Mark 11:3
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.
Mark 11:3 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Book of Mark in the Bible recounts the moment when Jesus instructed his disciples to bring him a donkey so he could enter Jerusalem in fulfillment of prophecy. When the disciples were questioned by bystanders about their actions, they were told to respond that the Lord had a specific need for the donkey. This passage speaks to the belief that God has a plan and purpose for all things, even seemingly insignificant ones like a donkey. It highlights the disciples' obedience and faith in carrying out Jesus' instructions, trusting that everything was orchestrated by God for a greater purpose. In a broader sense, this verse can be interpreted as an encouragement to trust in God's plan even when the reasons are unclear or difficult to understand. It serves as a reminder that God can use any situation for His glory and that obedience and faithfulness to His will are key components of the Christian life.
Theological Overview
When looking at the passage "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," a theological interpretation reveals a message of obedience and recognition of God's authority. The act of borrowing the donkey in this passage symbolizes the disciples' willingness to obey the instructions given to them by Jesus, even if they didn't fully understand the purpose at the time. By proclaiming that "the Lord hath need of him," Jesus is emphasizing the divine plan at work and the sovereignty of God over all creation. This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God's will, even when faced with questions or uncertainty.
Mark 11:3 in other translations
American Standard Version
And if any one say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye, The Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him back hither.
World English Bible
If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs him;’ and immediately he will send him back here.”
Douay-Rheims
And if any man shall say to you: What are you doing? Say ye that the Lord hath need of him. And immediately he will let him come hither.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And if any man say vnto you, Why doe ye this? Say that the Lord hath neede of him, and straightway he will send him hither.