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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Mark 11:32 But if we say, 'From men'..." they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/mark/11-32.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/41_Mrk_11_32.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Mark 11:32 - Jesus' Authority Challenged" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But if we say, 'From men'... they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/mark/11-32.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/mark/11-32.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/mark/">Mark</a> > <a href="/mark/11.htm">Chapter 11</a> > Verse 32</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/mark/11-31.htm" title="Mark 11:31">◄</a> Mark 11:32 <a href="/mark/11-33.htm" title="Mark 11:33">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/mark/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/mark/11.htm">New International Version</a> But if we say, &#8216Of human origin&#8217 . . . &#8220 (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.) <a href="/nlt/mark/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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. <a href="/esv/mark/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. <a href="/bsb/mark/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But if we say, ‘From men’...” they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet. <a href="/blb/mark/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But should we say, 'From men'..." They were afraid of the people, for all were holding that John truly was a prophet. <a href="/kjv/mark/11.htm">King James Bible</a> But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed. <a href="/nkjv/mark/11.htm">New King James Version</a> But if we say, ‘From men’ ”—they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed. <a href="/nasb_/mark/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But should we say, ‘From men’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all considered John to have been a real prophet. <a href="/nasb/mark/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But shall we say, &#8216From men &#8216?"— they were afraid of the people, for everyone considered John to have been a real prophet. <a href="/nasb77/mark/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But shall we say, ‘From men’?”—they were afraid of the multitude, for all considered John to have been a prophet indeed. <a href="/lsb/mark/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But if we say, ‘From men’?”—they were afraid of the crowd, for everyone was regarding John to have been a real prophet. <a href="/amp/mark/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But shall we say, ‘From men?’” —they were afraid [to answer because] of the crowd, for everyone considered John to have been a real prophet. <a href="/csb/mark/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ ”—they were afraid of the crowd, because everyone thought that John was truly a prophet. <a href="/hcsb/mark/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But if we say, &#8216From men"—they were afraid of the crowd, because everyone thought that John was a genuine prophet. <a href="/asv/mark/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> But should we say, From men ? they feared the people: for all verily held John to be a prophet. <a href="/cev/mark/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> On the other hand, these people think that John was a prophet. So we can't say it was merely some human who gave John the right to baptize." They were afraid of the crowd <a href="/erv/mark/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> But should we say, From men--they feared the people: for all verily held John to be a prophet. <a href="/gwt/mark/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But if we say, 'from humans,' [then what will happen]?" They were afraid of the people. All the people thought of John as a true prophet. <a href="/gnt/mark/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> But if we say, 'From human beings ?'" (They were afraid of the people, because everyone was convinced that John had been a prophet.) <a href="/isv/mark/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> But if we say, 'From humans'…?" They were afraid of the crowd, because everyone really thought John was a prophet. <a href="/msb/mark/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But if we say, ?From men?...? they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet. <a href="/net/mark/11.htm">NET Bible</a> But if we say, 'From people--'" (they feared the crowd, for they all considered John to be truly a prophet). <a href="/nheb/mark/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> If we should say, 'From people'"--they feared the crowd, for all held John to really be a prophet. <a href="/wbt/mark/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But if we shall say, from men; they feared the people: for all men counted John that he was a prophet indeed. <a href="/wey/mark/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Or should we say, 'human?'" They were afraid of the people; for all agreed in holding John to have been really a Prophet. <a href="/web/mark/11.htm">World English Bible</a> If we should say, ‘From men’”—they feared the people, for all held John to really be a prophet. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/mark/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> But if we may say, From men…” They were fearing the people, for all were holding that John was indeed a prophet; <a href="/blb/mark/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But should we say, 'From men'..." They were afraid of the people, for all were holding that John truly was a prophet. <a href="/ylt/mark/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> But if we may say, From men,' -- they were fearing the people, for all were holding John that he was indeed a prophet; <a href="/slt/mark/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But if we say, of men; they feared the people: for all held John, that he was truly a prophet.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/mark/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> If we say, From men, we fear the people. For all men counted John that he was a prophet indeed. <a href="/cpdv/mark/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> If we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the people. For they all hold that John was a true prophet.” <a href="/nabre/mark/11.htm">New American Bible</a> But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”—they feared the crowd, for they all thought John really was a prophet. <a href="/nrsvce/mark/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”—they were afraid of the crowd, for all regarded John as truly a prophet.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/mark/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And if we should say, from men, there is the fear of the people, for all of them regard John as a true prophet. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/11.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “And that we should say, 'From the sons of men', there is the fear of the people, for they all are holding that Yohannan was truly a Prophet.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/mark/11.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But if we say, From men, they feared the people; for all regarded John as a prophet indeed. <a href="/godbey/mark/11.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But if we may say, From men; they feared the people: for all held John that he was a prophet. <a href="/haweis/mark/11.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> but if we say of men?they feared the people: for all men held John to be in truth a prophet. <a href="/mace/mark/11.htm">Mace New Testament</a> if we should say, it was a human institution, we run a risk from the people. (for they all believed John was a true prophet.) <a href="/wey/mark/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Or should we say, 'human?'" They were afraid of the people; for all agreed in holding John to have been really a Prophet. <a href="/worrell/mark/11.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> "If we say, 'From Heaven,' He will say, 'Why then did ye not believe him!' But, should we say, 'From men,'"?they feared the people; for all held John to be a prophet indeed. <a href="/worsley/mark/11.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> but if we should say, from men --- they feared the people: (for they they all thought that John was a prophet indeed:) <a href="/parallel/mark/11-32.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=3854" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/mark/11.htm">Jesus' Authority Challenged</a> …31They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32<a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">But</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipōmen (V-ASA-1P) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">if we say,</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: Ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">‘From</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpōn (N-GMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">men’...”</a> <a href="/greek/5399.htm" title="5399: ephobounto (V-IIM/P-3P) -- From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.">they were afraid of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3793.htm" title="3793: ochlon (N-AMS) -- From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.">people,</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">for</a> <a href="/greek/537.htm" title="537: hapantes (Adj-NMP) -- All, the whole, altogether. Absolutely all or every one.">they all</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: eichon (V-IIA-3P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">held</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">that</a> <a href="/greek/2491.htm" title="2491: Iōannēn (N-AMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.">John</a> <a href="/greek/3689.htm" title="3689: ontōs (Adv) -- Really, truly, actually. Adverb of the oblique cases of on; really.">truly</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">was</a> <a href="/greek/4396.htm" title="4396: prophētēs (N-NMS) -- From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.">a prophet.</a> 33So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/21-25.htm">Matthew 21:25-27</a> What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ / But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.” / So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. <a href="/luke/20-5.htm">Luke 20:5-7</a> They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ / But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” / So they answered that they did not know where it was from. <a href="/john/1-19.htm">John 1:19-27</a> And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” / He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.” / “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” ... <a href="/matthew/14-5.htm">Matthew 14:5</a> Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet. <a href="/luke/7-29.htm">Luke 7:29-30</a> All the people who heard this, even the tax collectors, acknowledged God’s justice. For they had received the baptism of John. / But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John. <a href="/john/5-33.htm">John 5:33-36</a> You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. / Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved. / John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light. ... <a href="/acts/5-26.htm">Acts 5:26</a> At that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles—but not by force, for fear the people would stone them. <a href="/matthew/11-7.htm">Matthew 11:7-15</a> As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? / Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces. / What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ... <a href="/luke/3-2.htm">Luke 3:2-3</a> during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. / He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, <a href="/john/10-41.htm">John 10:41</a> Many came to Him and said, “Although John never performed a sign, everything he said about this man was true.” <a href="/matthew/3-1.htm">Matthew 3:1-6</a> In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea / and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” / This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” ... <a href="/luke/1-76.htm">Luke 1:76-80</a> And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him, / to give to His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, / because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, ... <a href="/john/3-26.htm">John 3:26-30</a> So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Look, Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, the One you testified about—He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.” / John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. / You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’ ... <a href="/acts/13-24.htm">Acts 13:24-25</a> Before the arrival of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. / As John was completing his course, he said, ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not that One. But there is One coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’ <a href="/2_kings/1-8.htm">2 Kings 1:8</a> “He was a hairy man,” they answered, “with a leather belt around his waist.” “It was Elijah the Tishbite,” said the king.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.they.<a href="/mark/6-20.htm">Mark 6:20</a> For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.<a href="/mark/12-12.htm">Mark 12:12</a> And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.<a href="/matthew/14-5.htm">Matthew 14:5</a> And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.for.<a href="/matthew/3-5.htm">Matthew 3:5,6</a> Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, … <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Matthew 21:31,32</a> Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you… <a href="/luke/7-26.htm">Luke 7:26-29</a> But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/mark/11-18.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/matthew/26-48.htm">Agreed</a> <a href="/mark/10-42.htm">Considered</a> <a href="/matthew/26-15.htm">Counted</a> <a href="/mark/11-18.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/mark/11-18.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/mark/5-33.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/mark/9-34.htm">Held</a> <a href="/mark/7-8.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/mark/11-30.htm">Human</a> <a href="/mark/10-39.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/mark/11-30.htm">John</a> <a href="/mark/6-15.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/1_john/2-27.htm">Real</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-5.htm">Really</a> <a href="/mark/11-23.htm">Verily</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/12-12.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/mark/14-56.htm">Agreed</a> <a href="/luke/1-29.htm">Considered</a> <a href="/luke/12-7.htm">Counted</a> <a href="/mark/12-12.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/mark/12-12.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/luke/1-50.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/mark/14-46.htm">Held</a> <a href="/luke/22-63.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/mark/13-20.htm">Human</a> <a href="/mark/13-22.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/mark/13-3.htm">John</a> <a href="/mark/13-14.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/luke/4-37.htm">Real</a> <a href="/luke/7-40.htm">Really</a> <a href="/mark/12-43.htm">Verily</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 11</div>1. <a href="/mark/11-1.htm">Jesus rides with triumph into Jerusalem;</a> 12. <a href="/mark/11-12.htm">curses the fruitless fig tree;</a> 15. <a href="/mark/11-15.htm">purges the temple;</a> 20. <a href="/mark/11-20.htm">exhorts his disciples to steadfastness of faith, and to forgive their enemies;</a> 27. <a href="/mark/11-27.htm">and defends his actions by the witness of John, who was a man sent of God.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/mark/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But if we say, ‘From men’... This phrase reflects the dilemma faced by the religious leaders when questioned by Jesus about the origin of John the Baptist's authority. They were caught in a predicament because acknowledging John's authority as divine would validate Jesus' ministry, which they opposed. The leaders' fear of the people's reaction highlights their political motivations and lack of spiritual integrity. This situation underscores the tension between divine authority and human authority, a recurring theme in the Gospels.they were afraid of the people, The fear of the people indicates the significant influence John the Baptist had among the Jewish populace. John was widely regarded as a prophet, and his call to repentance and baptism had resonated deeply with many. The religious leaders' fear of the crowd's reaction reveals their awareness of their precarious position and their prioritization of maintaining power and control over seeking truth. This fear also illustrates the leaders' failure to recognize and submit to God's work through John.for they all held that John truly was a prophet. The general consensus among the people that John was a prophet is significant. Prophets in Jewish tradition were seen as messengers of God, and John's role as the forerunner to the Messiah was prophesied in the Old Testament (<a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a>, <a href="/malachi/3.htm">Malachi 3:1</a>). His prophetic ministry was characterized by a call to repentance and preparation for the coming of the Lord. The people's recognition of John as a prophet contrasts with the religious leaders' skepticism and highlights the spiritual blindness of those in positions of authority. This acknowledgment by the people also serves as a testament to John's authenticity and the fulfillment of prophecy concerning the coming of the Messiah.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> - The central figure in the Gospel of Mark, whose authority is being questioned by the religious leaders. 2. <a href="/topical/c/chief_priests,_scribes,_and_elders.htm">Chief Priests, Scribes, and Elders</a> - The religious leaders who challenge Jesus' authority in the temple. 3. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> - A prophet recognized by the people, whose baptism is the subject of the leaders' question. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_people.htm">The People</a> - The general populace who believed John was a prophet, influencing the leaders' response. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_temple_in_jerusalem.htm">The Temple in Jerusalem</a> - The setting of this confrontation, a significant place of worship and teaching.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_fear_of_man_vs._the_fear_of_god.htm">The Fear of Man vs. the Fear of God</a> The religious leaders were more concerned with public opinion than with truth. Believers are called to prioritize God's truth over human approval. <a href="/topical/r/recognizing_true_prophets.htm">Recognizing True Prophets</a> The people recognized John as a true prophet, while the leaders did not. Discernment is crucial in identifying true messengers of God. <a href="/topical/a/authority_of_jesus.htm">Authority of Jesus</a> Jesus' authority is divine and not subject to human validation. Understanding and accepting His authority is foundational to Christian faith. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_faith.htm">Courage in Faith</a> The leaders' fear highlights the need for courage in standing for truth, even when it is unpopular or risky. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_public_opinion.htm">The Role of Public Opinion</a> Public opinion can influence decisions, but believers are encouraged to seek God's will above societal pressures.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_mark_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Mark 11</a> <a href="/q/what_are_israel's_other_names.htm">What are the different names for Israel?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_john_the_baptist_greatest.htm">Why is John the Baptist considered the greatest?</a> <a href="/q/was_jesus_of_jewish_descent.htm">Was Jesus of Jewish descent?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_fully_surrender_to_god.htm">How does God provide safety and protection?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/mark/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(32) That he was a prophet indeed.--The intensifying adverb is one of St. Mark's graphic touches of emphasis. <a href="/commentaries/mark/11-32.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. if we say, εἴπωμεν (eipōmen) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. ‘From Ἐξ (Ex) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. men’...” ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. they were afraid of ἐφοβοῦντο (ephobounto) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5399.htm">Strong's 5399: </a> From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. people, ὄχλον (ochlon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3793.htm">Strong's 3793: </a> From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot. for γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. they all ἅπαντες (hapantes) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_537.htm">Strong's 537: </a> All, the whole, altogether. Absolutely all or every one. held εἶχον (eichon) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. that τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. John Ἰωάννην (Iōannēn) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites. truly ὄντως (ontōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3689.htm">Strong's 3689: </a> Really, truly, actually. Adverb of the oblique cases of on; really. was ἦν (ēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. a prophet. προφήτης (prophētēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4396.htm">Strong's 4396: </a> From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/11-32.htm">Mark 11:32 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/mark/11-32.htm">Mark 11:32 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/mark/11-32.htm">Mark 11:32 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/mark/11-32.htm">Mark 11:32 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/mark/11-32.htm">Mark 11:32 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/11-32.htm">Mark 11:32 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/11-32.htm">Mark 11:32 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/11-32.htm">Mark 11:32 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/mark/11-32.htm">Mark 11:32 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/mark/11-32.htm">Mark 11:32 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/mark/11-32.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 11:32 If we should say 'From men'--they feared (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/11-31.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 11:31"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 11:31" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/11-33.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 11:33"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 11:33" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>