New Testament
Mark 11:4
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus instructs His disciples to go into a nearby village where they will find a young donkey tied up.
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
So they went and found the young donkey tied up by a door, out on the street where 2 roads met. They untied it.
And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus instructs His disciples to go into a nearby village where they will find a young donkey tied up. This donkey is significant because it fulfills a prophecy about the Messiah entering Jerusalem on a humble animal. The disciples find the donkey exactly as Jesus described, showing His divine knowledge and authority. The act of untying the donkey symbolizes the liberation of something that was bound, which can also represent the freeing of people from sin and oppression. The location where the donkey is found, at the intersection of two roads, may symbolize choices and paths in life, emphasizing the importance of following Jesus' direction. This moment sets the stage for the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, highlighting the fulfillment of God's plan through Jesus. The disciples' obedience in following Jesus' instructions demonstrates faith and trust in His words, which is a key lesson for believers today.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Mark 11:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust and obey God's instructions, even when they seem unusual. Just as the disciples acted on faith, we should be willing to follow God's guidance in our lives, knowing that He has a purpose for our actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 11:4 mean?
Mark 11:4 describes Jesus instructing His disciples to find a young donkey tied up, which fulfills a prophecy about His humble entry into Jerusalem. This moment highlights Jesus' divine knowledge and authority, as the disciples find the donkey exactly as He said.
What is the significance of the donkey in Mark 11:4?
The donkey in Mark 11:4 symbolizes humility and peace, contrasting with a king's typical entry on a horse. Its presence fulfills the prophecy of the Messiah coming in a lowly manner, emphasizing Jesus' role as the humble Savior.
Why is the location important in Mark 11:4?
The location where the donkey is found, at the intersection of two roads, may symbolize choices and paths in life. It emphasizes the importance of following Jesus' direction and the decisions we make in our spiritual journey.
How does Mark 11:4 relate to obedience?
Mark 11:4 illustrates the disciples' obedience to Jesus' instructions, showing their faith and trust in His words. This act of following His guidance serves as a practical lesson for believers to trust and obey God's direction in their lives.

The Book of Mark
Mark 1: John the Baptist and the Beginning of Jesus's Ministry
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness and preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People from Judaea and Jerusalem come to him, confess their sins, and are baptized in the river Jordan. John wears camel's hair and a leather belt and eats locusts and wild honey. He announces that someone stronger than he is coming after him and says he is not worthy to stoop down and untie his sandals. He baptizes with water, but the one coming will baptize with the Holy Ghost.
Unlock the full Mark summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Mark — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 16 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Mark summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.