Mark 11:31

31 And they thought within themselves, saying, If we [shall] say of heaven, he shall say to us, Why then believe ye not to him [Why therefore believed ye not to him];

Mark 11:31 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 11:31

And they reasoned with themselves saying
Privately; perhaps, they withdrew at a little distance for a short time, and consulted among themselves what answer to return; and the amount of their reasonings were this;

if we shall say from heaven, he will say, why then did ye not
believe him?
that is, should they say that John had a divine commission for what he said and did, they were aware that Christ would reply, why did not ye give credit to him? and had you done so, seeing he testified of me, you would have had no occasion to have put the above question; (See Gill on Matthew 21:25).

Mark 11:31 In-Context

29 Jesus answered and said to them, And I shall ask [of] you one word, and answer ye to me, and I shall say to you in what power I do these things.

30 Whether was the baptism of John of heaven, or of men? answer ye to me.

31 And they thought within themselves, saying, If we [shall] say of heaven, he shall say to us, Why then believe ye not to him [Why therefore believed ye not to him];

32 if we [shall] say of men, we dread the people; for all men had John, that he was verily a prophet.

33 And they answered, and said to Jesus, We know not. And Jesus answered, and said to them [And Jesus answering saith to them], Neither I say to you, in what power I do these things.