Mark 11:3

If anyone asks, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it shortly.’”

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Jesus instructs his disciples to retrieve a colt from a nearby village, directing them to answer any objection by stating that the Lord requires it and will promptly return it.

The words — The Greek phrase ποιεῖτε τοῦτο (poieite touto) literally means "are you doing this," capturing the direct challenge to the disciples' unusual action of untying an unused animal.

The thread — This instruction mirrors Jesus' later directions to his disciples regarding a furnished upper room in Mark 14:15, while the claim that "The Lord needs it" stands in tension with the testimony in Acts 17:25 that God requires nothing from human hands.

Why it lands — The text demands immediate compliance with an unusual command, treating the owner's potential objection as already resolved by divine authority rather than human negotiation.

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 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.

Cross-references

Mark 14:15 And he will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”
Acts 10:36 He has sent this message to the people of Israel, proclaiming the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
Acts 17:25 Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.
2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
Hebrews 2:7 You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor
1 Chronicles 29:12 Both riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler over all. In Your hands are power and might to exalt and give strength to all.
Psalms 24:1 A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein.
Psalms 110:3 Your people shall be willing on Your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, to You belongs the dew of Your youth.
Acts 1:24 And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen