And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.

MARK 11:8KJV
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Mark 11:8 (KJV)

What does Mark 11:8 mean?

Mark 11:8 describes how many people spread their garments on the road and others cut branches from trees and laid them along the way as Jesus entered Jerusalem. This verse shows a crowd honoring Jesus by making a special path for him, using their own clothes and tree branches as a sign of respect and celebration.

In this scene, Jesus is approaching Jerusalem, and the people are responding to his arrival with actions that show honor and welcome, much like they might for a king or important guest. The act of spreading garments and branches was a public gesture of reverence, and it sets the stage for the events that follow in the story, where Jesus is received with excitement and hope by the crowd.

The Greek behind Mark 11:8

  • "στρωννύω" (strōnnyō, G4766) means "to spread" or "to strew." This word is used twice in the verse, emphasizing the deliberate action of laying down garments and branches to prepare the way for Jesus.
  • "ἱμάτιον" (himation, G2440) means "garment" or "outer clothing." The people are not just laying down any fabric but their own outer garments, which highlights the personal sacrifice and honor involved.
  • "κλάδος" (klados, G4746) means "branch." The use of branches from trees, along with garments, shows that the crowd is using whatever is available to them to create a festive and respectful path.

Why Mark 11:8 matters

  • Mark 11:8 helps clarify that the crowd’s actions were intentional signs of honor, not random acts, showing how people recognized something special in Jesus as he entered Jerusalem.
  • This verse connects to Old Testament traditions where spreading garments or branches was a way to welcome a king or important figure, hinting at the crowd’s hopes for Jesus.
  • Understanding this verse in context helps explain the excitement and expectations surrounding Jesus’ arrival, which is important for grasping the events of the following verses in Mark’s account.

Where else these words appear

“spread” Greek G4766 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 21:8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
  • Mark 14:15 And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.
  • Luke 22:12 And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.

“down” Greek G2875 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 11:17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.
  • Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
  • Luke 23:27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.

“trees” Greek G1186 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Matthew 21:8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
  • Luke 21:29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;

“garments” Greek G2440 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
  • Mark 9:3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
  • John 19:23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.