New Testament
Mark 11:28
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They demanded, "What authority do you have to do these things? Who gave you this authority?"
Compare translations
And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?
What Mark 11:28 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the religious leaders confront Jesus, questioning the source of His authority. They are troubled by His actions, particularly His teachings and the cleansing of the temple. Their inquiry reflects a challenge to His legitimacy and power, as they seek to understand who sanctioned Him to act in such a manner. This moment highlights the tension between Jesus and the established religious order, as they feel threatened by His influence over the people. The question of authority is central to the narrative, as it sets the stage for Jesus to reveal deeper truths about His identity and mission. The leaders' skepticism illustrates a broader theme of resistance to divine authority, which is often met with human doubt and challenge. This interaction emphasizes the importance of recognizing and submitting to God's authority in our lives, as well as the consequences of rejecting it.
How to apply Mark 11:28 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the sources of authority in our own lives. Are we open to recognizing and submitting to God's authority, or do we challenge it like the religious leaders? Embracing divine guidance can lead to a more fulfilling spiritual journey.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57–8:2)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Mark 11:28
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Mark 11:28
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 11:28 mean?
Mark 11:28 describes a confrontation where religious leaders question Jesus about the source of His authority. They are troubled by His actions and teachings, reflecting their challenge to His legitimacy and power.
What is the significance of authority in Mark 11:28?
The significance of authority in Mark 11:28 highlights the tension between Jesus and the established religious order. It raises questions about who has the right to teach and lead, emphasizing the challenge to divine authority.
Who are the characters involved in Mark 11:28?
The main characters in Mark 11:28 are Jesus and the religious leaders, who confront Him regarding His authority. This interaction illustrates the growing tension between Jesus and the established religious authorities.
How does Mark 11:28 relate to themes of skepticism?
Mark 11:28 relates to themes of skepticism as it shows the religious leaders doubting Jesus' authority. Their challenge reflects a broader human tendency to resist and question divine authority.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.