Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Jesus replied, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. New Living Translation “I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. English Standard Version Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Berean Standard Bible “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 Literal Bible And Jesus said to them, “I will question you⁺ one word, and you⁺ shall answer Me, and I will tell you⁺ by what authority I do these things. King James Bible 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. New King James Version But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: New American Standard Bible But Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. NASB 1995 And Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. NASB 1977 And Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Legacy Standard Bible And Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Amplified Bible Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Berean Annotated Bible “I will ask you⁺ one question, Jesus (YHWH saves) replied, “and if you⁺ answer Me, I will tell you⁺ by what authority I am doing these things. Christian Standard Bible Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; then answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Holman Christian Standard Bible Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. American Standard Version And Jesus said unto them, I will ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Contemporary English Version Jesus answered, "I have just one question to ask you. If you answer it, I will tell you where I got the right to do these things. English Revised Version And Jesus said unto them, I will ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. GOD'S WORD® Translation Jesus said to them, "I'll ask you a question. Answer me, and then I'll tell you why I have the right to do these things. Good News Translation Jesus answered them, "I will ask you just one question, and if you give me an answer, I will tell you what right I have to do these things. International Standard Version Jesus told them, "I'll ask you one question. Answer me, and then I'll tell you by what authority I'm doing these things. NET Bible Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question. Answer me and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: New Heart English Bible Jesus said to them, "I will also ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Webster's Bible Translation And Jesus answered and said to them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Weymouth New Testament "And I will put a question to you," replied Jesus; "answer me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“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. World English Bible Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Jesus answering said to them, “I will question you—I also—one word; and answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things; Berean Literal Bible And Jesus said to them, “I will question you⁺ one word, and you⁺ shall answer Me, and I will tell you⁺ by what authority I do these things. Young's Literal Translation And Jesus answering said to them, 'I will question you -- I also -- one word; and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things; Smith's Literal Translation And Jesus having answered, said to them, And I will ask you one word, and answer ye me, and I will tell you by what power I do these things. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Jesus answering, said to them: I will also ask you one word, and answer you me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Catholic Public Domain Version But in response, Jesus said to them: “I also will ask you one word, and if you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I do these things. New American Bible Jesus said to them, “I shall ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. New Revised Standard Version Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleJesus said to them, I will also ask you a word to tell me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But Yeshua said to them, “I will ask you also one matter that you should tell me and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd Jesus answered and said to them: I also will ask you one thing, and if you answer me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Godbey New Testament And Jesus said to them, Haweis New Testament Then Jesus answering said unto them, I also will ask you one question; and answer me; and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Mace New Testament Jesus replied to them, if you will answer one question, that I shall propose to you, then I will tell you by what authority I act thus. Weymouth New Testament "And I will put a question to you," replied Jesus; "answer me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Worrell New Testament And Jesus said to them, Worsley New Testament But Jesus said to them, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jesus' Authority Challenged…28“By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You the authority to do them?” 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. 30John’s baptism—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me!”… Cross References “I will ask you one question,” 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: Job 38:3 Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me. Jesus replied, Matthew 22:29 Jesus answered, “You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. John 18:34 “Are you saying this on your own,” Jesus asked, “or did others tell you about Me?” Luke 10:41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord replied, “you are worried and upset about many things. “and if you answer Me, Matthew 21:25 What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ Luke 20:4 John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?” Job 13:22 Then call me, and I will answer, or let me speak, and You can reply. I will tell you by what authority Matthew 21:27 So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. Luke 20:8 And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” John 5:27 And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. I am doing these things. John 5:36 But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me. John 10:25 “I already told you,” Jesus replied, “but you did not believe. The works I do in My Father’s name testify on My behalf. John 15:24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have seen and hated both Me and My Father. John 8:7-8 When they continued to question Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.” / And again He bent down and wrote on the ground. Treasury of Scripture And Jesus answered and said to them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. I will. Isaiah 52:13 Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. Matthew 21:24 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. Luke 20:3-8 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: … question. Jump to Previous Authority Jesus Question WordJump to Next Authority Jesus Question WordMark 11 1. Jesus rides with triumph into Jerusalem;12. curses the fruitless fig tree; 15. purges the temple; 20. exhorts his disciples to steadfastness of faith, and to forgive their enemies; 27. and defends his actions by the witness of John, who was a man sent of God. “I will ask you one question,” In this passage, Jesus employs a common rabbinic method of teaching by answering a question with a question. This approach was often used to provoke thought and reflection. It also serves to challenge the authority and intentions of the religious leaders questioning Him. This method is seen throughout the Gospels, where Jesus uses questions to reveal deeper truths and expose the hearts of His listeners. Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is responding to the religious leaders who question His authority. 2. Chief Priests, Scribes, and Elders These are the religious leaders who challenge Jesus' authority in the temple. 3. The Temple in Jerusalem The setting of this encounter, a significant place of worship and teaching for the Jewish people. 4. John the Baptist Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is relevant to the context as Jesus refers to John's baptism in the surrounding verses. 5. The Crowd The people present in the temple who witness this exchange between Jesus and the religious leaders. Teaching Points Authority of JesusJesus' authority is divine and not derived from human institutions. Understanding His authority helps us trust His teachings and commands. Wisdom in Response Jesus demonstrates wisdom in His response, teaching us to be discerning and thoughtful when faced with challenges to our faith. Recognizing Divine Authority Just as the religious leaders failed to recognize Jesus' authority, we must be careful not to overlook God's work and authority in our lives. Courage in Faith Jesus' boldness in the face of opposition encourages us to stand firm in our faith, even when questioned or challenged. The Role of John the Baptist Understanding John's role in preparing the way for Jesus helps us appreciate the continuity of God's plan and the importance of recognizing His messengers. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Mark 11:29?2. How does Mark 11:29 demonstrate Jesus' authority in questioning the religious leaders? 3. What can we learn from Jesus' response about handling challenges to our faith? 4. How does Mark 11:29 connect with Jesus' wisdom in Matthew 22:15-22? 5. How can we apply Jesus' discernment in Mark 11:29 to our daily interactions? 6. What does Mark 11:29 teach about responding to those questioning our beliefs? 7. What authority does Jesus refer to in Mark 11:29? 8. How does Mark 11:29 challenge religious leaders' authority? 9. Why does Jesus use a question to respond in Mark 11:29? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 11? 11. What occurred on Holy Tuesday before Easter? 12. What does 'You are my Son' signify? 13. In Luke 21:32, why would Jesus say 'this generation will not pass away' if centuries have passed without all events fulfilled? 14. What does the Bible say about submitting to authority? What Does Mark 11:29 Mean I will ask you one question• The Lord narrows the discussion to a single, decisive issue. By framing it as “one question,” He strips away the religious leaders’ evasions and forces them to face truth (cf. Mark 12:37; John 18:37–38). • Jesus often used a single question to reveal hearts—see Luke 10:25–37, where one question brings out the parable of the Good Samaritan. • Here, the question will expose whether the chief priests and scribes will acknowledge divine authority or cling to self-preservation (Proverbs 29:25). • This reminds us that God’s Word pierces to “judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Jesus replied • The leaders had demanded, “By what authority are You doing these things?” (Mark 11:28). Jesus’ reply shows He is not intimidated; He speaks as the ultimate Authority (Matthew 28:18). • His calm response reflects Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath,” yet His words carry the weight of divine judgment (John 12:48). • The phrase underscores that Christ—God in flesh—personally answers human challenges. He is not distant but engaged, fulfilling Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, let us reason together.” and if you answer Me • Jesus conditions further revelation on their honesty. Truth rejected cannot be replaced by greater light (Psalm 18:26; Matthew 13:12). • Their ability to answer reveals their heart posture. If they refuse, it is not from lack of evidence but willful unbelief (John 5:39–40). • For believers, the principle endures: obedience to known truth opens the door to deeper understanding (John 7:17). I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things • The Lord links revelation to response. Had they admitted John’s baptism was from heaven (Mark 11:30–32), they would also have to accept Jesus’ authority, since John pointed to Him (John 1:29–34). • “These things” includes cleansing the temple (Mark 11:15–17) and miraculous works affirming Messiahship (Isaiah 35:5–6; Acts 2:22). • Christ’s authority is inherent, not borrowed: He speaks and acts as the Son of God (John 5:19–23). Their refusal to answer shows they reject God’s authority, not merely Jesus’ (Luke 7:29–30). summary Mark 11:29 reveals a Savior who lovingly but firmly confronts unbelief. By posing a single question, Jesus exposes hearts, demonstrates divine authority, and teaches that further light comes only to those willing to receive the truth already given. Verse 29. - I will ask of you one question (ἐπερωτήσω ὑμᾶς ἕνα λόγον). The verb justifies the translation, one question, for "one word." The question which our Lord put to them was one on which hung the solution of that proposed by the scribes. It is as though he said, "You do not believe me when I say that I have received power from God. Believe then John the Baptist, who bare witness of me that I was sent from God to do these things."Parallel Commentaries ... Greek “I will askἘπερωτήσω (Eperōtēsō) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 1905: To interrogate, question, demand of. From epi and erotao; to ask for, i.e. Inquire, seek. you ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. one ἕνα (hena) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. question,” λόγον (logon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. Jesus Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. replied, εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “and [if] καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. you answer ἀποκρίθητέ (apokrithēte) Verb - Aorist Imperative Passive - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak. Me, μοι (moi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. I will tell ἐρῶ (erō) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 2046: Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say. you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. by ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. what ποίᾳ (poia) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 4169: Of what sort. From the base of pou and hoios; individualizing interrogative what sort of, or which one. authority ἐξουσίᾳ (exousia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 1849: From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence. I am doing ποιῶ (poiō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. these things. ταῦτα (tauta) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. Links Mark 11:29 NIVMark 11:29 NLT Mark 11:29 ESV Mark 11:29 NASB Mark 11:29 KJV Mark 11:29 BibleApps.com Mark 11:29 Biblia Paralela Mark 11:29 Chinese Bible Mark 11:29 French Bible Mark 11:29 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Mark 11:29 Jesus said to them I will ask (Mar Mk Mr) |
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