Mark Chapter 11 · Verse 28
And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγουσιν
say
G3004
λέγουσιν
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 18
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
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 18
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
ποίᾳ
what
G4169
ποίᾳ
what
Strong's:
G4169
Word #:
5 of 18
individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one
ἐξουσίαν
authority
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
authority
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
6 of 18
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
ποιῇς
do
G4160
ποιῇς
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
8 of 18
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τίς
who
G5101
τίς
who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
10 of 18
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξουσίαν
authority
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
authority
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
13 of 18
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
ταύτην
G3778
ταύτην
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
14 of 18
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἔδωκεν
gave
G1325
ἔδωκεν
gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
15 of 18
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
Historical Context
First-century Judaism's authority structures were well-defined. Rabbis were ordained by recognized masters; priests inherited authority through Levitical lineage; Sanhedrin members represented official leadership. Jesus fit none of these categories—a lay Galilean, lacking formal credentials. His authority was self-authenticating—flowing from His person, teaching, and miracles—rather than institutional validation. The temple cleansing specifically provoked this confrontation by disrupting temple commerce and challenging priestly administration.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern legitimate spiritual authority from false claims?
- Why did the religious leaders' institutional authority blind them to Jesus's true authority?
- How might contemporary Christianity prioritize institutional credentials over actual spiritual authority?
Analysis & Commentary
By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?—The double question demands Jesus justify His actions. The Greek exousia means authority, right, or power—both ability to act and legitimacy to do so. They ask: on whose authorization do you overturn temple commerce, teach authoritatively, disrupt established order? They recognize authority as delegated—religious leaders derived authority from ordination, Sanhedrin appointment, or rabbinic succession. Jesus had none of these credentials. Yet He acted with supreme confidence. Their question is actually valid—authority matters, discernment requires evaluating credentials. Yet their hearts were not genuinely seeking truth but looking to trap Jesus. If He claimed divine authority, they would accuse Him of blasphemy; if human authority, He would lose credibility.