Mark 11 32

Mark 11:32 kjv

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

Mark 11:32 nkjv

But if we say, 'From men' "?they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed.

Mark 11:32 niv

But if we say, 'Of human origin'??" (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)

Mark 11:32 esv

But shall we say, 'From man'?" ? they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet.

Mark 11:32 nlt

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.

Mark 11 verses

Mark 11 32 Meaning

This verse reveals the internal struggle and pragmatic calculation of the chief priests, scribes, and elders. Faced with Jesus' counter-question about the source of John the Baptist's authority, they weigh the consequences of their potential answers. If they were to deny John's divine mandate, asserting his authority derived "from men," they feared a severe negative reaction from the general populace. This fear stemmed from the universal conviction among the people that John was unequivocally a true prophet sent by God. Thus, the verse highlights their concern for popular opinion and self-preservation over an honest acknowledgment of divine truth.

Mark 11 32 Context

Mark 11:32 is part of a direct confrontation between Jesus and the religious authorities in the Jerusalem Temple during the final week of His earthly ministry. Immediately following Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Mk 11:1-11), His cursing of the fig tree (Mk 11:12-14), and His dramatic cleansing of the Temple (Mk 11:15-19), the chief priests, scribes, and elders challenge His authority to perform such actions (Mk 11:27-28). Jesus skillfully turns the question back on them, demanding an answer about the origin of John the Baptist's authority—whether it was from God ("heaven") or from merely human initiative ("men") (Mk 11:29-30). This exchange happens in a charged atmosphere, with Jesus having just publicly demonstrated His divine power and judicial authority in a place the leaders considered their exclusive domain. Their internal dilemma, captured in this verse, reflects their primary concern for political and social standing, rather than theological truth, in the presence of the observant crowds.

Mark 11 32 Word analysis

• But if we say: This phrase introduces the internal deliberations of the religious leaders, revealing their calculated and pragmatic approach rather than a sincere search for truth. It exposes their cynical strategizing to avoid potential backlash.

• ‘From men’: The Greek term ex anthrōpōn (ἐξ ἀνθρώπων) denotes a human origin, something initiated or approved solely by human will or power, devoid of any divine mandate. It stands in direct opposition to "from heaven," signifying human contrivance versus divine revelation. For the leaders to claim John's authority was merely "from men" would diminish his status and implicitly Jesus' connection to him.

• we fear the people: The Greek ephoboumetha ton laon (ἐφοβούuεθα τὸν λαόν) highlights the predominant motivation for their decision-making. Their fear of human reaction—potential social unrest, loss of their standing, or direct physical threat from the populace—outweighed their duty to honestly answer a theological question. This indicates their spiritual bankruptcy and hypocrisy.

• for all held John to be a real prophet: The Greek pantes gar eichon ton Iōannēn hoti ontōs prophētēs ēn (πάντες γὰρ εἶχον τὸν Ἰωάννην ὅτι ὄντως προφήτης ἦν) confirms the widespread and settled public consensus. "All" (pantes) emphasizes the universal recognition. "Real" (ontōs) reinforces the authenticity and genuineness of John's prophetic identity in the popular mind, suggesting he truly was a divinely appointed messenger, not a self-proclaimed one. This popular conviction validates Jesus' initial question about John's authority, making it impossible for the leaders to simply dismiss him.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "But if we say, ‘From men’—we fear the people": This phrase encapsulates the religious leaders' self-serving motivation and profound spiritual hypocrisy. Their deliberation is not about discovering divine truth or admitting error, but about assessing the political risk. Their "fear of the people" (ephoboumetha ton laon) underscores their primary allegiance—to public opinion and personal power—rather than to God. This exposes them as political maneuverers rather than genuine spiritual guides.
  • "for all held John to be a real prophet": This segment reveals the objective reality that placed the religious leaders in a difficult position. The widespread public acceptance of John's genuine divine commission (reinforced by "all" and "real prophet") meant that any denigration of John would immediately alienate them from the populace, potentially leading to a revolt or loss of their authority. This societal perception, which Jesus implicitly validates by asking about John, cornered the leaders, showcasing their lack of true spiritual authority compared to God's chosen messenger.

Mark 11 32 Bonus section

• The religious leaders' fear of the people indicates that they valued their power and influence more than truth or divine revelation. They were guardians of the law and traditions, yet they allowed popular sentiment to dictate their theological responses.
• The common people, despite often being misjudged by the elite, frequently demonstrated a truer spiritual discernment, recognizing God's genuine prophet where the established authorities could not or would not.
• Their evasion of Jesus' question (Mark 11:33, where they claim ignorance) is not merely cowardice but a tactical retreat to avoid exposing their true motives and incurring popular wrath. It underscores their cunning rather than conviction.
• This verse indirectly affirms John the Baptist's genuine prophetic status. The consensus among the people (acknowledged even by John's adversaries) reinforces the divine nature of his ministry.

Mark 11 32 Commentary

Mark 11:32 provides a stark glimpse into the spiritual state of the Jewish religious leadership in Jerusalem. Rather than engaging in an honest theological debate, their primary concern was practical consequences and public image. Their dilemma highlights their fundamental flaw: they feared human beings more than God. This pragmatic calculation not only revealed their spiritual dishonesty but also demonstrated their unworthiness to sit in judgment over Jesus. By refusing to acknowledge John's divine authority, they effectively rejected God's preparation for His Son and implicitly solidified their opposition to Jesus' own ministry. This episode serves as a powerful illustration of the snare laid by the fear of man, preventing access to truth and blinding those who should have led others to God. It ultimately confirms their inability or unwillingness to discern divine truth and their preference for human approval.