark/11-1-6 "Mark 11:1-6 - Instructions for the Colt")) meticulously describe Jesus' foreknowledge and precise instructions to two disciples to retrieve an unridden colt from a nearby village. This preparation underscores the divine orchestration of the event. Following Mark 11:7, [Mark 11:8-10](/mark/11-8-10 "Mark 11:8-10 - The Crowd's Acclaim") vividly portrays the enthusiastic response of the crowds, who spread their garments and palm branches on the road, shouting "Hosanna!" and acknowledging Jesus as the coming King. This entire sequence serves as the dramatic prelude to Jesus' final week of ministry, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of riding a donkey or a colt into a city held specific cultural and historical connotations in the ancient Near East. Unlike a warhorse, which symbolized military conquest and imperial power, a donkey or colt was associated with peace, humility, and the arrival of a king or dignitary in a non-aggressive manner. This choice directly invoked messianic expectations rooted in Old Testament prophecy, particularly [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"). Furthermore, the spreading of garments on the path was a traditional gesture of homage and honor reserved for royalty or highly esteemed individuals, signifying profound respect, allegiance, and submission to the one being honored. The setting, Jerusalem, the holy city and capital of Judea, amplified the political and religious implications of this public demonstration.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 11:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jesus' entry on a colt directly echoes [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The King Comes on a Donkey"), confirming His messianic identity. This event also highlights the **Humility of Kingship**, presenting Jesus not as a conquering warrior but as a peaceful, humble King, a theme further elaborated by Jesus' own words about His kingdom not being of this world in [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World"). The **Obedience and Service of the Disciples** are also prominent, as their immediate and unquestioning actions in retrieving the colt and preparing it for Jesus exemplify faithful discipleship. Finally, the casting of garments symbolizes **Adoration and Homage**, even if the crowd's understanding of Jesus' true mission and the nature of His kingdom remained incomplete, as seen in the shifting sentiments later in the week.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **colt (Greek, _pōlos'_):** (G4454) This term specifically refers to a young animal, often a foal or a donkey's colt. Its selection is deliberate, emphasizing the humble and peaceful nature of Jesus' entry, directly aligning with the prophecy in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey") which speaks of a "colt, the foal of a donkey." The fact that it was "never ridden" (mentioned in [Mark 11:2](/mark/11-2 "Mark 11:2 - The Unridden Colt")) further underscores its special, consecrated purpose for this divine occasion.
* **cast (Greek, _epibállō'_):** (G1911) From _epí_ (upon) and _bállō_ (to throw), meaning "to throw upon" with more or less force. Here, it describes the disciples' swift and purposeful action of placing their garments on the colt. This act was not merely practical (to provide a makeshift saddle) but deeply symbolic, signifying an immediate and reverent preparation for their King, mirroring the crowd's later actions of spreading garments on the road.
* **sat (Greek, _kathízō'_):** (G2523) Meaning "to seat down" or "to sit." This verb indicates Jesus' deliberate action of taking His place upon the prepared colt. His sitting upon the colt is the culmination of the disciples' preparation and the public display of His messianic identity, marking the moment He begins His royal procession. It conveys a sense of authority and intentionality in His entry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they brought the colt to Jesus":** This clause highlights the disciples' obedience and active participation in Jesus' divine plan. Following Jesus' specific instructions from [Mark 11:2-6](/mark/11-2-6 "Mark 11:2-6 - Jesus' Instructions for the Colt"), they successfully located and brought the unridden colt to Him. Their action is foundational, enabling the subsequent events of the Triumphal Entry to unfold as prophesied.
* **"and cast their garments on him;":** This action serves a dual purpose. Practically, the disciples' cloaks provided a soft, makeshift saddle for Jesus, as the colt was unridden. Symbolically, however, it was a profound gesture of honor and homage. In ancient cultures, spreading garments before a king or placing them on an animal for a dignitary was a sign of profound respect, submission, and recognition of royal authority, akin to rolling out a red carpet.
* **"and he sat upon him.":** This final clause is the climactic moment of the verse. Jesus' deliberate act of mounting the colt signifies His acceptance of the role and recognition being offered. It is the public affirmation of His messianic identity, not as a political revolutionary, but as the humble King who comes in peace, fulfilling the ancient prophecies and initiating the final, crucial phase of His earthly ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 11:7 employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the colt itself symbolizing humility, peace, and the fulfillment of prophecy (specifically [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The Prophecy of the King on a Donkey")). The garments cast upon the colt and later spread on the road ([Mark 11:8](/mark/11-8 "Mark 11:8 - The Crowd's Adoration")) are powerful symbols of honor, homage, and submission to royalty. The entire scene is an act of **Dramatic Irony**, as the crowds hail Jesus as king, yet their understanding of His kingship is largely worldly and political, contrasting sharply with Jesus' true spiritual and redemptive mission, which would lead Him to the cross rather than an earthly throne. This moment also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at Jesus' ultimate kingship and future triumphant return, even as it immediately precedes His suffering and death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 11:7 is a rich theological moment, powerfully illustrating Jesus' divine sovereignty and His intentional fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. It underscores the nature of His kingdom—one not built on worldly power or military might, but on humility, peace, and spiritual authority. The disciples' ready obedience and the crowd's spontaneous adoration, though perhaps misinformed, highlight the proper response to Christ's kingship: worship, service, and recognition of His unique authority. This event sets the stage for the Passion, demonstrating that Jesus willingly embraced His destiny as the Messiah, even if it meant a path of suffering rather than earthly glory.

* [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"): "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass."
* [John 12:12-16](/john/12-12-16 "John 12:12-16 - The Triumphal Entry in John's Gospel"): Provides a parallel account of the Triumphal Entry, emphasizing the crowd's recognition of Jesus as the King of Israel and the disciples' later understanding of the prophetic fulfillment.
* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience"): Describes Christ's ultimate humility in emptying Himself and taking the form of a servant, even to death on a cross, echoing the humble nature of His entry in Mark 11:7.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 11:7 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, inviting us to consider our own response to Jesus' kingship. Just as the disciples readily prepared the way for Jesus by bringing the colt and casting their garments, we are called to prepare our hearts and lives for His presence and purpose. This involves a humble willingness to serve Christ with whatever resources we possess—our time, talents, and material possessions—even in seemingly small or unnoticed ways. It challenges us to recognize the true nature of Jesus' authority, which is spiritual and redemptive, rather than conforming to worldly expectations of power or prestige. Our allegiance should be to His kingdom of peace, righteousness, and truth, not to fleeting earthly kingdoms. Ultimately, the scene encourages us to express genuine reverence and adoration for Jesus, acknowledging Him as our King and Lord, with a deeper understanding of His sacrificial love and His ultimate triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' choice of a humble colt, rather than a warhorse, challenge my own perceptions of power and leadership, both in the church and in the world?**
* **In what practical ways can I "cast my garments" before Jesus today, demonstrating my devotion and willingness to serve Him with what I have?**
* **Do I truly recognize Jesus as King over all areas of my life, or do I still harbor expectations of a "king" who aligns more with my worldly desires than with His divine purpose?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: The detail that the colt had "never been ridden" (mentioned in [Mark 11:2](/mark/11-2 "Mark 11:2 - The Unridden Colt")) is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the colt's consecration for a sacred purpose. In ancient Jewish tradition, animals used for holy purposes, such as sacrifices or for the use of a revered prophet or king, were often unblemished or had never been previously used for common labor. This detail elevates the event, marking it as divinely ordained and set apart. Secondly, it highlights Jesus' supernatural knowledge and authority; He knew exactly where to find such an animal and that it would be available. Finally, it may subtly emphasize the colt's wildness or untamed nature, making its docile submission to Jesus even more remarkable and a testament to His divine control.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 11:7, depicting Jesus' humble Triumphal Entry, serves as a profound Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and a foreshadowing of His ultimate reign. The image of Jesus, the King of kings, riding on a lowly colt, perfectly embodies the paradoxical nature of His first advent: a divine sovereign entering His creation not with military might, but in humility and peace, precisely as foretold in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"). This event, though met with initial adoration, leads directly to His suffering and crucifixion, revealing that His kingship would be established through self-sacrifice, not earthly conquest. Yet, this humble entry foreshadows His glorious second coming, when He will return not on a colt, but on a white horse, as the victorious [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return") to establish His eternal kingdom. The adoration shown by the crowds, though incomplete in their understanding, points to the universal worship that will one day be given to the One who humbled Himself for our salvation, so that [every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation"). Thus, Mark 11:7 is not merely a historical account, but a powerful testament to Christ's identity as the promised Messiah, whose path to glory led through humility and the cross, ultimately culminating in His sovereign rule over all creation.

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

Luke 19:35

And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

Luke 19:36

And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.

Zechariah 9:9

¶ Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he [is] just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

Matthew 21:4

All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

Matthew 21:5

Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.

John 12:12

¶ On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

John 12:16

These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and [that] they had done these things unto him.