Mark 11:29
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 Version
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;

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 Bible
And 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 Bible
Jesus 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 Testament
And 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, I will ask you one word, and you respond to me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things:

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, "I will ask you one thing; and answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

Worsley New Testament
But Jesus said to them, I also will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

Additional Translations ...



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.

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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.












“I will ask you one question,”

Jesus answered the chief priests, scribes, and elders with a question of His own, exposing the issue behind their challenge. They had confronted Him in the temple after His cleansing of its courts and His public teaching.

Mat 21:24 “I will also ask you one question,” Jesus replied,…
Luk 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…

Jesus replied,

Rather than submit to leaders who had already rejected the evidence of His works, Jesus required them to address the ministry of John the Baptist.

Mat 22:29 Jesus answered, “You are mistaken because you do not know…
Jhn 18:34 “Are you saying this on your own,” Jesus asked…
Luk 10:41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord replied, “you are worried…”…

“and if you answer Me,

Their response would reveal whether they recognized God’s work through John or feared the reaction of the crowds.

Mat 21:25 What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven…
Luk 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,…

I will tell you by what authority

Jesus’ authority was evident in His teaching, miracles, and actions in the temple, yet the leaders’ refusal to acknowledge John showed that they were not seeking an honest answer.

Mat 21:27 So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied…
Luk 20:8 And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you”…
Jhn 5:27 And He has given Him authority to execute judgment…

I am doing these things.

His works testified that He acted with God’s authority as the promised Messiah.

Jhn 5:36 But I have testimony more substantial than that of John.…
Jhn 10:25 “I already told you,” Jesus replied “but you did not believe…
Jhn 15:24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The 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 Jesus
Jesus' 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?


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."

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.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“I will ask
Ἐπερωτήσω (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.


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NT Gospels: Mark 11:29 Jesus said to them I will ask (Mar Mk Mr)

Mark 11:28
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