Mark 12:11

This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

This {G3778} was {G1096} the Lord's {G2962} doing {G1096}{G3844}, and {G2532} it is {G2076} marvellous {G2298} in {G1722} our {G2257} eyes {G3788}?

This has come from ADONAI, and in our eyes it is amazing'?"

This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”

This was from the Lord, And it is marvellous in our eyes?

Commentary

Mark 12:11 KJV is the concluding verse of Jesus's powerful Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers, directly quoting Psalm 118:23. This verse highlights the divine hand in what might seem, to human eyes, a contradictory outcome.

Context

In Mark chapter 12, Jesus is confronted by the chief priests, scribes, and elders who question His authority. In response, He tells the parable of a vineyard owner who sends various servants, and finally his beloved son, to his tenants, only for them to reject and kill each one. The parable is a clear allegory: the owner is God, the vineyard is Israel, the servants are the prophets, and the son is Jesus Himself. The wicked tenants represent the religious leaders who have repeatedly rejected God's messengers and are about to reject and crucify His Son. After recounting the tragic actions of the tenants, Jesus then quotes Psalm 118:22-23, affirming that despite their rejection, the "stone" (Jesus) which the builders (the religious authorities) rejected would become the "head of the corner" through God's miraculous intervention.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Purpose: This verse underscores that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human opposition. Even the rejection of His Son is incorporated into His greater design. The exaltation of Jesus, despite His suffering, is ultimately the "Lord's doing."
  • Rejection and Exaltation: A central theme is the paradoxical journey of the Messiah. He is rejected by those who should have recognized Him, yet God elevates Him to the most prominent position, becoming the chief cornerstone of His new spiritual temple. This reversal of human judgment by divine decree is truly "marvellous."
  • The Marvelous Work of God: The phrase "it is marvellous in our eyes" speaks to the awe-inspiring nature of God's work. What seems like defeat from a human perspective is, in God's eternal plan, a glorious victory and a testament to His power and wisdom. Peter later applies this prophecy to Jesus, emphasizing God's unique hand in His resurrection and ascension.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the Lord's doing" translates the Greek para kuriou, literally "from the Lord," emphasizing that this outcome originates solely from God's initiative and power, not human effort or design. The word "marvellous" comes from the Greek thaumastos, meaning astonishing, wonderful, or inspiring awe. It conveys a sense of profound wonder and admiration for something truly extraordinary and divinely orchestrated.

Practical Application

Mark 12:11 offers profound encouragement and a call to faith:

  • Trust in God's Unfolding Plan: Even when circumstances seem bleak or human efforts fail, this verse reminds us that God is actively working behind the scenes. His purposes will ultimately prevail, often in ways that are surprising and beyond human comprehension, as stated in Isaiah 55:8-9.
  • Hope in Rejection: For those who feel rejected or overlooked, the example of Jesus, the rejected stone who became the cornerstone, offers immense hope. God can take what is scorned by the world and elevate it for His glory, turning perceived weakness into strength.
  • Cultivate a Sense of Awe: This verse invites us to recognize and marvel at God's hand in the world and in our lives. It encourages us to look beyond immediate appearances and see the "marvellous" ways God orchestrates events, bringing about His perfect will.
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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 118:23 (4 votes)

    This is the LORD'S doing; it [is] marvellous in our eyes.

  • Acts 3:12 (3 votes)

    ¶ And when Peter saw [it], he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

  • Acts 3:16 (3 votes)

    And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

  • Acts 2:32 (3 votes)

    This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

  • Acts 2:36 (3 votes)

    Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

  • Habakkuk 1:5 (3 votes)

    ¶ Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for [I] will work a work in your days, [which] ye will not believe, though it be told [you].

  • 1 Timothy 3:16 (2 votes)

    And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.