Mark 11:32

32 But shall we say, "Of human origin'?"—they were afraid of the crowd, for all regarded John as truly 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 the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin? Answer me."

31 They argued with one another, "If we say, "From heaven,' he will say, "Why then did you not believe him?'

32 But shall we say, "Of human origin'?"—they were afraid of the crowd, for all regarded John as truly a prophet.

33 So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."