Bible Strands
Mark 11:27
After their return to Jerusalem, Jesus was walking in the temple courts, and the chief priests, scribes, and elders came up to Him.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus is walking in the Jerusalem temple courts when the chief priests, scribes, and elders approach Him. This encounter occurs immediately after His return to the city and precedes their direct question regarding the source of His authority.
The words — The verb ἔρχονται (erchontai) literally means "they come," denoting the deliberate approach of the religious leaders. The adverb πάλιν (palin) translates to "again," indicating a return to the temple courts following a previous visit.
The thread — This scene directly parallels the temple confrontation recorded in Matthew 21:23 and Luke 20:1, where the same authorities question Jesus. The opposition described mirrors the political agitation outlined in Psalms 2:1, framing the leaders' challenge as a coordinated effort against divine action.
Why it lands — The text records a factual approach by religious authorities demanding accountability for Jesus' temple activities. It requires the reader to evaluate whether the challenge stems from genuine theological inquiry or a calculated move to dismantle His ministry.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,
Cross-references
- Luke 20:1 One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the gospel, the chief priests and scribes, together with the elders, came up to Him.
- Matthew 21:23 When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?”
- Psalms 2:1 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
- Acts 4:27 In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed.
- Mark 14:1 Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away, and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a covert way to arrest Jesus and kill Him.
- John 10:23 and Jesus was walking in the temple courts in Solomon’s Colonnade.
- John 18:20 “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered. “I always taught in the synagogues and at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret.
- Acts 4:5 The next day the rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem,
- Malachi 3:1 “Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts.