Mark 11:32

32 But if we say, 'From men' "-they were afraid of the crowd, because everyone thought that John was 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 Was John's baptism from heaven or from men? Answer Me."

31 They began to argue among themselves: "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say, 'Then why didn't you believe him?'

32 But if we say, 'From men' "-they were afraid of the crowd, because everyone thought that John was a genuine prophet.

33 So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."