Bible Strands
Mark 11:29
“I will ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the religious leaders who have just demanded to know the source of His actions (Mark 11:28). He interrupts their challenge to pose a conditional question about John’s baptism before He will address their demand.
The words — The Greek ἐπερωτῆσω (eperōtēsō) translates literally as "I will ask," denoting a formal inquiry. This verb establishes Jesus’ reply as a deliberate counter-question rather than a direct answer.
The thread — This conditional structure appears in the parallel accounts at Matthew 21:24 and Luke 20:3. The broader narrative of the Servant’s exaltation runs through Isaiah 52:13.
Why it lands — The text requires a direct answer to Jesus’ question before He will disclose the source of His authority. It compels the reader to determine the origin of John’s baptism to resolve the question of Jesus’ own legitimacy.
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 Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 52:13 Behold, My Servant will prosper; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
- Matthew 21:24 “I will also ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
- Luke 20:3 “I will also ask you a question,” Jesus replied. “Tell Me: