Mark 11:31

KJV

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

They discussed it among themselves: "If we say, `From Heaven,' he will say, `Then why didn't you believe him?'

Berean Standard Bible

They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

American Standard Version

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial moment in the escalating conflict between Jesus and the religious establishment during the Passion Week in Jerusalem. It immediately follows Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem ([Mark 11:1-11](/mark/11-1-11 "Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem")), His symbolic cursing of the fig tree ([Mark 11:12-14](/mark/11-12-14 "The Cursing of the Fig Tree")), and His dramatic cleansing of the temple, where He overturned the tables of money changers and dove sellers, asserting His authority over the sacred space ([Mark 11:15-19](/mark/11-15-19 "Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). The religious leaders, threatened by Jesus' actions and growing popularity, directly challenge His authority, asking, "By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?" ([Mark 11:28](/mark/11-28 "The Challenge to Jesus' Authority")). Instead of a direct answer, Jesus poses a strategic counter-question about John the Baptist's baptism: "The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me" ([Mark 11:30](/mark/11-30 "Jesus' Counter-Question to the Leaders")). Mark 11:31 records their private, internal response to this dilemma, setting the stage for their eventual refusal to answer and Jesus' subsequent silence on their original question ([Mark 11:33](/mark/11-33 "The Leaders' Refusal to Answer")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during Passover, a time of heightened religious fervor and political tension, with Roman occupation adding another layer of complexity. The chief priests, scribes, and elders represented the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish religious and judicial council, whose authority was now being openly challenged by Jesus. John the Baptist had recently been executed, but his prophetic ministry and baptism were widely accepted by the common people as divinely ordained ([Mark 1:4-8](/mark/1-4-8 "John the Baptist's Ministry and Prophecy")). The phrase "from heaven" was a common Jewish idiom for something originating from God, while "of men" denoted human invention or authority. The leaders' fear of the people's reaction, explicitly mentioned in the subsequent verse ([Mark 11:32](/mark/11-32 "The Leaders' Fear of the People")), underscores the precarious balance of power and public opinion in first-century Judea. Their concern was not theological truth but political expediency and the preservation of their own status and control.
* **Key Themes:** This passage highlights several profound themes. Central to the exchange is the **Nature of Authority**, specifically distinguishing between divine authority, which demands absolute submission, and human authority, which is often self-serving and fallible. The leaders' internal debate exposes their profound **Hypocrisy**, as they are more concerned with maintaining their public image and power than with discerning or speaking the truth about God's messengers. Their reasoning reveals a deep-seated **Fear of Man**, prioritizing the opinions and potential reactions of the crowd over the implications of acknowledging God's work. Furthermore, Jesus' masterful use of a counter-question demonstrates His profound **Wisdom and Strategic Acumen**, turning their trap back on them and exposing their lack of integrity without directly compromising His own divine authority. This encounter serves as a powerful illustration of spiritual blindness in the face of undeniable truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **reasoned (Greek, _logízomai'_):** From the root _logos_ (word, reason), this verb means "to take an inventory, estimate, conclude, reckon, suppose, think on." In this context, it signifies a calculated, strategic internal debate rather than a sincere theological inquiry. The leaders are not genuinely seeking truth but are weighing political consequences and public perception, demonstrating a pragmatic, self-interested approach to a spiritual question.
* **themselves (Greek, _heautoû'_):** This reflexive pronoun emphasizes the self-referential nature of their deliberation. Their concern is entirely inward-focused—how their answer will affect _them_, their reputation, and their power. It underscores their self-preservation instinct, contrasting sharply with the selfless pursuit of truth.
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** This verb means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust." Jesus' anticipated question, "Why then did ye not believe him?", cuts to the core of their spiritual failure. It exposes their lack of genuine faith in John's divine mission, which would have logically led them to accept his testimony about Jesus. Their refusal to believe John revealed their deeper unbelief in God's current work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they reasoned with themselves,"**: This phrase reveals the internal, private deliberation of the religious leaders. It's not an open discussion with Jesus, but a strategic huddle where they weigh the pros and cons of their potential answers, indicating a calculated rather than a sincere approach to the question of authority.
* **"saying, If we shall say, From heaven;"**: Here, they consider the first option: acknowledging that John the Baptist's authority and baptism were divinely ordained. This option implies accepting John as a true prophet sent by God.
* **"he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?"**: This is their crucial anticipated consequence. They correctly deduce that if they admit John's divine authority, Jesus will logically press them on why they, the spiritual leaders, did not accept John's message and baptism, which would expose their hypocrisy and unbelief to the people and to Jesus Himself.

#### 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.

* [Matthew 21:23-27](/matthew/21-23-27 "Matthew's Account of the Authority Question")
* [Luke 20:1-8](/luke/20-1-8 "Luke's Parallel Account of Jesus' Authority")
* [John 5:44](/john/5-44 "Jesus on Seeking Glory from Men")

### 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
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing human approval or personal comfort over God's truth?**
* **How does the fear of man influence my decisions, particularly concerning my faith and witness?**
* **Am I willing to acknowledge and submit to God's authority, even when it challenges my preconceived notions or personal desires?**

### 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](/john/1-29-34 "John the Baptist Testifies About Jesus")). 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](/mark/11-32 "The People Held John to be a Prophet")). 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 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")" (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 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")" (Acts 4:12). The leaders' fear of man kept them from embracing the truth that would have led them to the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who offers genuine freedom from sin and the fear of judgment.

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.

Cross-References

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?