Mark 11:32

32 But we can't say, ‘It's of earthly origin.'" They said this because they were afraid of the crowd, because they all thought John was 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 Was John's baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me."

31 They argued among themselves, "If we say, ‘It's of heavenly origin,' he'll say, ‘Then why didn't you believe him?'

32 But we can't say, ‘It's of earthly origin.'" They said this because they were afraid of the crowd, because they all thought John was a prophet.

33 They answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus replied, "Neither will I tell you what kind of authority I have to do these things."