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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 11:31 They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will ask, 'Why then did you not believe him?'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/mark/11-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/41_Mrk_11_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Mark 11:31 - Jesus' Authority Challenged" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: If we say, 'From heaven,' He will ask, 'Why then did you not believe him?'" /><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'; 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If we should say, 'From heaven,' He will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?' <a href="/kjv/mark/11.htm">King James Bible</a> And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? <a href="/nkjv/mark/11.htm">New King James Version</a> And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ <a href="/nasb_/mark/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And they began considering the implications among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ <a href="/nasb/mark/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> They began reasoning among themselves, saying, &#8220If we say, &#8216From heaven,&#8217 He will say, &#8216Then why did you not believe him?&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/mark/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And they began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ <a href="/lsb/mark/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And they began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ <a href="/amp/mark/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> They began discussing it with each other, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ <a href="/csb/mark/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> They discussed it among themselves: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him? ’ <a href="/hcsb/mark/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> They began to argue among themselves: &#8220If we say, &#8216From heaven,&#8217 He will say, &#8216Then why didn&#8217t you believe him?&#8217 <a href="/asv/mark/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? <a href="/cev/mark/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> They thought it over and said to each other, "We can't say that God gave John this right. Jesus will ask us why we didn't believe John. <a href="/erv/mark/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? <a href="/gwt/mark/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> They discussed this among themselves. They said, "If we say, 'from heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' <a href="/gnt/mark/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> They started to argue among themselves: "What shall we say? If we answer, 'From God,' he will say, 'Why, then, did you not believe John?' <a href="/isv/mark/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> They began discussing this among themselves. "If we say, 'From heaven,' he'll say, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' <a href="/msb/mark/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> They deliberated among themselves: ?If we say, ?From heaven,? He will ask, ?Why then did you not believe him?? <a href="/net/mark/11.htm">NET Bible</a> They discussed with one another, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Then why did you not believe him?' <a href="/nheb/mark/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> They reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we should say, 'From heaven;' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?' <a href="/wbt/mark/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? <a href="/wey/mark/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> So they debated the matter with one another. "Suppose we say, 'Heavenly,'" they argued, "he will ask, 'Why then did you not believe him?' <a href="/web/mark/11.htm">World English Bible</a> They reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we should say, ‘From heaven;’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/mark/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And they were reasoning with themselves, saying, “If we may say, From Heaven, He will say, Why then did you not believe him? <a href="/blb/mark/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And they began reasoning with themselves, saying, "What should we say? If we should say, 'From heaven,' He will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?' <a href="/ylt/mark/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And they were reasoning with themselves, saying, 'If we may say, From heaven, he will say, Wherefore, then, did ye not believe him? <a href="/slt/mark/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we say, From heaven; he will say, Wherefore did ye not believe him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/mark/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But they thought with themselves, saying: If we say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did you not believe him? <a href="/cpdv/mark/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But they discussed it among themselves, saying: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ <a href="/nabre/mark/11.htm">New American Bible</a> They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say, ‘[Then] why did you not believe him?’ <a href="/nrsvce/mark/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> They argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/mark/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And they reasoned among themselves and said, If we should say to him, from heaven, he will say to us, Why then did you not believe him? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/11.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And they reasoned in themselves and they said, “If we say to him from Heaven, he will say to us, 'And why did you not believe him?' “<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/mark/11.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And they reasoned with themselves, saying: If we say, From heaven, he will reply, Why, then, did you not believe him? <a href="/godbey/mark/11.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we may say, It is from heaven; He will say, Why did you not believe on him? <a href="/haweis/mark/11.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we reply, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? <a href="/mace/mark/11.htm">Mace New Testament</a> answer me that, upon this they reasoned thus with themselves; if we should say, it was divine, he will urge, why then did you not believe him? <a href="/wey/mark/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> So they debated the matter with one another. "Suppose we say, 'Heavenly,'" they argued, "he will ask, 'Why then did you not believe him?' <a href="/worrell/mark/11.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And they reasoned with themselves, saying, <a href="/worsley/mark/11.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we say, from heaven; He will say, why then did ye not believe him? <a href="/parallel/mark/11-31.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=3844" 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> …30John’s baptism—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me!” 31<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1260.htm" title="1260: dielogizonto (V-IIM/P-3P) -- To reason (with), debate (with), consider. From dia and logizomai; to reckon thoroughly, i.e. to deliberate.">They deliberated</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">among</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautous (RefPro-AM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">themselves</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: Ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">what</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipōmen (V-ASA-1P) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">they should answer:</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. "></a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: Ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">“If</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipōmen (V-ASA-1P) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">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/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranou (N-GMS) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven,’</a> <a href="/greek/2046.htm" title="2046: erei (V-FIA-3S) -- Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.">He will ask,</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: Dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">‘Why</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what."></a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">then</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/4100.htm" title="4100: episteusate (V-AIA-2P) -- From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.">did you not believe</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him?’</a> 32But if we say, ‘From men’...” they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet.…<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/20-4.htm">Luke 20:4-8</a> 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 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.” ... <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/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/3-2.htm">Luke 3:2-6</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, / as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him. ... <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/19-4.htm">Acts 19:4</a> Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” <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/7-24.htm">Luke 7:24-30</a> After John’s messengers had left, 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 elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces. / What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ... <a href="/john/10-41.htm">John 10:41-42</a> Many came to Him and said, “Although John never performed a sign, everything he said about this man was true.” / And many in that place believed in Jesus. <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/9-7.htm">Luke 9:7-9</a> When Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, he was perplexed. For some were saying that John had risen from the dead, / others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that a prophet of old had arisen. / “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus. <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="/matthew/17-12.htm">Matthew 17:12-13</a> But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.” / Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist. <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, ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did you not believe him?Why.<a href="/matthew/11-7.htm">Matthew 11:7-14</a> And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? … <a href="/matthew/21-25.htm">Matthew 21:25-27,31,32</a> The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? … <a href="/john/1-15.htm">John 1:15,29,34,36</a> John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/mark/9-34.htm">Argued</a> <a href="/mark/11-24.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/mark/9-34.htm">Debated</a> <a href="/mark/9-34.htm">Discussed</a> <a href="/mark/11-24.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/mark/11-30.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/mark/11-30.htm">Heavenly</a> <a href="/mark/10-10.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/mark/8-16.htm">Reasoned</a> <a href="/mark/9-34.htm">Reasoning</a> <a href="/matthew/26-53.htm">Suppose</a> <a href="/mark/10-26.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/mark/11-18.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/mark/9-28.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/20-5.htm">Argued</a> <a href="/mark/13-21.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/luke/12-17.htm">Debated</a> <a href="/luke/6-11.htm">Discussed</a> <a href="/mark/13-21.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/mark/12-25.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/mark/13-25.htm">Heavenly</a> <a href="/luke/8-56.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/luke/1-29.htm">Reasoned</a> <a href="/mark/12-28.htm">Reasoning</a> <a href="/luke/7-43.htm">Suppose</a> <a href="/mark/12-7.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/mark/13-11.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/luke/1-35.htm">Wherefore</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>They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: This phrase highlights the internal conflict and strategic thinking of the religious leaders. They were often depicted as being more concerned with maintaining their authority and public image than seeking truth. This deliberation reflects their fear of losing influence over the people, as they were aware of John the Baptist's popularity and the potential implications of acknowledging his divine authority. The setting is the Temple in Jerusalem, a place of significant religious and political power, which adds to the tension of their deliberation.“If we say, ‘From heaven,’ The phrase "from heaven" indicates divine origin, suggesting that John the Baptist's authority and message were sanctioned by God. In Jewish culture, acknowledging something as "from heaven" was to recognize it as having divine authority. This acknowledgment would have significant implications, as it would validate John's ministry and, by extension, Jesus' ministry, since John had testified about Jesus. The leaders' hesitation to affirm this reflects their unwillingness to accept Jesus' authority and the threat it posed to their own.He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ This rhetorical question underscores the inconsistency and hypocrisy of the religious leaders. If they admitted John's authority was divine, their failure to believe and follow his teachings would expose their lack of faith and spiritual insight. John the Baptist's call to repentance and his identification of Jesus as the Messiah were central to his ministry. By not believing John, the leaders were rejecting God's plan and the prophetic fulfillment of the Messiah's coming. This question also highlights Jesus' wisdom in exposing their duplicity and challenging their spiritual blindness.<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, Jesus is teaching in the temple courts and is questioned by the chief priests, scribes, and elders about His authority. 2. <a href="/topical/c/chief_priests,_scribes,_and_elders.htm">Chief Priests, Scribes, and Elders</a> Religious leaders of the Jewish community who challenge Jesus' authority. They are concerned about maintaining their own power and influence. 3. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> Though not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the subject of the question posed by Jesus. John’s baptism and authority are being debated. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_temple_in_jerusalem.htm">The Temple in Jerusalem</a> The setting of this event, a significant place of worship and teaching for the Jewish people. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_crowd.htm">The Crowd</a> The people present in the temple who are listening to Jesus and observing the interaction between Him and the religious leaders.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/authority_from_god.htm">Authority from God</a> Recognize that true spiritual authority comes from God, not human institutions. Jesus’ authority was divine, as was John the Baptist’s. <a href="/topical/f/fear_of_man_vs._fear_of_god.htm">Fear of Man vs. Fear of God</a> The religious leaders were more concerned with public opinion than with truth. We should prioritize God’s truth over human approval. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_belief.htm">The Importance of Belief</a> Belief in God’s messengers is crucial. The leaders’ refusal to believe John the Baptist reflects a hardened heart towards God’s revelation. <a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a> Like the religious leaders, we must examine our motives and openness to God’s truth. Are we resisting God’s authority in any area of our lives? <a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_decision-making.htm">Wisdom in Decision-Making</a> The leaders’ deliberation shows the complexity of decision-making when truth is not the priority. Seek God’s wisdom in all decisions.<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/main_themes_in_gospel_of_mark.htm">What are the main themes in the Gospel of Mark?</a> <a href="/q/meaning_of_'heaven_and_earth_will_pass'.htm">What does 'Heaven and Earth will pass away' mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_cana's_miracle_only_in_john.htm">Why does this miracle at Cana (John 2:1-11) only appear in John's Gospel and not in the Synoptics?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_joshua_the_high_priest.htm">Do you eat or drink for God's glory?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/mark/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 31, 32. - They reasoned with themselves, like men anxious and perplexed. If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? For he told you I was the promised Messias, and bade you prepare yourselves by repentance to receive my grace and salvation. But should we say, From men - they feared the people: for all verily held John to be a prophet. This is a broken sentence, but very expressive. The evangelist leaves his reader to supply what they meant. They deemed it prudent not to finish the sentence; and probably cut it short with some significant gesture. They did not like to confess that they feared the people; although this was the true reason why they hesitated to say that John's baptism was of men. They knew that all the people held John to be a prophet. They were thus thrown on one or other horn of a dilemma. <a href="/commentaries/mark/11-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>They deliberated διελογίζοντο (dielogizonto) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1260.htm">Strong's 1260: </a> To reason (with), debate (with), consider. From dia and logizomai; to reckon thoroughly, i.e. to deliberate. among πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. themselves ἑαυτοὺς (heautous) Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. what Τί (Ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. they should answer: 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. “If Ἐὰν (Ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. 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. heaven,’ οὐρανοῦ (ouranou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. He will ask, ἐρεῖ (erei) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2046.htm">Strong's 2046: </a> Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say. ‘Why Διὰ (Dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. then οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. did you not believe ἐπιστεύσατε (episteusate) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. him?’ αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/11-31.htm">Mark 11:31 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/mark/11-31.htm">Mark 11:31 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/mark/11-31.htm">Mark 11:31 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/mark/11-31.htm">Mark 11:31 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/mark/11-31.htm">Mark 11:31 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/11-31.htm">Mark 11:31 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/11-31.htm">Mark 11:31 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/11-31.htm">Mark 11:31 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/mark/11-31.htm">Mark 11:31 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/mark/11-31.htm">Mark 11:31 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/mark/11-31.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 11:31 They reasoned with themselves saying If we (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/11-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 11:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 11:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/11-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 11:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 11:32" /></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>