And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:

MARK 11:12KJV
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Mark 11:12 (KJV)

What does Mark 11:12 mean?

Mark 11:12 describes how, on the day after Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, he and his disciples left Bethany and Jesus felt hungry. The verse simply notes Jesus’ human need for food as they traveled.

This moment takes place during the final week of Jesus’ life, as he moves between Bethany and Jerusalem with his followers. The verse sets the stage for the events that follow, especially the encounter with the fig tree, by showing Jesus experiencing ordinary human hunger.

The Greek behind Mark 11:12

  • "hungry" (ἐπείνασεν, epeinasen): This Greek word means to be hungry or to feel the need for food. Its use here highlights Jesus’ true humanity, showing that he experienced normal physical needs just like anyone else.
  • "Bethany" (Βηθανία, Bēthania): Naming this village situates the story geographically. Bethany was a small town near Jerusalem, and mentioning it helps readers follow Jesus’ movements during this important week.

Why Mark 11:12 matters

  • Mark 11:12 quietly emphasizes Jesus’ humanity, reminding readers that he shared in everyday experiences like hunger.
  • The verse prepares the reader for the symbolic act with the fig tree that follows, making Jesus’ hunger the reason for approaching the tree.
  • Noting the journey from Bethany to Jerusalem helps track the flow of events in the last week before the crucifixion, giving context to the actions and teachings that follow.

Where else these words appear

“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 11:11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.
  • Luke 24:50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

“morrow” Greek G1887 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 27:62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
  • John 12:12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
  • Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

“hungry” Greek G3983 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
  • Matthew 25:42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
  • Luke 6:25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.