Mark 11:32
New International Version
But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ . . . “ (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)

New Living Translation
But do we dare say it was merely human?” For they were afraid of what the people would do, because everyone believed that John was a prophet.

English Standard Version
But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet.

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

Berean Literal Bible
But should we say, 'From men'..." They were afraid of the people, for all were holding that John truly was a prophet.

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

New King James Version
But if we say, ‘From men’ ”—they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed.

New American Standard Bible
But should we say, ‘From men’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all considered John to have been a real prophet.

NASB 1995
“But shall we say, ‘From men ‘?"— they were afraid of the people, for everyone considered John to have been a real prophet.

NASB 1977
“But shall we say, ‘From men’?”—they were afraid of the multitude, for all considered John to have been a prophet indeed.

Legacy Standard Bible
But if we say, ‘From men’?”—they were afraid of the crowd, for everyone was regarding John to have been a real prophet.

Amplified Bible
But shall we say, ‘From men?’” —they were afraid [to answer because] of the crowd, for everyone considered John to have been a real prophet.

Christian Standard Bible
But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ ”—they were afraid of the crowd, because everyone thought that John was truly a prophet.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But if we say, ‘From men"—they were afraid of the crowd, because everyone thought that John was a genuine prophet.

American Standard Version
But should we say, From men ? they feared the people: for all verily held John to be a prophet.

Contemporary English Version
On the other hand, these people think that John was a prophet. So we can't say it was merely some human who gave John the right to baptize." They were afraid of the crowd

English Revised Version
But should we say, From men--they feared the people: for all verily held John to be a prophet.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But if we say, 'from humans,' [then what will happen]?" They were afraid of the people. All the people thought of John as a true prophet.

Good News Translation
But if we say, 'From human beings ?'" (They were afraid of the people, because everyone was convinced that John had been a prophet.)

International Standard Version
But if we say, 'From humans'…?" They were afraid of the crowd, because everyone really thought John was a prophet.

Majority Standard Bible
But if we say, ?From men?...? they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet.

NET Bible
But if we say, 'From people--'" (they feared the crowd, for they all considered John to be truly a prophet).

New Heart English Bible
If we should say, 'From people'"--they feared the crowd, for all held John to really be a prophet.

Webster's Bible Translation
But if we shall say, from men; they feared the people: for all men counted John that he was a prophet indeed.

Weymouth New Testament
Or should we say, 'human?'" They were afraid of the people; for all agreed in holding John to have been really a Prophet.

World English Bible
If we should say, ‘From men’”—they feared the people, for all held John to really be a prophet.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
But if we may say, From men…” They were fearing the people, for all were holding that John was indeed a prophet;

Berean Literal Bible
But should we say, 'From men'..." They were afraid of the people, for all were holding that John truly was a prophet.

Young's Literal Translation
But if we may say, From men,' -- they were fearing the people, for all were holding John that he was indeed a prophet;

Smith's Literal Translation
But if we say, of men; they feared the people: for all held John, that he was truly a prophet.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If we say, From men, we fear the people. For all men counted John that he was a prophet indeed.

Catholic Public Domain Version
If we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the people. For they all hold that John was a true prophet.”

New American Bible
But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”—they feared the crowd, for they all thought John really was a prophet.

New Revised Standard Version
But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”—they were afraid of the crowd, for all regarded John as truly a prophet.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And if we should say, from men, there is the fear of the people, for all of them regard John as a true prophet.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And that we should say, 'From the sons of men', there is the fear of the people, for they all are holding that Yohannan was truly a Prophet.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But if we say, From men, they feared the people; for all regarded John as a prophet indeed.

Godbey New Testament
But if we may say, From men; they feared the people: for all held John that he was a prophet.

Haweis New Testament
but if we say of men?they feared the people: for all men held John to be in truth a prophet.

Mace New Testament
if we should say, it was a human institution, we run a risk from the people. (for they all believed John was a true prophet.)

Weymouth New Testament
Or should we say, 'human?'" They were afraid of the people; for all agreed in holding John to have been really a Prophet.

Worrell New Testament
"If we say, 'From Heaven,' He will say, 'Why then did ye not believe him!' But, should we say, 'From men,'"?they feared the people; for all held John to be a prophet indeed.

Worsley New Testament
but if we should say, from men --- they feared the people: (for they they all thought that John was a prophet indeed:)

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus' Authority Challenged
31They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32But if we say, ‘From men’...” they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet. 33So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”…

Cross References
Matthew 21:25-27
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?’ / But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.” / So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

Luke 20:5-7
They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ / But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” / So they answered that they did not know where it was from.

John 1:19-27
And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” / He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.” / “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” ...

Matthew 14:5
Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.

Luke 7:29-30
All the people who heard this, even the tax collectors, acknowledged God’s justice. For they had received the baptism of John. / But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.

John 5:33-36
You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. / Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved. / John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light. ...

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.

Matthew 11:7-15
As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? / Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces. / What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ...

Luke 3:2-3
during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. / He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,

John 10:41
Many came to Him and said, “Although John never performed a sign, everything he said about this man was true.”

Matthew 3:1-6
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea / and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” / This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” ...

Luke 1:76-80
And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him, / to give to His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, / because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, ...

John 3:26-30
So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Look, Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, the One you testified about—He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.” / John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. / You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’ ...

Acts 13:24-25
Before the arrival of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. / As John was completing his course, he said, ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not that One. But there is One coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’

2 Kings 1:8
“He was a hairy man,” they answered, “with a leather belt around his waist.” “It was Elijah the Tishbite,” said the king.


Treasury of Scripture

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

they.

Mark 6:20
For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

Mark 12:12
And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.

Matthew 14:5
And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

for.

Matthew 3:5,6
Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, …

Matthew 21:31,32
Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you…

Luke 7:26-29
But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet…

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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.














But if we say
This phrase introduces a hypothetical scenario, reflecting the internal deliberation of the religious leaders. The Greek word for "if" (ἐάν) indicates a conditional statement, showing their attempt to weigh the consequences of their potential response. This highlights their indecision and fear of public opinion, rather than a commitment to truth.

From men
The phrase "from men" contrasts with the divine origin of John's baptism. The leaders are considering attributing John's authority to human origin, which would undermine his prophetic role. This reflects their spiritual blindness and unwillingness to acknowledge divine intervention in John's ministry.

they feared the people
The Greek word for "feared" (ἐφοβοῦντο) indicates a deep apprehension. The religious leaders were more concerned with maintaining their social and political power than with seeking truth. This fear of the people underscores their lack of genuine spiritual authority and their reliance on public approval.

for they all held
The word "held" (ἔχοντες) suggests a firm conviction among the people. The populace's belief in John's prophetic role was widespread and deeply rooted. This collective conviction posed a significant challenge to the religious leaders, who were unable to dismiss John's influence without risking their own credibility.

that John truly was a prophet
The affirmation of John as a prophet (προφήτης) by the people is significant. In Jewish tradition, prophets were seen as messengers of God, and John's role as a forerunner to the Messiah was widely recognized. This acknowledgment by the people highlights the spiritual insight of the common folk, contrasting with the leaders' spiritual blindness. The use of "truly" (ὄντως) emphasizes the sincerity and authenticity of the people's belief, underscoring the divine validation of John's ministry.

(32) That he was a prophet indeed.--The intensifying adverb is one of St. Mark's graphic touches of emphasis.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

if we say,
εἴπωμεν (eipōmen)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

‘From
Ἐξ (Ex)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

men’...”
ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

they were afraid of
ἐφοβοῦντο (ephobounto)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5399: From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

people,
ὄχλον (ochlon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

for
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

they all
ἅπαντες (hapantes)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 537: All, the whole, altogether. Absolutely all or every one.

held
εἶχον (eichon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

that
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

John
Ἰωάννην (Iōannēn)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491: Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.

truly
ὄντως (ontōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3689: Really, truly, actually. Adverb of the oblique cases of on; really.

was
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

a prophet.
προφήτης (prophētēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4396: From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.


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Mark 11:31
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