And when even was come, he went out of the city.

MARK 11:19KJV
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Mark 11:19 (KJV)

What does Mark 11:19 mean?

Mark 11:19 describes how, when evening came, Jesus left the city of Jerusalem. This verse simply notes Jesus’ movement at the end of the day, marking a transition in the events being described.

Earlier in Mark 11, Jesus had entered Jerusalem and spent time teaching and acting in the temple. The verse quietly signals that after these activities, Jesus and his disciples did not stay overnight in the city but went out, likely to nearby Bethany. This detail helps set the rhythm of the narrative, showing Jesus’ pattern during his final week in Jerusalem.

The Greek behind Mark 11:19

  • ἔξω (exō, “out of”): This word, translated “out,” emphasizes that Jesus physically left the city limits, not just a building or a part of town. It underlines a deliberate departure from Jerusalem itself.
  • πόλις (polis, “city”): This word refers specifically to a city, in this case, Jerusalem. The use of “city” rather than a more general term for place or area highlights the importance of Jerusalem as the setting for these events.

Why Mark 11:19 matters

  • Mark 11:19 clarifies that Jesus did not stay overnight in Jerusalem during this period, which fits with other Gospel accounts and helps readers track his movements during the week leading up to his crucifixion.
  • This verse marks the close of a day filled with significant actions and teachings, preparing the reader for what will happen next when Jesus returns to the city.
  • The detail of leaving the city each evening may also reflect the tension and danger Jesus faced in Jerusalem, hinting at the growing opposition to him.

Where else these words appear

“even” Greek G3796 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
  • Mark 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

“went” Greek G1607 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
  • Mark 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
  • Acts 25:4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

“of” Greek G1854 · used in 64 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
  • Acts 7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

“when” Greek G3753 · used in 105 verses

  • Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
  • Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
  • Romans 6:20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.