Matthew 21:26 But if we say, 'Of human origin'--we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet."

◄ Matthew 21:26 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
But if we say, 'Of human origin'--we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet."

English Standard Version
But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”

New American Standard Bible
"But if we say, 'From men,' we fear the people; for they all regard John as a prophet."

King James Bible
But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But if we say, 'From men,' we're afraid of the crowd, because everyone thought John was a prophet."

International Standard Version
But if we say, 'From humans,' we are afraid of the crowd, because everyone regards John as a prophet."

American Standard Version
But if we shall say, From men; we fear the multitude; for all hold John as a prophet.

Douay-Rheims Bible
If we shall say, from heaven, he will say to us: Why then did you not believe him? But if we shall say, from men, we are afraid of the multitude: for all held John as a prophet.

Darby Bible Translation
but if we should say, Of men, we fear the crowd, for all hold John for a prophet.

Young's Literal Translation
and if we should say, From men, we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet.'

Cross References

Matthew 11:9
But what went you out for to see? A prophet? yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

Matthew 21:11
And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

Matthew 21:25
The baptism of John, from where was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say to us, Why did you not then believe him?

Matthew 21:27
And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said to them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Matthew 21:46
But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

Mark 6:20
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.

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Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

21:23-27 As our Lord now openly appeared as the Messiah, the chief priests and scribes were much offended, especially because he exposed and removed the abuses they encouraged. Our Lord asked what they thought of John's ministry and baptism. Many are more afraid of the shame of lying than of the sin, and therefore scruple not to speak what they know to be false, as to their own thoughts, affections, and intentions, or their remembering and forgetting. Our Lord refused to answer their inquiry. It is best to shun needless disputes with wicked opposers.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

26. But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people—rather, "the multitude." In Luke (Lu 20:6) it is, "all the people will stone us"—"stone us to death."

for all hold John as a prophet—Crooked, cringing hypocrites! No wonder Jesus gave you no answer.