Mark 11:31

31 They were on the spot, and knew it. They pulled back into a huddle and whispered, "If we say 'heaven,' he'll ask us why we didn't believe John;

Mark 11:31 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 11:31

And they reasoned with themselves saying
Privately; perhaps, they withdrew at a little distance for a short time, and consulted among themselves what answer to return; and the amount of their reasonings were this;

if we shall say from heaven, he will say, why then did ye not
believe him?
that is, should they say that John had a divine commission for what he said and did, they were aware that Christ would reply, why did not ye give credit to him? and had you done so, seeing he testified of me, you would have had no occasion to have put the above question; (See Gill on Matthew 21:25).

Mark 11:31 In-Context

29 Jesus responded, "First let me ask you a question. Answer my question and then I'll present my credentials.

30 About the baptism of John - who authorized it: heaven or humans? Tell me."

31 They were on the spot, and knew it. They pulled back into a huddle and whispered, "If we say 'heaven,' he'll ask us why we didn't believe John;

32 if we say 'humans,' we'll be up against it with the people because they all hold John up as a prophet."

33 They decided to concede that round to Jesus. "We don't know," they said. Jesus replied, "Then I won't answer your question either."