TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Commentary on Mark 11 verses 27–33
We have here Christ examined by the great Sanhedrim concerning his authority; for they claimed a power to call prophets to an account concerning their mission. They came to him when he was walking in the temple, not for his diversion, but teaching the people, first one company and then another. The Peripatetic philosophers were so called from the custom they had of walking when they taught. The cloisters, or piazzas, in the courts of the temple, were fitted for this purpose. The great men were vexed to see him followed and heard with attention, and therefore came to him with some solemnity, and did as it were arraign him at the bar with this question, By what authority doest thou these things? Mar 11:28. Now observe,
I. How they designed hereby to run him aground, and embarrass him. If they could make it out before the people, that he had not a legal mission, that he was not duly ordained, though he was ever so well qualified, and preached ever so profitably and well, they would tell the people that they ought not to hear him. This they made the last refuge of an obstinate unbelief; because they were resolved not to receive his doctrine, they were resolved to find some flaw or other in his commission, and will conclude it invalid, if it be not produced and ratified in their court. Thus the Papists resolve their controversy with us very much into the mission of our ministers, and if they have but any pretence to overthrow that, they think they have gained their point, though we have the scripture ever so much on our side. But this is indeed a question, which all that act either as magistrates or ministers, ought to be furnished with a good answer to, and often put to themselves, By what authority do I these things? For how can men preach except they be sent? Or how can they act with comfort, or confidence, or hope of success, except they be authorized? Jer 23:32.
II. How he effectually ran them aground, and embarrassed them, with this question, "What are your thoughts concerning the baptism of John? Was it from heaven, or of men? By what authority did John preach, and baptize, and gather disciples? Answer me, Mar 11:30. Deal fairly and ingenuously, and give a categorical answer, one way or the other." By this resolve of their question into this, our Saviour intimates how near akin his doctrine and baptism were to John's; they had the same original, and the same design and tendency - to introduce the gospel kingdom. Christ might with the better grace put this question to them, because they had sent a committee of their own house to examine John, Joh 1:19. "Now," saith Christ, "what was the result of your enquiries concerning him?"
They knew what they thought of this question; they could not but think that John Baptist was a man sent of God. But the difficulty was, what they should say to it now. Men that oblige not themselves to speak as they think (which is a certain rule) cannot avoid perplexing themselves thus.
1.If they own the baptism of John to be from heaven, as really it was, they shame themselves; for Christ will presently turn it upon them, Why did ye not then believe him, and receive his baptism? They could not bear that Christ should say this, but they could bear it that their own consciences should say so, because they had an art of stifling and silencing them, and because what conscience said, though it might gall and grate them a little, would not shame them; and then they would do well enough, who looked no further than Saul's care, when he was convicted, Honour me now before this people, Sa1 15:30.
2.If they say, "It is of men, he was not sent of God, but his doctrine and baptism were inventions of his own," they expose themselves, the people will be ready to do them a mischief, or a least clamour upon them; for all men counted John that he was a prophet indeed, and therefore they could not bear that he should be reflected on. Note, There is a carnal slavish fear, which not only wicked subjects but wicked rulers likewise are liable to, which God makes use of as a means to keep the world in some order, and to suppress violence, that it shall not always grow up into a rod of wickedness. Now by this dilemma to which Christ brought them, (1.) They were confounded and baffled, and forced to make a dishonourable retreat; to pretend ignorance - We cannot tell (and that was mortification enough to those proud men), but really to discover the greatest malice and wilfulness. What Christ did by his wisdom, we must labour to do by our well doing - put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, Pe1 2:15. (2.) Christ came off with honour, and justified himself in refusing to give them an answer to their imperious demand; Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things. They did not deserve to be told; for it was plain that they contended not for truth, but victory; nor did he need to tell them, for the works which he did, told them plainly that he had authority from God to do what he did; since no man could do those miracles which he did unless God were with him. Let them wait but three or four days, and his resurrection shall tell them who gave him his authority, for by that he will be declared to be the Son of God with power, as by their rejecting of him, notwithstanding, they will be declared to be the enemies of God.
They envied the Lamp, and were in the dark, wherefore it is said, I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed; his enemies will I clothe with shame. (Ps. 132:17, 18) There follows: And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
(ubi sup.) And indeed, when they say, By what authority doest thou these things, they doubt its being the power of God, and wish it to be understood that what He did was the devil's work. When they add also, Who gave thee this authority, they evidently deny that He is the Son of God, since they believe that He works miracles, not by His own but by another's power.
(ubi sup.) The Lord might indeed have confuted the cavils of his tempters by a direct answer, but prudently puts them a question, that they might be condemned either by their silence or their speaking, which is evident from what is added, And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? As if He had said, He whom you confess to have had his prophecy from heaven bore testimony of Me, and ye have heard from him, by what authority I do these things. It goes on: But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people. They saw then that whatever they answered, they should fall into a snare; fearing to be stoned, they feared still more the confession of the truth. Wherefore it goes on: And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell.
(ubi sup.) As if He had said, I will not tell you what I know, since ye will not confess what ye know. Further, we must observe that knowledge is hidden from those who seek it, principally for two reasons, namely, when he who seeks for it either has not sufficient capacity to understand what he seeks for, or when through contempt for the truth, or some other reason, he is unworthy of having that for which he seeks opened to him.
But they considered among themselves, saying: If we say, from heaven, he will say to us: Why then did you not believe him? For he whom you acknowledge to have had prophecy from heaven, testified about me, and you heard from him by what authority I do these things.
They were angry with the Lord, for having cast out of the temple those who had made it a place of merchandize, and therefore they come up to Him, to question and tempt Him. Wherefore it is said: And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the Chief Priests, and the Scribes, and the elders, and say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee authority to do these things? As if they had said, Who art thou that doest these things? Dost thou make thyself a doctor, and ordain thyself Chief Priest?
Further, they said this, thinking to bring Him to judgment, so that if He said, by mine own power, they might lay hold upon Him; but if He said, by the power of another, they might make the people leave Him, for they believed Him to be God. But the Lord asks them concerning John, not without a reason, nor in a sophistical way, but because John had borne witness of Him. Wherefore there follows: And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.
Continue studying Mark 11:31 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Mark 11:31 captures the internal deliberation of the chief priests, scribes, and elders as they grapple with Jesus' counter-question concerning the authority of John the Baptist. This verse vividly illustrates their self-serving motives and fear of public opinion, revealing a calculated attempt to avoid a truthful answer that would compromise their standing and expose their spiritual hypocrisy in the face of divine authority.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Mark 11:31 masterfully employs several literary devices to highlight the spiritual and moral bankruptcy of the religious leaders. The primary device is Dilemma, as Jesus' counter-question presents the leaders with two equally unpalatable options, forcing them to choose between alienating the people (by denying John's divine authority) or exposing their own unbelief and hypocrisy (by admitting it). This creates a powerful sense of Dramatic Irony, as the supposed spiritual guides of Israel are shown to be more concerned with political maneuvering and self-preservation than with divine truth. Their internal "reasoning" (Greek: logízomai) also functions as a form of Internal Monologue, allowing the reader access to their calculating and fearful thought process, contrasting sharply with the straightforward pursuit of truth. Furthermore, Jesus' anticipated question functions as a powerful Rhetorical Question, designed not to elicit information but to expose their spiritual state and intellectual dishonesty.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly underscores the stark contrast between genuine faith and religious hypocrisy. The religious leaders' internal debate reveals a heart more concerned with self-preservation and public image than with discerning or submitting to God's truth. Their fear of human opinion and loss of power blinded them to the clear evidence of John's divine mandate, and by extension, to Jesus' own authority. This passage serves as a theological indictment of those who prioritize worldly gain or reputation over spiritual integrity, demonstrating that true authority originates from God alone and demands sincere belief and obedience, not calculated political responses. It highlights the dangers of spiritual blindness and the hardening of hearts against divine revelation, a theme that tragically culminates in their rejection of Christ.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 11:31 serves as a profound mirror for every believer, challenging us to honestly examine our own motivations when confronted with spiritual truths or difficult choices. Are we, like the religious leaders, prone to prioritizing personal convenience, social standing, or the opinions of others over the uncompromising demands of God's Word? This passage calls us to cultivate a heart of genuine humility and integrity, willing to submit to divine authority even when it challenges our comfort zones or popular opinion. True faith requires a courageous commitment to truth, even when it comes at a personal cost. It reminds us that spiritual authenticity is not about outward appearances or clever arguments, but about an inward posture of belief and obedience to God. Let us guard against the fear of man, which proves to be a snare, and instead cultivate a reverent fear of God, which leads to wisdom and life.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jesus not directly answer their question about His authority?
Answer: Jesus' counter-question about John the Baptist's authority was a brilliant strategic move designed to expose the religious leaders' true motives and spiritual condition, rather than simply providing an answer they were not prepared to receive. By forcing them to consider John's authority, which was widely accepted by the people as divine, Jesus placed them in an inescapable dilemma. If they acknowledged John's divine authority, they would logically have to explain why they, as spiritual leaders, had not believed him or submitted to his baptism, which would then lead to accepting Jesus' authority as well, since John testified about Jesus as the Messiah (John 1:29-34). If they denied John's divine authority, they risked inciting the wrath of the people, who held John to be a prophet (Mark 11:32). Jesus' wisdom allowed Him to avoid their trap while simultaneously revealing their hypocrisy and unbelief.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
This pivotal encounter, though seemingly about John the Baptist's authority, ultimately serves to underscore the supreme and unquestionable authority of Jesus Christ Himself. The religious leaders' calculated refusal to acknowledge John's divine mandate tragically foreshadows their deeper, more profound rejection of Jesus, the very Son of God, whose authority truly comes "from heaven." Their spiritual blindness, driven by fear of man and a desire to preserve their own power, prevented them from recognizing the true Light of the World. Jesus, unlike these leaders, embodies perfect integrity and unwavering commitment to divine truth, never compromising His mission for human approval. His masterful wisdom in this exchange, turning their trap back on them, demonstrates His divine insight into the human heart and His sovereign control over every situation. The ultimate fulfillment of all authority is found in Jesus, who, after His resurrection, declared, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18). This confrontation serves as a stark reminder that true salvation and life are found only in recognizing and submitting to Christ's divine authority, for "there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). The leaders' fear of man kept them from embracing the truth that would have led them to the Lamb of God, who offers genuine freedom from sin and the fear of judgment.