Mark 11:9

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

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}:

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

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

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

Commentary

Mark 11:9 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry: His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, often celebrated as Palm Sunday. As Jesus rode into the city on a young donkey, a large crowd gathered, spreading their cloaks and branches on the road, creating a scene of fervent adoration and expectation.

Context of the Triumphal Entry

This verse describes the enthusiastic reception Jesus received from the crowds who had either accompanied Him or came out to meet Him. They recognized Him as a significant figure, possibly the long-awaited Messiah. This event, occurring just days before His crucifixion, marked a dramatic public declaration of Jesus' identity, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies, particularly Zechariah 9:9, which speaks of a King coming humbly on a donkey.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Messianic Acknowledgment: The crowd's shouts demonstrate their belief that Jesus was the promised deliverer, though many likely anticipated a political or military king who would free them from Roman rule, not a spiritual savior.
  • Divine Authority and Blessing: The phrase "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord" signifies that Jesus' arrival was divinely ordained and carried God's authority. It is a declaration of His legitimate claim to kingship and divine sonship.
  • Praise and Adoration: The scene is filled with fervent praise, highlighting the deep emotional and spiritual impact Jesus had on His followers.

Linguistic Insights

The cry "Hosanna" (Greek: hōsanna) is a transliteration of the Hebrew phrase hoshi'ah na (הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא), meaning "Save, please!" or "Save now!" While originally a plea for deliverance, it had evolved by Jesus' time into an exclamation of praise and adoration, akin to "Hallelujah" or "Praise the Lord," used when welcoming a king or celebrating a victory.

The subsequent phrase, "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord," is a direct quotation from Psalm 118:26. This psalm was part of the Hallel psalms (Psalms 113-118) sung during Passover, making its use by the crowd profoundly significant and highly symbolic of Messianic times.

Practical Application

Mark 11:9 challenges us to consider our own recognition of Jesus. Do we acknowledge Him as the Lord who comes with divine authority, worthy of all praise? This verse reminds us that true worship involves not just outward expressions of praise, but also a deeper understanding and acceptance of Jesus' true mission as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, as foretold by John the Baptist in John 1:29. It calls us to offer Him our genuine adoration and to follow Him, not for worldly gain, but for eternal salvation.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 118:25 (12 votes)

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

  • Psalms 118:26 (12 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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

  • Matthew 23:39 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.