Mark 12:11
This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
Original Language Analysis
παρὰ
G3844
παρὰ
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
κυρίου
the Lord's
G2962
κυρίου
the Lord's
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
2 of 10
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἐγένετο
doing
G1096
ἐγένετο
doing
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
3 of 10
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
αὕτη
This
G3778
αὕτη
This
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
4 of 10
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Historical Context
Psalm 118 was a Messianic psalm sung during Passover, celebrating God's deliverance. Jesus quotes it during Passion Week, days before becoming the Passover Lamb. The early church saw Psalm 118:22-23 as prophecy fulfilled in Christ's resurrection and exaltation (Acts 4:11, 1 Peter 2:7). What the Sanhedrin intended for evil, God ordained for salvation—the ultimate demonstration of Genesis 50:20.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's sovereignty over human evil bring comfort when you face opposition for Christ?
- What makes the cross 'marvelous'—how does divine wisdom in using human wickedness for salvation purposes provoke wonder?
- In what areas of your life do you need to trust that God's doing behind apparent defeat is actually marvelous victory?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes—Jesus quotes Psalm 118:23, applying the rejected stone prophecy to Himself. The θαυμαστός (thaumastos, marvelous, wonderful) nature lies in God's sovereign reversal: human rejection becomes divine exaltation. What seemed like defeat (crucifixion) God ordained as victory (resurrection and enthronement).
The shift from human perspective to divine purpose is stunning. The tenants 'cast out' the son to destroy him—but 'this was the Lord's doing.' God's sovereignty transforms the greatest crime (deicide) into the greatest salvation (atonement). The 'marvelous' quality means it provokes astonishment, wonder—even incredulity. Who could imagine that God would use the murder of His Son as the mechanism of redemption? Only divine wisdom could orchestrate such a reversal.