Ver. 7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. ] Whether from heaven, or of men; in this, no doubt, they told an untruth: but they chose rather to sacrifice their consciences than their interest, and pretend ignorance rather than profess the truth, when they saw they should be put to confusion, or be exposed to the resentments of the people.
5
And they reasoned with themselves, saying -- `If we may say, From heaven, he will say, Wherefore, then, did ye not believe him?
6
and if we may say, From men, all the people will stone us, for they are having been persuaded John to be a prophet.'
7
And they answered, that they knew not whence [it was],
8
and Jesus said to them, `Neither do I say to you by what authority I do these things.'
9
And he began to speak unto the people this simile: `A certain man planted a vineyard, and gave it out to husbandmen, and went abroad for a long time,
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.