11:30 11:30

Mark 11:31

11:32 11:32

Bible Versions

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
And {G2532} they reasoned {G3049} with {G4314} themselves {G1438}, saying {G3004}, If {G1437} we shall say {G2036}, From {G1537} heaven {G3772}; he will say {G2046}, Why {G1302} then {G3767} did ye {G4100} not {G3756} believe {G4100} him {G846}?
They discussed it among themselves: "If we say, `From Heaven,' he will say, `Then why didn't you believe him?'
They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?

Mark 11:31 KJV captures a pivotal moment of confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders in Jerusalem, specifically the chief priests, scribes, and elders. This verse reveals their internal dilemma and self-serving motives as they attempt to answer Jesus' challenging question about the authority of John the Baptist's ministry.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' cleansing of the temple (Mark 11:15-17) and His powerful teaching within its courts. The religious authorities, threatened by His actions and popularity, approach Him and demand to know by what authority He does these things (Mark 11:28). Instead of directly answering, Jesus poses a counter-question: "The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me" (Mark 11:30). Their response to this question about John's authority would implicitly reveal their stance on divine authority and Jesus' own authority, which they perceived as linked.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of Authority: The core of the exchange is about authority—specifically, whether it originates from God (heaven) or from human devising. The leaders are forced to grapple with this distinction, knowing that acknowledging John's divine authority would necessitate acknowledging Jesus' divine authority as well.
  • Hypocrisy and Fear: The leaders' reasoning exposes their deep-seated hypocrisy. They are not concerned with truth or divine revelation, but with political expediency and maintaining their public image and power. They fear the consequences of a truthful answer, particularly the wrath of the people who widely regarded John the Baptist as a prophet. This fear is further elaborated in Mark 11:32.
  • Jesus' Wisdom: Jesus masterfully turns their trap back on them. By asking a question that exposes their lack of integrity, He silences their direct challenge without compromising His own divine authority. His wisdom here is a testament to His understanding of their hearts and motives.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "reasoned with themselves" (Greek: dialogizomai) implies an internal debate or deliberation. It highlights their strategic, calculated approach to responding, rather than an honest search for truth. This word is often used in the Gospels to describe the inner thoughts or arguments of people, particularly those opposing Jesus.

Practical Application

Mark 11:31 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today to examine our own motives when faced with spiritual truths or challenging questions. Are we seeking truth and submitting to divine authority, or are we, like the religious leaders, more concerned with what is convenient, popular, or self-serving? The verse encourages us to value integrity and genuine faith over reputation or worldly gain. It also highlights the wisdom of Jesus in dealing with opposition, demonstrating how truth can expose falsehood without needing to resort to worldly arguments.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 21:25

    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?

  • Matthew 21:27

    And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

  • John 3:29

    He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

  • John 3:36

    He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

  • Matthew 21:31

    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.

  • Matthew 21:32

    For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen [it], repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

  • Matthew 11:7

    ¶ 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?
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