Mark 11:30

30 John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!”

Mark 11:30 in Other Translations

30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.

30 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me."

30 “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!”

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

30 Was John's baptism from heaven or from men? Answer Me."

Mark 11:30 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 11:30

The baptism of John
The doctrine of which he was the first preacher, and the ordinance of which he was the first administrator:

was it from heaven, or of men?
was it of divine or of human institution?

answer me;
directly and plainly, without any shuffling, or evasion: it is a fair question, and may be answered; and the answer to it our Lord suggests would naturally lead to a proper one to their question; (See Gill on Matthew 21:25).

Mark 11:30 In-Context

28 “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?”

29 Jesus replied, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

30 John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!”

31 They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’

32 But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ …” (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)