Mark 11:4

Authorized King James Version

And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀπῆλθον

G565

they went their way

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

καὶ

G2532

and

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

εὗρον

G2147

found

to find (literally or figuratively)

τὸν

G3588

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

πῶλον

G4454

the colt

a "foal" or "filly", i.e., (specially), a young ass

δεδεμένον

G1210

tied

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

πρὸς

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὴν

G3588

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

#10

θύραν

G2374

the door

a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)

#11

ἔξω

G1854

without

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively

#12

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#13

τοῦ

G3588

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

#14

ἀμφόδου

G296

a place where two ways met

a fork in the road

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#16

λύουσιν

G3089

they loose

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

#17

αὐτόν

G846

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Mark, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Mark Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

The Twelve Apostles

Study Resources

Parables of Jesus