Mark 11:32

Translations

Modern

But if we say, ‘From men’...” they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet.

Traditional

But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.

Literal

But should we say, ‘From men’...” they were afraid of the crowd, for all were holding that John truly was a prophet.

Latin

Si dixerimus: Ex hominibus, timemus populum: omnes enim habebant Joannem quia vere propheta esset.

Interlinear

Greek

English

But if we say, ‘From men’ ...” they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet.

Notes

Mark 11:31–32

Jesus placed his opponents in a difficult position. Either answer would hurt their authority and reputation with the people. If they denied that John was a prophet, the crowd would likely become angry. But if they admitted that John was a prophet, they would also have to accept what John said about Jesus. That answer would also respond to their own question about the authority of Jesus (11:28).

Mark 11:27–33

Jesus cleansed the temple (11:15–17; Matthew 21:12–22; Luke 19:45–46). Then his opponents questioned his authority to do so (see also Matt 21:23–27; Luke 20:1–8; compare John 2:18–22).

Theme notes and profiles

John the Baptist

Events

Related verses

Mark 12:12
At this, the leaders sought to arrest Jesus, for they knew that He had spoken this parable against them. But fearing the crowd, they left Him and went away.
Matthew 21:46
Although they wanted to arrest Him, they were afraid of the crowds, because the people regarded Him as a prophet.
Matthew 14:5
Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.
Luke 20:19
When the scribes and chief priests realized that Jesus had spoken this parable against them, they sought to arrest Him that very hour. But they were afraid of the people.
Luke 20:6–8
But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.”
Luke 22:2
…and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they feared the people.
Mark 6:20
…because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly.
Matthew 3:5–6
People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region around the Jordan.
Matthew 21:31–32
Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.
Luke 7:26–29
What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
John 10:41
Many came to Him and said, “Although John never performed a sign, everything he said about this man was true.”
Acts 5:26
At that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles—but not by force, for fear the people would stone them.

Parallels

Matthew 21:23–27 Luke 20:1–8

People

John: The Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) John the Baptist Mark, Gospel of Prophecy

Topics

John: His Influence Upon the Public Mind Public Opinion: Feared by Chief Priests, Who Feared to Answer the Questions of Jesus Temple: Herod the Great's Temple: Jesus Teaches In

Mark 11:32

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