And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.

MARK 11:3KJV
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Mark 11:3 (KJV)

What does Mark 11:3 mean?

Mark 11:3 means that if anyone questions why Jesus’ disciples are taking the colt, they should simply say that the Lord needs it, and the owner will immediately allow them to take it. The verse shows that Jesus had authority and that the situation was already prepared for his needs.

Jesus is speaking to two of his disciples as they are about to fetch a colt for him to ride into Jerusalem. He anticipates that someone might challenge them for untying the animal, so he tells them exactly what to say. This instruction highlights Jesus’ foreknowledge and the respect or recognition he already had among the people involved.

The Greek behind Mark 11:3

  • κύριος (kyrios) — "Lord": This word can mean "master" or "owner," but here it is often understood as referring to Jesus himself, showing his authority and possibly his recognized status.
  • εὐθέως (eutheōs) — "straightway": This word means "immediately" or "right away," emphasizing that the owner’s response will be prompt and without hesitation, suggesting prior arrangement or respect for Jesus’ request.
  • χρείαν (chreian) — "need": This word means "need" or "requirement," making clear that the action is not random but purposeful—Jesus has a specific need for the colt.

Why Mark 11:3 matters

  • Mark 11:3 clears up that the disciples were not stealing the colt but acting with a legitimate reason and with Jesus’ authority.
  • The verse shows that Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was carefully planned, not accidental, and that even small details were foreseen.
  • This instruction connects to the larger story of Jesus’ triumphal entry, underlining his identity and the fulfillment of prophecy, as well as the cooperation of others in his mission.

Where else these words appear

“need” Greek G5532 · used in 47 verses

  • Matthew 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
  • Luke 22:71 And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
  • Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

“hither” Greek G5602 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  • Mark 9:1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
  • Luke 23:5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

“straightway” Greek G2112 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 2:12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
  • Mark 14:45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

“send” Greek G649 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Luke 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
  • John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.