Mark 11:33

33 So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." "Nor do I tell you," said Jesus, "by what authority I do these things."

Mark 11:33 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 11:33

And they answered and said unto Jesus
Being reduced by this dilemma to the greatest streight and difficulty;

we cannot tell:
they could, if they would, but they did not care to tell; they knew if they did, they should expose themselves one way or other:

and Jesus answering, saith unto them, neither do I tell you by what
authority I do these things; (See Gill on Matthew 21:27).

Mark 11:33 In-Context

31 So they debated the matter with one another. "Suppose we say, `Heavenly,'" they argued, "he will ask, `Why then did you not believe him?'

32 Or should we say, `human?'" They were afraid of the people; for all agreed in holding John to have been really a Prophet.

33 So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." "Nor do I tell you," said Jesus, "by what authority I do these things."