And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

MARK 11:33KJV
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Mark 11:33 (KJV)

What does Mark 11:33 mean?

Mark 11:33 shows the religious leaders telling Jesus that they do not know the answer to his question, and Jesus responding that he will not tell them by what authority he does his works. This exchange ends a tense conversation where Jesus refuses to give them the explanation they demand.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking with the chief priests, scribes, and elders in Jerusalem. They had questioned him about his authority, but when Jesus turned the question back on them about John the Baptist, they would not answer honestly. Because they refuse to answer, Jesus also withholds his answer, exposing their unwillingness to engage truthfully.

The Greek behind Mark 11:33

  • ἐξουσία (exousia): This word means "authority" or "power." The leaders are demanding to know the source of Jesus’ right to teach and act as he does, which is a central issue in this confrontation.
  • οὐκ (ouk): This is the Greek for "not" or "cannot," showing the leaders’ refusal or inability to answer Jesus’ question. Their answer is not just ignorance but a deliberate avoidance.

Why Mark 11:33 matters

  • Mark 11:33 highlights the religious leaders’ lack of honesty and their fear of the crowd, which is a recurring theme in the Gospels.
  • The verse shows Jesus’ wisdom in handling attempts to trap him, turning the challenge back on his questioners and revealing their motives.
  • This moment connects to the larger narrative of conflict between Jesus and the authorities, setting the stage for the events that follow in Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“what” Greek G4169 · used in 33 verses

  • Matthew 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
  • Mark 12:28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?
  • John 18:32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.

“authority” Greek G1849 · used in 93 verses

  • Matthew 7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
  • Luke 22:53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
  • Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

“Neither” Greek G3761 · used in 125 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • 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?
  • Romans 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.