Mark 11:32

32 But if we say, `From a human source, . . . '" -- they were afraid of the people, for they all regarded Yochanan as a genuine 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 The immersion of Yochanan -- was it from Heaven or from a human source? Answer me."

31 They discussed it among themselves: "If we say, `From Heaven,' he will say, `Then why didn't you believe him?'

32 But if we say, `From a human source, . . . '" -- they were afraid of the people, for they all regarded Yochanan as a genuine prophet.

33 So they answered Yeshua, "We don't know." "Then," he replied, "I won't tell you by what s'mikhah I do these things."