Mark 11:5
New International Version
some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?”

New Living Translation
As they were untying it, some bystanders demanded, “What are you doing, untying that colt?”

English Standard Version
And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?”

Berean Standard Bible
and some who were standing there asked, “Why are you untying the colt?”

Berean Literal Bible
and some of those standing there were saying to them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?"

King James Bible
And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?

New King James Version
But some of those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing, loosing the colt?”

New American Standard Bible
And some of the bystanders were saying to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?”

NASB 1995
Some of the bystanders were saying to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?”

NASB 1977
And some of the bystanders were saying to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?”

Legacy Standard Bible
And some of the bystanders were saying to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?”

Amplified Bible
Some of the people who were standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?”

Christian Standard Bible
and some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the donkey?”

American Standard Version
And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?

Contemporary English Version
some of the people standing there asked, "Why are you untying the donkey?"

English Revised Version
And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
some men standing there asked them, "Why are you untying that donkey?"

Good News Translation
some of the bystanders asked them, "What are you doing, untying that colt?"

International Standard Version
some men standing there asked them, "What are you doing untying that colt?"

Majority Standard Bible
and some who were standing there asked, ?Why are you untying the colt??

NET Bible
Some people standing there said to them, "What are you doing, untying that colt?"

New Heart English Bible
Some of those who stood there asked them, "What are you doing, untying the young donkey?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And certain of them that stood there, said to them, What do ye, loosing the colt?

Weymouth New Testament
when some of the bystanders called out, "What are you doing, untying the foal?"

World English Bible
Some of those who stood there asked them, “What are you doing, untying the young donkey?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and certain of those standing there said to them, “What do you—loosing the colt?”

Berean Literal Bible
and some of those standing there were saying to them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?"

Young's Literal Translation
and certain of those standing there said to them, 'What do ye -- loosing the colt?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And certain standing there said to them, What do ye, loosing the colt?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And some of them that stood there, said to them: What do you loosing the colt?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And some of those who were standing there said to them, “What are you doing by releasing the colt?”

New American Bible
Some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?”

New Revised Standard Version
some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Some of the men who stood there said to them, What are you doing, are you untying the colt?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Some among those who were standing there said to them, “What are you doing that you are untying the colt?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And some of those who were standing there, said to them: Why are you loosing the colt?

Godbey New Testament
And certain ones of those standing there said to them, What are you doing, loosing the colt?

Haweis New Testament
Then some of those who stood by, said unto them, What are ye about, untying the colt?

Mace New Testament
upon which some people there said to them, what do you mean by untying the colt?

Weymouth New Testament
when some of the bystanders called out, "What are you doing, untying the foal?"

Worrell New Testament
And some of those standing there said to them, "What do ye, loosing the colt?"

Worsley New Testament
And some of the people that stood there, said to them, What do ye mean by untying the colt?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Triumphal Entry
4So they went and found the colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. They untied it, 5and some who were standing there asked, “Why are you untying the colt?” 6The disciples answered as Jesus had instructed them, and the people gave them permission.…

Cross References
Matthew 21:2-3
saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to Me. / If anyone questions you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

Luke 19:30-31
saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. / If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

John 12:14-15
Finding a young donkey, Jesus sat on it, as it is written: / “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion. See, your King is coming, seated on the colt of a donkey.”

Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Matthew 21:6-7
So the disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. / They brought the donkey and the colt and laid their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them.

Luke 19:32-34
So those who were sent went out and found it just as Jesus had told them. / As they were untying the colt, its owners asked, “Why are you untying the colt?” / “The Lord needs it,” they answered.

John 12:16
At first His disciples did not understand these things, but after Jesus was glorified they remembered what had been done to Him, and they realized that these very things had also been written about Him.

Matthew 21:4-5
This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: / “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

Luke 19:35-36
Then they led the colt to Jesus, threw their cloaks over it, and put Jesus on it. / As He rode along, the people spread their cloaks on the road.

John 12:12-13
The next day the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. / They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!”

2 Kings 9:13
Quickly, each man took his garment and put it under Jehu on the bare steps. Then they blew the ram’s horn and proclaimed, “Jehu is king!”

Genesis 49:11
He ties his donkey to the vine, his colt to the choicest branch. He washes his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.

Isaiah 62:11
Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the ends of the earth, “Say to Daughter Zion: See, your Savior comes! Look, His reward is with Him, and His recompense goes before Him.”

Psalm 118:25-26
O LORD, save us, we pray. We beseech You, O LORD, cause us to prosper! / Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.

Matthew 21:8-9
A massive crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. / The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!”


Treasury of Scripture

And certain of them that stood there said to them, What do you, loosing the colt?

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Ass Bystanders Colt Donkey Foal Loosing Standing Stood Untying Young
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Ass Bystanders Colt Donkey Foal Loosing Standing Stood Untying Young
Mark 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.














and some who were standing there asked
This phrase indicates the presence of bystanders, likely locals or those familiar with the area. In the context of first-century Jerusalem, it was common for people to gather in public spaces, especially during significant events like Passover. The presence of these individuals highlights the communal nature of life in ancient Israel, where actions were often observed and questioned by the community. This reflects the cultural norm of accountability and curiosity among the people.

“Why are you untying the colt?”
The question posed by the bystanders suggests a concern for property rights and the proper use of possessions. In Jewish law, as outlined in the Torah, the unauthorized use of someone else's property was considered theft. The colt, a young donkey, was a valuable asset, often used for transportation or agricultural work. The inquiry reflects a natural suspicion and a desire to protect community resources. This moment also fulfills the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9, where the Messiah is described as coming to Jerusalem "righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey." The act of untying the colt signifies the preparation for Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, symbolizing His role as the prophesied King and Savior.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure of the Gospel, who orchestrates the events leading to His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

2. Disciples
Followers of Jesus who are tasked with retrieving the colt as per Jesus' instructions.

3. Colt
A young donkey that Jesus instructs His disciples to untie and bring to Him, fulfilling prophecy.

4. Bystanders
Individuals present at the scene who question the disciples' actions.

5. Jerusalem
The city where these events are unfolding, significant as the center of Jewish worship and the location of Jesus' impending crucifixion.
Teaching Points
Obedience to Christ's Commands
The disciples' immediate compliance with Jesus' instructions demonstrates the importance of obedience in the Christian life. We are called to trust and act upon God's Word, even when the reasons are not immediately clear.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus' actions are a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, underscoring the reliability and divine inspiration of Scripture. This encourages believers to study the Bible with an understanding of its cohesive account.

Courage in the Face of Questioning
The disciples faced questioning from bystanders, yet they proceeded with their task. Christians today are often questioned or challenged in their faith and must stand firm in their convictions.

Divine Provision and Sovereignty
The availability of the colt and the disciples' successful retrieval highlight God's provision and sovereignty. Believers can trust that God will provide what is necessary to accomplish His purposes.(5) And certain of them that stood there.--This again, though perhaps implied in our Lord's words, is not reported by St. Matthew.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
and
καί (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

some
τινες (tines)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

who were
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

standing
ἑστηκότων (hestēkotōn)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

there
ἐκεῖ (ekei)
Adverb
Strong's 1563: (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither.

asked,
ἔλεγον (elegon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“Why
Τί (Ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

are you
ποιεῖτε (poieite)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
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.

untying
λύοντες (lyontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3089: A primary verb; to 'loosen'.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

colt?”
πῶλον (pōlon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4454: A colt, young ass, foal. Apparently a primary word; a 'foal' or 'filly', i.e., a young ass.


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