Mark 11:32

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