Mark 11:32

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

Mark 11:32 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 11:32

But if we shall say, of men
That John's baptism was an human invention, and he had no authority from God to preach and administer it,

they feared the people;
lest being enraged thereby they should, at once, rise up, and destroy them:

for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed;
a real prophet, one truly sent from God, and had his commission and credentials from him: this was the general sentiment of the people; (See Gill on Matthew 21:26).

Mark 11:32 In-Context

30 Tell me, where did John's right to baptize come from: was it from God or from human beings?"

31 They started to argue among themselves: "What shall we say? If we answer, "From God,' he will say, "Why, then, did you not believe John?'

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

33 So their answer to Jesus was, "We don't know." Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you, then, by what right I do these things."