Mark 11:9

KJV

And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they that went before {G4254}, and {G2532} they that followed {G190}, cried {G2896}, saying {G3004}, Hosanna {G5614}; Blessed {G2127} is he that cometh {G2064} in {G1722} the name {G3686} of the Lord {G2962}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who were ahead and those behind shouted, "Please! Deliver us!"m "Blessed is he who comes in the name of ADONAI!"

Berean Standard Bible

The ones who went ahead and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”

American Standard Version

And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 11:9 captures the fervent acclamation of the crowds during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a pivotal moment preceding His crucifixion. As Jesus rode into the city, those who went before Him and those who followed joined in a resounding chorus, crying out "Hosanna" and proclaiming a blessing upon "him that cometh in the name of the Lord." This scene vividly portrays the people's deep-seated messianic expectations and their public acknowledgment of Jesus, even if their understanding of His kingship was incomplete.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 11:9 is embedded within the narrative of Jesus' [triumphal entry into Jerusalem](/mark/11-1-11 "Mark 11:1-11 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry"). This event immediately follows Jesus' departure from Jericho and His healing of blind Bartimaeus in [Mark 10:46-52](/mark/10-46-52 "Mark 10:46-52 - Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus"). The entry itself is meticulously described in the preceding verses, detailing Jesus' instruction to His disciples to fetch a young donkey, the spreading of cloaks and branches on the road, and the gathering of the large crowd. This public spectacle serves as a dramatic prelude to the Passion Week, contrasting sharply with Jesus' earlier commands for secrecy regarding His messianic identity. It sets the stage for the escalating conflict with the religious authorities, which will dominate the subsequent chapters of [Mark's Gospel](/mark/11 "Mark 11 - The Triumphal Entry and Temple Cleansing").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The triumphal entry occurred during the week of Passover, a time when Jerusalem swelled with Jewish pilgrims from across the Roman Empire. Passover commemorated the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, fostering intense nationalistic and messianic fervor. The crowds' actions—spreading cloaks and palm branches (though Mark specifically mentions "branches" generally, other Gospels specify palms)—were traditional gestures of homage for a king or conquering hero. The cry "Hosanna" and the quotation from [Psalm 118:26](/psalms/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - The Stone the Builders Rejected") were deeply rooted in Jewish liturgical and prophetic tradition, particularly associated with the Hallel psalms sung during Passover. The expectation was for a political deliverer who would overthrow Roman oppression, echoing the Maccabean revolt's success centuries prior. Jesus' entry on a donkey, rather than a warhorse, subtly fulfilled the prophecy of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King Coming on a Donkey"), portraying a humble, peaceable king, yet one with divine authority.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 11:9 contributes significantly to several key themes in Mark's Gospel. Foremost is the theme of **Messianic Identity**, as Jesus publicly presents Himself as the long-awaited King, albeit in a way that confounds conventional expectations. The crowd's acclamation, though perhaps misunderstanding the nature of His kingdom, undeniably acknowledges His unique status. This event also highlights the theme of **Divine Authority**, as Jesus' actions and the crowd's response declare His legitimate claim to kingship and His coming "in the name of the Lord," signifying God's endorsement. Furthermore, the scene underscores the theme of **Praise and Adoration**, demonstrating the fervent devotion Jesus inspired in His followers, even as this adoration would soon give way to rejection and crucifixion. It also subtly introduces the theme of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, as the events align with Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's arrival, particularly from [Zechariah 9](/zechariah/9 "Zechariah 9 - Prophecy of the Coming King") and [Psalm 118](/psalms/118 "Psalm 118 - The Lord's Steadfast Love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hosanna (Greek, _hōsanná'_):** This exclamation, derived from the Hebrew "hoshia-na" (meaning "save, please!" or "save now!"), had evolved by Jesus' time from a desperate plea for deliverance into an exclamation of fervent praise and adoration. It functions similarly to "Hallelujah" or "Praise the Lord," used to welcome a king or celebrate a victory. Its use here signifies the crowd's recognition of Jesus as a deliverer, even if their understanding of the deliverance He offered was limited to political liberation.
* **Blessed (Greek, _eulogéō'_):** This word means "to speak well of," or "to bless," implying an invocation of divine favor or prosperity. When applied to Jesus, it signifies the crowd's acknowledgment of His divine favor and the inherent blessedness of His coming. It's a declaration that His arrival is divinely ordained and carries God's approval, affirming His legitimate claim to a unique, divinely appointed role.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term denotes "supreme in authority," a "controller," or "Master." While it can be a respectful title like "Sir," in the context of "in the name of the Lord," it carries profound theological weight, referring to God Himself. The crowd's cry, quoting [Psalm 118:26](/psalms/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"), identifies Jesus as the one who comes with the authority and backing of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This elevates their acclamation beyond mere human praise to a recognition of His divine commission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying,"**: This clause emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the crowd's response. It wasn't just a small group, but a multitude encompassing those who preceded Jesus and those who came behind Him, creating a unified, boisterous procession. The verb "cried" (G2896, _krázō_) suggests a loud, perhaps even clamorous, exclamation, indicating intense emotion and public declaration.
* **"Hosanna;"**: This is the initial, powerful exclamation of adoration and plea for salvation. As discussed in the key word analysis, it reflects both the crowd's hope for deliverance and their praise for Jesus as the one who brings it. It's a direct, urgent, and celebratory cry.
* **"Blessed [is] he that cometh"**: This phrase is a declaration of divine favor upon Jesus. It affirms that His arrival is not accidental or merely human-initiated, but rather divinely sanctioned and brings blessing. The participle "cometh" (G2064, _érchomai_) highlights His active arrival, emphasizing His presence as the fulfillment of expectation.
* **"in the name of the Lord:"**: This crucial phrase clarifies the source of Jesus' authority and the nature of His mission. To come "in the name of the Lord" (G1722, _en_ G3686, _ónoma_ G2962, _kýrios_) means to come with the full authority, power, and representation of God Himself. It's not merely a formal title but an assertion of divine commission and identity. The crowd, perhaps unknowingly, was declaring Jesus' divine sonship and His role as God's appointed agent.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 11:9 is rich in literary devices that amplify its significance. The most prominent is **Quotation/Allusion**, as the crowd's cry "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord" is a direct quotation from [Psalm 118:26](/psalms/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"). This immediate connection to Messianic prophecy and Passover liturgy imbues the scene with profound theological weight, signaling Jesus' fulfillment of ancient expectations. The use of **Apostrophe** and **Direct Address** is evident in the cry "Hosanna," as the crowd directly addresses or invokes salvation through Jesus. The entire scene functions as **Symbolism**: the donkey, the cloaks, and the branches all symbolize Jesus' kingship, albeit a different kind of kingship than expected. The **Contrast** between the crowd's initial adoration and their later cries for His crucifixion (foreshadowed by Mark's narrative structure) creates dramatic irony. Finally, the **Exclamation** of "Hosanna" captures the raw emotion and fervent expectation of the moment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 11:9 stands as a profound theological statement about Jesus' identity and mission. The crowd's acclamation, though imperfect in its understanding, unequivocally acknowledges Jesus as a divinely sent figure, the one who comes "in the name of the Lord." This phrase is not merely a polite greeting but a declaration of His divine authority and legitimate claim to a unique role in God's redemptive plan. It highlights the tension between popular messianic expectations (a political king) and Jesus' true mission (a suffering servant who would redeem humanity through His sacrifice). The scene underscores the theme of God's sovereign plan unfolding, as ancient prophecies find their fulfillment in this humble yet regal entry. It also foreshadows the ultimate recognition of Jesus' Lordship, even if the path to that recognition involves the cross.

* [Psalm 118:26](/psalms/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")
* [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Prophecy of the King Coming on a Donkey")
* [Matthew 21:9](/matthew/21-9 "Parallel Account of the Triumphal Entry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 11:9 invites us to examine the nature of our own praise and understanding of Jesus. The crowd's "Hosanna" was genuine, yet their comprehension of Jesus' true mission was limited; they desired a political deliverer, not a suffering Savior. This challenges us to move beyond superficial adoration to a deeper, more robust understanding of who Jesus truly is and what He accomplished. Do we truly acknowledge Him as the Lord who comes with divine authority, worthy of all praise, even when His path diverges from our expectations? Our worship should not merely be an emotional outburst but a conscious, informed affirmation of His Lordship and His redemptive work. This verse calls us to align our hearts and minds with God's purposes for Jesus, offering Him not just our voices, but our lives in genuine adoration and obedient discipleship, understanding that His kingdom is not of this world, yet it transforms this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might our expectations of Jesus sometimes limit our understanding of His true mission and kingdom?**
* **In what ways can our "Hosannas" be more than just emotional expressions, reflecting a deeper commitment to Jesus' Lordship?**
* **What does it mean for Jesus to come "in the name of the Lord" for your daily life and decisions?**
* **How does the crowd's initial praise, followed by later rejection, serve as a warning or lesson for believers today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the crowd shouting "Hosanna"?**

The cry "Hosanna" (Greek: _hōsanná_) is a transliteration of the Hebrew phrase _hoshi'ah na_, which literally means "Save, please!" or "Save now!" While originally a plea for deliverance, by Jesus' time, it had evolved into an exclamation of praise and adoration, akin to "Hallelujah" or "Praise the Lord." It was used in contexts of welcoming a king or celebrating a victory. In [Mark 11:9](/mark/11-9 "Mark 11:9 - The Triumphal Entry Acclamation"), its significance is twofold: it expresses the crowd's desperate hope for liberation (likely from Roman rule) and their fervent celebration of Jesus as the one they believed could bring that salvation, acknowledging Him as a kingly figure. It also connects to the liturgical use of [Psalm 118:25-26](/psalms/118-25-26 "Psalm 118:25-26 - The Hallel Psalm") during the Passover festival, further cementing its messianic implications.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 11:9, with its declaration of "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah and divine Son of God. The crowd's acclamation, though rooted in a desire for an earthly king, unwittingly proclaimed a deeper truth: Jesus is the one truly sent by God, bearing divine authority and embodying God's very presence. He is the Lamb of God, as [John the Baptist declared in John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who came not to conquer a political empire but to conquer sin and death through His sacrificial death and resurrection. His entry into Jerusalem was a foreshadowing of His return as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, as described in [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). The "name of the Lord" in which He comes is ultimately His own name, for [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation") affirms that God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name that is above every name, "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Thus, the shouts of "Hosanna" on that Palm Sunday echo through history, pointing to the eternal reign of the one who truly comes in the name and power of the Lord, Jesus 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.

Cross-References

Psalms 118:25

Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

Psalms 118:26

Blessed [be] he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

Matthew 21:9

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

Luke 19:37

And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

Luke 19:38

Saying, Blessed [be] the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

Matthew 23:39

For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

John 19:15

But they cried out, Away with [him], away with [him], crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.