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Mark 11:32

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But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all [men] counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.

But {G235} if {G1437} we shall say {G2036}, Of {G1537} men {G444}; they feared {G5399} the people {G2992}: for {G1063} all {G537} men counted {G2192} John {G2491}, that {G3754} he was {G2258} a prophet {G4396} indeed {G3689}.

But if we say, `From a human source, . . . '" -- they were afraid of the people, for they all regarded Yochanan as a genuine prophet.

But if we say, ‘From men’...” they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet.

But should we say, From men—they feared the people: for all verily held John to be a prophet.

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of a direct confrontation between Jesus and the chief priests, scribes, and elders in the Temple courts in Jerusalem. After Jesus' triumphal entry and cleansing of the Temple, these religious leaders challenge His authority (see Mark 11:27-28). Instead of directly answering, Jesus poses a counter-question about the origin of John the Baptist's baptism: "Was it from heaven, or of men?" (Mark 11:30). The religious leaders discuss among themselves, realizing they are in a dilemma. If they say "from heaven," Jesus will ask why they didn't believe John. This verse, Mark 11:32, reveals their reasoning for not daring to say "of men."

Key Themes

  • Fear of Man vs. Truth: The primary theme is the religious leaders' profound fear of public opinion. Their decision-making is not based on truth or divine revelation, but on preserving their social standing and avoiding popular backlash. This highlights a common human failing: prioritizing external approval over internal conviction.
  • John the Baptist's Widespread Recognition: The verse powerfully affirms that John the Baptist was universally acknowledged as a true prophet by the common people. This popular conviction made it politically dangerous for the religious authorities to deny his divine commission. John's prophetic legitimacy indirectly validated his testimony about Jesus as the Messiah.
  • Hypocrisy and Spiritual Blindness: The leaders' refusal to answer exposes their hypocrisy. They claim spiritual authority but are driven by worldly concerns and a lack of genuine faith. Their fear prevents them from acknowledging what was obvious to the masses.
  • Jesus' Wisdom and Discernment: Jesus' counter-question masterfully corners His adversaries, exposing their true motives and inability to answer honestly. He uses their own fear against them, revealing their spiritual and moral bankruptcy.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "counted John, that he was a prophet indeed" emphasizes the widespread and firm conviction among the people regarding John's prophetic status. The Greek word translated "counted" (ἔχοντες, echontes) implies holding a strong, established belief or opinion. It underscores that John's prophetic ministry was not a fringe movement but widely accepted and revered by the populace, making it politically inconvenient for the authorities to deny.

Practical Application

Mark 11:32 challenges us to examine our own motivations. Are we more concerned with public opinion, peer pressure, or potential consequences than with acknowledging and speaking the truth? This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of prioritizing the fear of man over the fear of the Lord. True integrity involves standing for what is right, even when it is unpopular or inconvenient. It also highlights the importance of genuine faith over outward appearances, reminding us that God sees the heart, not just the public facade.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 14:5 (3 votes)

    And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

  • Matthew 21:46 (3 votes)

    But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

  • Mark 12:12 (3 votes)

    And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.

  • Matthew 21:31 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Mark 6:20 (2 votes)

    For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

  • Acts 5:26 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.