Mark 11:32

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.

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

31 They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John.

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.

33 So they finally replied, “We don’t know.” And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”