And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,

MARK 11:1KJV
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Mark 11:1 (KJV)

What does Mark 11:1 mean?

Mark 11:1 describes Jesus and his followers approaching Jerusalem, coming near the villages of Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, where Jesus sends two of his disciples ahead. This verse sets the scene for the events that will soon unfold as Jesus enters Jerusalem.

In this verse, the Gospel of Mark is narrating a specific moment in Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem, a key turning point in his ministry. The mention of Bethphage and Bethany, two villages near the Mount of Olives, helps locate the action just outside the city. Jesus’ act of sending two disciples ahead signals that he is preparing for something important, which the following verses will reveal.

The Greek behind Mark 11:1

  • The word for "sendeth forth" is ἀποστέλλει (apostellei), which means to send out or dispatch. This is the same root as "apostle," highlighting that Jesus is intentionally commissioning these two disciples for a specific task.
  • "Disciples" is μαθητάς (mathētas), meaning learners or followers. This word emphasizes that Jesus’ followers are students who act under his direction.
  • "Mount of Olives" is ὄρος τῶν ἐλαιῶν (oros tōn elaiōn), literally "mountain of olives." This location is significant in Jewish tradition and will play a key role in the coming events of Jesus’ final days.

Why Mark 11:1 matters

  • Mark 11:1 marks the beginning of the final phase of Jesus’ ministry, leading directly into his entry into Jerusalem, which Christians often call the "Triumphal Entry."
  • The verse shows Jesus acting with purpose and forethought, not as a passive figure but as someone who directs the events leading to his arrest and crucifixion.
  • Mentioning both Bethphage and Bethany helps readers understand the geography and context, showing that these events are rooted in real places familiar to the original audience.

Where else these words appear

“Bethphage” Greek G967 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 21:1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
  • Luke 19:29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

“Bethany” Greek G963 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 21:17 And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.
  • Mark 11:12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:
  • Luke 24:50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

“Olives” Greek G1636 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 21:1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
  • Mark 14:26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
  • John 8:1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

“nigh” Greek G1448 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
  • Luke 24:28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.