Matthew 21:26
But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
But {G1161} if {G1437} we shall say {G2036}, Of {G1537} men {G444}; we fear {G5399} the people {G3793}; for {G1063} all {G3956} hold {G2192} John {G2491} as {G5613} a prophet {G4396}.
But if we say, `From a human source,' we are afraid of the people, for they all regard Yochanan as a prophet."
But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.”
But if we shall say, From men; we fear the multitude; for all hold John as a prophet.
Cross-References
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Mark 6:20 (4 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. -
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. -
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 11:9 (3 votes)
But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. -
John 5:35 (3 votes)
He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. -
Isaiah 57:11 (2 votes)
And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid [it] to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not? -
John 10:41 (2 votes)
And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.
Commentary
Matthew 21:26 is part of a poignant exchange between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders in the Temple. Following Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and His cleansing of the Temple, the chief priests and elders confronted Him, demanding to know by what authority He performed these actions (Matthew 21:23). Jesus, in turn, posed a counter-question: "The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men?"
Context
This verse reveals the dilemma faced by the chief priests and elders. They were trapped by Jesus' question. If they acknowledged John's baptism as "from heaven," they would condemn themselves for not believing John's message and accepting his witness concerning Jesus (John 1:29). However, if they dared to say John's authority was merely "of men," they feared a severe backlash from the populace. The KJV text states, "we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet." This highlights the widespread reverence and acceptance of John the Baptist as a true prophet of God among the common people.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "prophet" here is prophētēs (προφήτης), which literally means "one who speaks forth" or "proclaims." While often associated with foretelling the future, a prophet's primary role was to speak God's message to the people, calling them to repentance and preparing them for the Messiah. The people's universal acceptance of John as a prophētēs meant they believed his words carried divine authority.
Practical Application
This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers today, especially those in positions of leadership. It challenges us to examine our motivations: are we driven by a genuine pursuit of truth and obedience to God, or by the desire for human approval and fear of negative consequences? The example of the chief priests and elders demonstrates the spiritual danger of prioritizing public image and personal safety over divine conviction. True integrity means standing for what is right, even when it is unpopular, trusting God's approval over human applause, as Jesus consistently demonstrated.
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