Mark 11:33

33 So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

Mark 11:33 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 11:33

And they answered and said unto Jesus
Being reduced by this dilemma to the greatest streight and difficulty;

we cannot tell:
they could, if they would, but they did not care to tell; they knew if they did, they should expose themselves one way or other:

and Jesus answering, saith unto them, neither do I tell you by what
authority I do these things; (See Gill on Matthew 21:27).

Mark 11:33 In-Context

31 They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

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

33 So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”