And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.

MARK 11:16KJV
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Mark 11:16 (KJV)

What does Mark 11:16 mean?

Mark 11:16 says that Jesus did not allow anyone to carry any kind of vessel or container through the temple. This means Jesus stopped people from using the temple as a shortcut or a place for ordinary business, insisting it be treated as a sacred space.

In this scene, Jesus is in Jerusalem, addressing the crowds and those conducting business in the temple courts. By stopping people from carrying vessels, Jesus is making a strong statement about the temple’s purpose, showing that it should not be treated like a marketplace or a common thoroughfare. This action is part of a larger moment where Jesus is challenging the misuse of the temple and calling for respect for its holiness.

The Greek behind Mark 11:16

  • The word "vessel" (σκεῦος, skeuos) refers to any kind of container or object used for carrying things. This highlights that Jesus was not just stopping merchants, but anyone treating the temple as a passageway for ordinary items.
  • The verb "carry" (διενέγκῃ, dienegkē) often means to bear or transport something from one place to another. The Greek here suggests people were using the temple as a shortcut, not just for worship but for convenience.
  • The word "temple" (ἱερόν, hieron) refers specifically to the temple complex, not just the inner sanctuary. This means Jesus was concerned about the entire sacred area, not only the holiest part.

Why Mark 11:16 matters

  • Mark 11:16 clarifies that Jesus was concerned with more than just buying and selling; he was also challenging the casual use of the temple for everyday activities.
  • This verse emphasizes the seriousness with which Jesus viewed the temple’s purpose, insisting it be set apart for worship and reverence.
  • Mark 11:16 connects to the broader story of Jesus cleansing the temple, showing his commitment to restoring its intended role as a house of prayer, not a place for business or shortcuts.

Where else these words appear

“carry” Greek G1308 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
  • Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
  • 1 Corinthians 15:41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

“vessel” Greek G4632 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
  • Acts 10:16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

“temple” Greek G2411 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 4:5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
  • Luke 19:47 And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,
  • Acts 3:3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

“would” Greek G863 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
  • Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.