Mark 11:32

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

Mark 11:32 in Other Translations

32 But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.

32 But shall we say, 'From man'?"--they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet.

32 But do we dare say it was merely human?” For they were afraid of what the people would do, because everyone believed that John was a prophet.

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

32 But should we say, From men--they feared the people: for all verily held John to be a prophet.

32 But if we say, 'from humans,' [then what will happen]?" They were afraid of the people. All the people thought of John as a true prophet.

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

32 But what if we say, 'From men'?" They were afraid of the people. Everyone believed that John really was 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 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.)

33 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

Cross References

• 1. S Matthew 11:9