Mark 11:28

Authorized King James Version

And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λέγουσιν

G3004

say

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ

G846

unto him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ποίᾳ

G4169

what

individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one

ἐξουσίαν

G1849

authority

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

ταῦτα

G5023

these things

ποιῇς

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

τίς

G5101

who

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

#11

σοι

G4671

thee

to thee

#12

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

ἐξουσίαν

G1849

authority

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

#14

ταύτην

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#15

ἔδωκεν

G1325

gave

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#16

ἵνα

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#17

ταῦτα

G5023

these things

#18

ποιῇς

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Mark, this passage highlights kingdom of God through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Mark.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
How does this verse's literary context within Mark chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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Study Resources

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