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Was it from heaven, or of human origin?&#8221 They discussed it among themselves and said, &#8220If we say, &#8216From heaven,&#8217 he will ask, &#8216Then why didn&#8217t you believe him?&#8217 <a href="/nlt/matthew/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?” They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask us why we didn’t believe John. <a href="/esv/matthew/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ <a href="/bsb/matthew/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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?’ <a href="/blb/matthew/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> From where was the baptism of John? From heaven, or from men?" And they were reasoning with themselves, saying, "If we should say, 'from heaven,' He will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' <a href="/kjv/matthew/21.htm">King James Bible</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="/nkjv/matthew/21.htm">New King James Version</a> The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men?” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ <a href="/nasb_/matthew/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The baptism of John was from what source: from heaven or from men?” And they began considering the implications among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ <a href="/nasb/matthew/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220The baptism of John was from what source, from heaven or from men?&#8221 And they began reasoning among themselves, saying, &#8220If we say, &#8216From heaven,&#8217 He will say to us, &#8216Then why did you not believe him?&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “The baptism of John was from what source, from heaven or from men?” And they began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ <a href="/lsb/matthew/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> The baptism of John was from what source, from heaven or from men?” And they began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ <a href="/amp/matthew/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The baptism of John—from where did it come? From heaven [that is, ordained by God] or from men?” And they began debating among themselves [considering the implications of their answer], saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe John?’ <a href="/csb/matthew/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Did John’s baptism come from heaven, or was it of human origin? ” They discussed it among themselves, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him? ’ <a href="/hcsb/matthew/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Where did John&#8217s baptism come from? From heaven or from men?&#8221 They began to argue among themselves, &#8220If we say, &#8216From heaven,&#8217 He will say to us, &#8216Then why didn&#8217t you believe him?&#8217 <a href="/asv/matthew/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven or from men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why then did ye not believe him? <a href="/cev/matthew/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Who gave John the right to baptize? Was it God in heaven or merely some human being?" They thought it over and said to each other, "We can't say God gave John this right. Jesus will ask us why we didn't believe John. <a href="/erv/matthew/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven or from men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why then did ye not believe him? <a href="/gwt/matthew/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Did John's right to baptize come from heaven or from humans?" They discussed this among themselves. They said, "If we say, 'from heaven,' he will ask us, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' <a href="/gnt/matthew/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> Where did John's right to baptize come from: was it from God or from human beings?" They started to argue among themselves, "What shall we say? If we answer, 'From God,' he will say to us, 'Why, then, did you not believe John?' <a href="/isv/matthew/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> Where did John's authority to baptize come from? From heaven or from humans?" They began discussing this among themselves: "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask us, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' <a href="/msb/matthew/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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?? <a href="/net/matthew/21.htm">NET Bible</a> Where did John's baptism come from? From heaven or from people?" They discussed this among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Then why did you not believe him?' <a href="/nheb/matthew/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from people?" They reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' <a href="/wbt/matthew/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or from men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, if we shall say, From heaven; he will say to us, Why then did ye not believe him? <a href="/wey/matthew/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> John's Baptism, whence was it? --had it a heavenly or a human origin?" So they debated the matter among themselves. "If we say 'a heavenly origin,'" they argued, "he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?' <a href="/web/matthew/21.htm">World English Bible</a> The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men?” They reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> the immersion of John, from where was it? From Heaven, or from men?” And they were reasoning with themselves, saying, “If we should say, From Heaven, He will say to us, Why, then, did you not believe him? <a href="/blb/matthew/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> From where was the baptism of John? From heaven, or from men?" And they were reasoning with themselves, saying, "If we should say, 'from heaven,' He will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' <a href="/ylt/matthew/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> the baptism of John, whence was it? -- from heaven, or from men?' And they were reasoning with themselves, saying, 'If we should say, From heaven; he will say to us, Wherefore, then, did ye not believe him? <a href="/slt/matthew/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The baptism of John, whence was it of heaven or of men And they reasoned by themselves, saying, If we say, of heaven; he will say to us, Why, then, believed ye him not?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven or from men? But they thought within themselves, saying: <a href="/cpdv/matthew/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> The baptism of John, where was it from? Was it from heaven, or from men?” But they thought within themselves, saying: <a href="/nabre/matthew/21.htm">New American Bible</a> Where was John’s baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?” They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Whence is the baptism of John? Is it from heaven, or from men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we should say from heaven, he will say to us, Why then did you not believe him? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/21.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “From where was the baptism of Yohannan, from Heaven or was it from men?” But they were counseling among themselves and saying, “If we say, 'From Heaven', he will say to us, 'And why did you not trust him?' “<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/21.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> The immersion of John, whence was it? from heaven, or from men? But they reasoned among themselves, and said, If we reply, From heaven, he will say to us, Why then did you not believe him? <a href="/godbey/matthew/21.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Whence was the baptism of John? from heaven or from men?<Fr> And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we may say, From heaven; He will say to us, Why then did you not believe on him? <a href="/haweis/matthew/21.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> The baptism of John whence was it? from heaven, or from men? Hereupon they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we reply, From heaven, he will say to us, Why then did ye not believe him? <a href="/mace/matthew/21.htm">Mace New Testament</a> the baptism of John, whence was it? was it a divine or a human Institution? and they reasoned thus with themselves, if we say, it was divine; he will say, then, why did ye not believe him? <a href="/wey/matthew/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> John's Baptism, whence was it? --had it a heavenly or a human origin?" So they debated the matter among themselves. "If we say 'a heavenly origin,'" they argued, "he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?' <a href="/worrell/matthew/21.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>The immersion of John?whence was it? from Heaven or from men?"<Fr> And they were reasoning among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From Heaven,' He will say to us, 'Why, then, did ye not believe him?' <a href="/worsley/matthew/21.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves saying, If we say, from heaven, He will reply, Why then did ye not believe him?<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/21-25.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/hriiyJYqzvc?start=6150" 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/matthew/21.htm">Jesus' Authority Challenged</a> …24“I will also ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25<a href="/greek/4159.htm" title="4159: pothen (Adv) -- From the base of posis with enclitic adverb of origin; from which or what place, state, source or cause.">What was the source</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."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/2491.htm" title="2491: Iōannou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.">John’s</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/908.htm" title="908: baptisma (N-NNS) -- The rite or ceremony of baptism. From baptizo; baptism.">baptism?</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.">Was it 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/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</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/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></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/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">among</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautois (RefPro-DM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">themselves</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. ">and said,</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/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmin (PPro-D1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I."></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> 26But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as 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="/mark/11-30.htm">Mark 11:30</a> John’s baptism—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me!” <a href="/luke/20-4.htm">Luke 20:4</a> John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?” <a href="/john/1-6.htm">John 1:6-7</a> There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. / He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. <a href="/john/5-33.htm">John 5:33-35</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/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="/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="/malachi/3-1.htm">Malachi 3:1</a> “Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a> A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. <a href="/matthew/3-1.htm">Matthew 3:1-3</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="/matthew/3-11.htm">Matthew 3:11</a> I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. <a href="/matthew/11-7.htm">Matthew 11:7-10</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="/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</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, <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/3-26.htm">John 3:26-27</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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The baptism of John, from where was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say to us, Why did you not then believe him?baptism.<a href="/matthew/3-1.htm">Matthew 3:1</a> In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,<a href="/matthew/11-7.htm">Matthew 11:7-15</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/17-12.htm">Matthew 17:12,13</a> But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them… Why.<a href="/luke/20-5.htm">Luke 20:5</a> And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?<a href="/john/3-18.htm">John 3:18</a> He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.<a href="/john/5-33.htm">John 5:33-36,44-47</a> Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/3-22.htm">Argued</a> <a href="/matthew/20-23.htm">Baptism</a> <a href="/matthew/21-22.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/matthew/8-13.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/acts/9-29.htm">Debated</a> <a href="/matthew/16-7.htm">Discussed</a> <a href="/matthew/21-22.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/matthew/20-1.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/18-35.htm">Heavenly</a> <a href="/matthew/16-17.htm">Human</a> <a href="/matthew/17-13.htm">John</a> <a href="/matthew/14-12.htm">John's</a> <a href="/matthew/18-19.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/ezekiel/29-14.htm">Origin</a> <a href="/matthew/16-7.htm">Reasoned</a> <a href="/matthew/16-8.htm">Reasoning</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-6.htm">Source</a> <a href="/matthew/20-17.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/matthew/15-33.htm">Whence</a> <a href="/matthew/19-6.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/9-34.htm">Argued</a> <a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Baptism</a> <a href="/matthew/21-32.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/matthew/21-32.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/mark/9-34.htm">Debated</a> <a href="/mark/8-16.htm">Discussed</a> <a href="/matthew/21-32.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/matthew/22-2.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/23-9.htm">Heavenly</a> <a href="/matthew/21-26.htm">Human</a> <a href="/matthew/21-26.htm">John</a> <a href="/mark/2-18.htm">John's</a> <a href="/matthew/22-16.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/matthew/21-26.htm">Origin</a> <a href="/mark/2-8.htm">Reasoned</a> <a href="/mark/2-6.htm">Reasoning</a> <a href="/acts/24-5.htm">Source</a> <a href="/matthew/21-38.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/mark/6-2.htm">Whence</a> <a href="/matthew/23-31.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 21</div>1. <a href="/matthew/21-1.htm">Jesus rides into Jerusalem upon a donkey</a> 12. <a href="/matthew/21-12.htm">drives the buyers and sellers out of the temple;</a> 17. <a href="/matthew/21-17.htm">curses the fig tree;</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/21-23.htm">puts to silence the priests and elders,</a> 28. <a href="/matthew/21-28.htm">and rebukes them by the parable of the two sons,</a> 33. <a href="/matthew/21-33.htm">and the husbandmen who slew such as were sent to them.</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/matthew/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>What was the source of John’s baptism? John the Baptist's baptism was a significant event in the New Testament, symbolizing repentance and preparation for the coming Messiah. The question of its source challenges the religious leaders to consider whether John's authority was divine or merely human. This reflects the broader theme of divine authority versus human tradition, a recurring issue in Jesus' ministry. John's role as a forerunner to Christ is prophesied in <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a> and <a href="/malachi/3.htm">Malachi 3:1</a>, emphasizing his divine mission.Was it from heaven or from men?” The dichotomy presented here—heaven or men—forces the religious leaders to confront the origin of spiritual authority. "From heaven" implies divine endorsement, while "from men" suggests human invention. This question highlights the tension between acknowledging God's work and maintaining human control. The leaders' struggle to answer reveals their fear of losing authority and their unwillingness to accept divine intervention that challenges their status quo.They deliberated among themselves and said, The act of deliberation indicates the leaders' internal conflict and political maneuvering. Their discussion is not about seeking truth but about preserving their power and influence. This reflects the broader cultural and religious context of first-century Judea, where religious leaders often prioritized tradition and authority over genuine spiritual insight.“If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, Acknowledging John's baptism as "from heaven" would validate his message and, by extension, Jesus' ministry. This admission would undermine the leaders' authority and challenge their rejection of both John and Jesus. The leaders' fear of this question reveals their awareness of the truth yet their unwillingness to accept it due to the implications for their power and control.‘Why then did you not believe him?’ This question underscores the leaders' hypocrisy and lack of faith. Belief in John's message would naturally lead to acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah, as John pointed to Jesus as the "Lamb of God" (<a href="/john/1-29.htm">John 1:29</a>). Their failure to believe highlights their spiritual blindness and resistance to God's plan. This phrase also serves as a broader indictment of unbelief and the consequences of rejecting divine revelation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure in the New Testament, who poses the question to the chief priests and elders, challenging their understanding and authority. 2. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> A prophet who preached repentance and baptized many, including Jesus. His baptism is the subject of Jesus' question. 3. <a href="/topical/c/chief_priests_and_elders.htm">Chief Priests and Elders</a> Religious leaders in Jerusalem who question Jesus' authority and are challenged by His question about John's baptism. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where this interaction takes place, a significant location for Jewish religious and political life. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_temple.htm">The Temple</a> The setting of this event, where Jesus is teaching and where the religious leaders confront Him.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/authority_from_heaven.htm">Authority from Heaven</a> Recognize that true spiritual authority comes from God, not human institutions. Reflect on how we discern and respond to divine authority in our lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_belief.htm">The Importance of Belief</a> Consider the implications of belief and unbelief. The religious leaders' reluctance to acknowledge John's divine mission reflects a deeper issue of unbelief that can hinder spiritual growth. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_truth.htm">Courage in Truth</a> Jesus demonstrates courage in confronting the religious leaders. As believers, we are called to stand firm in truth, even when it challenges established norms or authority. <a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a> Reflect on our own responses to God's work and messengers. Are we open to recognizing and accepting divine authority, or do we resist due to preconceived notions or fear of change? <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_repentance.htm">The Role of Repentance</a> John's baptism was one of repentance. Evaluate the role of repentance in our spiritual journey and how it prepares us to receive and follow Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 21</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_nicene_creed_state.htm">What does the Nicene Creed state?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_end_times.htm">What does the Bible say about the end times?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_dogmatic_theology.htm">What is Dogmatic Theology?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_nature.htm">What does the Bible say about Mother Nature?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(25) They reasoned with themselves.--The self-communing was eminently characteristic. The priests and scribes had, in dealing with the mission of John, halted between two opinions. At one time they came to his baptism (<a href="/matthew/3-7.htm" title="But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said to them, O generation of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come?">Matthew 3:7</a>); at another they said, "He hath a devil" (<a href="/matthew/11-18.htm" title="For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He has a devil.">Matthew 11:18</a>). They watched the ebb and flow of a public reverence which the death of John had deepened, and dared not repudiate his character as a prophet. They were reluctant to admit that character, for this would have involved the necessity of accepting the testimony which he had borne to the work and office of Jesus.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 25. - The baptism of John (τὸ βάπτισμα τὸ Ἰωάννου). By "the baptism which was of John" Christ means his whole ministry, doctrine, preaching, etc.; as by circumcision is implied the whole Mosaic Law, and the doctrine of the cross comprises all the teaching of the gospel, the chief characteristic connoting all particulars. From heaven, or of men? Did they regard John as one inspired and commissioned by God, or as a fanatic and impostor, who was self-sent and had received no external authorization? Now, two facts were plain and could not be denied. The rulers and the people with them had allowed John to be a prophet, and had never questioned his claims hitherto. This was one fact; the other was that John had borne unmistakable evidence to Christ. "Behold the Lamb of God!" etc. (<a href="/john/1-32.htm">John 1:32-36</a>), he had said. He came and asserted that he came as Christ's forerunner; his mission was to prepare Christ's way, and had no meaning or intention but this. Here was a dilemma. They had asked for Jesus' credentials; the prophet, whose mission they had virtually endorsed testified that Jesus was the Messiah; if they believed that John spoke by inspiration, they must accept Christ; if now they discredited John, they would stultify themselves and endanger their influence with the people. They reasoned with themselves (παρ ἑαυτοῖς). The somewhat unusual introduction of this preposition instead of the more common ἐν implies that the reflection was not confined to their own breast, but passed in consultation from one to another. They saw the difficulty, and deliberated how they could meet it without compromising themselves, seeking, not truth, but evasion. Why did ye not then (διατί οϋν: why then did ye not) believe him? i.e. when he bore such plain testimony to me. This appeal could be silenced only by denying John's mission, or asserting that he was mistaken in what he said, <a href="/commentaries/matthew/21-25.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>What was the source πόθεν (pothen) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4159.htm">Strong's 4159: </a> From the base of posis with enclitic adverb of origin; from which or what place, state, source or cause. of τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter 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’s Ἰωάννου (Iōannou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites. baptism? βάπτισμα (baptisma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_908.htm">Strong's 908: </a> The rite or ceremony of baptism. From baptizo; baptism. [Was it] 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. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. 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 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 ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. themselves ἑαυτοῖς (heautois) Reflexive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. [and] said, λέγοντες (legontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “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/matthew/21-25.htm">Matthew 21:25 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/21-25.htm">Matthew 21:25 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/21-25.htm">Matthew 21:25 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/21-25.htm">Matthew 21:25 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/21-25.htm">Matthew 21:25 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/21-25.htm">Matthew 21:25 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/21-25.htm">Matthew 21:25 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/21-25.htm">Matthew 21:25 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/21-25.htm">Matthew 21:25 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/21-25.htm">Matthew 21:25 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/21-25.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 21:25 The baptism of John where was it (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/21-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 21:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 21:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/21-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 21:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 21:26" /></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>