Mark 11:30
New International Version
John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!”

New Living Translation
“Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!”

English Standard Version
Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.”

Berean Standard Bible
John’s baptism—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me!”

Berean Literal Bible
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men? Answer Me."

King James Bible
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.

New King James Version
The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.”

New American Standard Bible
Was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men? Answer Me.”

NASB 1995
“Was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men? Answer Me.”

NASB 1977
“Was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men? Answer Me.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men? Answer Me.”

Amplified Bible
Was the baptism of John [the Baptist] from heaven [that is, ordained by God] or from men? Answer Me.”

Christian Standard Bible
Was John’s baptism from heaven or of human origin? Answer me.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Was John’s baptism from heaven or from men? Answer Me.”

American Standard Version
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men? answer me.

Contemporary English Version
Who gave John the right to baptize? Was it God in heaven or merely some human being?"

English Revised Version
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men? answer me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Did John's right to baptize come from heaven or from humans? Answer me!"

Good News Translation
Tell me, where did John's right to baptize come from: was it from God or from human beings?"

International Standard Version
Was John's authority to baptize from heaven or from humans? Answer me."

Majority Standard Bible
John?s baptism?was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me!?

NET Bible
John's baptism--was it from heaven or from people? Answer me."

New Heart English Bible
The baptism of John--was it from heaven, or from people? Answer me."

Webster's Bible Translation
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men? answer me.

Weymouth New Testament
John's Baptism--was it of Heavenly or of human origin? Answer me."

World English Bible
The baptism of John—was it from heaven, or from men? Answer me.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
the immersion of John—was it from Heaven or from men? Answer Me.”

Berean Literal Bible
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men? Answer Me."

Young's Literal Translation
the baptism of John -- from heaven was it? or from men? answer me.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Was the immersion of John from heaven, or from men? answer me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men? Answer me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The baptism of John: was it from heaven or from men? Answer me.”

New American Bible
Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.”

New Revised Standard Version
Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin? Answer me.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Whence is the baptism of John, from heaven, or from men? Tell me.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“From where was the baptism of Yohannan, from Heaven, or from the sons of men? Tell me.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Was the immersion of John from heaven, or from men? answer me.

Godbey New Testament
Was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men? answer me.

Haweis New Testament
The baptism of John, was it of heaven, or of men? answer me.

Mace New Testament
the baptism of John, was it of divine, or of human institution?

Weymouth New Testament
John's Baptism--was it of Heavenly or of human origin? Answer me."

Worrell New Testament
The immersion of John, was it from Heaven, or from men? Answer Me."

Worsley New Testament
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men? answer me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus' Authority Challenged
29“I will ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 30John’s baptism— was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me!” 31They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’…

Cross References
Matthew 21:25
What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

Luke 20:4
John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?”

John 1:33
I myself did not know Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’

Acts 1:22
beginning from John’s baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

Matthew 3:13-17
At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. / But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” / “Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him. ...

Luke 3:21-22
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened, / and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

John 5:36
But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me.

John 10:25
“I already told you,” Jesus replied, “but you did not believe. The works I do in My Father’s name testify on My behalf.

John 12:49
I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it.

John 14:10
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you, I do not speak on My own. Instead, it is the Father dwelling in Me, performing His works.

Acts 10:37-38
You yourselves know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee with the baptism that John proclaimed: / how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.

Acts 13:24-25
Before the arrival of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. / As John was completing his course, he said, ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not that One. But there is One coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’

Isaiah 40:3
A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.

Malachi 3:1
“Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts.

Malachi 4:5-6
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD. / And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse.”


Treasury of Scripture

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.

Mark 1:1-11
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; …

Mark 9:13
But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

Matthew 3:1-17
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, …

Jump to Previous
Baptism Heaven Heavenly Human John John's Origin
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Baptism Heaven Heavenly Human John John's Origin
Mark 11
1. Jesus rides with triumph into Jerusalem;
12. curses the fruitless fig tree;
15. purges the temple;
20. exhorts his disciples to steadfastness of faith, and to forgive their enemies;
27. and defends his actions by the witness of John, who was a man sent of God.














John’s baptism—
John the Baptist's ministry was a significant precursor to Jesus' own ministry. His baptism symbolized repentance and preparation for the coming Messiah. In the Jewish context, baptism was a ritual of purification, but John's baptism was unique as it called for a moral and spiritual renewal. This phrase highlights the authority and divine mission of John, which was recognized by many, including Jesus Himself. The question posed by Jesus challenges the religious leaders to acknowledge the divine origin of John's mission, which they had previously rejected.

was it from heaven
The phrase "from heaven" implies divine authority and origin. In Jewish thought, heaven was synonymous with God, and thus, something from heaven was considered to be sanctioned by God. By questioning whether John's baptism was from heaven, Jesus is asking the religious leaders to consider whether John's ministry was divinely ordained. This also reflects the broader theme in the Gospels of Jesus' own authority being questioned and affirmed as coming from God.

or from men?
This presents the alternative that John's baptism could have been a human invention, lacking divine authority. The religious leaders were often concerned with maintaining their own authority and were wary of movements that could undermine their power. By framing the question this way, Jesus forces them to confront their own beliefs about authority and revelation. If they admitted it was from men, they would have to explain why so many people, including themselves at times, were drawn to John's message.

Answer Me!”
This command underscores the urgency and importance of the question. Jesus demands a response, highlighting the leaders' reluctance to commit to an answer that would either validate John's ministry or expose their own unbelief. This moment is a turning point, as it reveals the leaders' inability to recognize divine authority when it challenges their own. The imperative "Answer Me!" also reflects Jesus' authoritative teaching style, often seen throughout the Gospels, where He calls for a decision or response from His listeners.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is questioning the religious leaders about the authority of John the Baptist's baptism.

2. John the Baptist
A prophet who preached repentance and baptized many, including Jesus. His baptism is the subject of Jesus' question.

3. Religious Leaders
The chief priests, scribes, and elders who challenge Jesus' authority, prompting His question about John's baptism.

4. Jerusalem
The city where this interaction takes place, a significant location for Jewish religious and political life.

5. The Temple
The setting of this event, where Jesus is teaching and where the religious leaders confront Him.
Teaching Points
Authority from Heaven
Jesus challenges us to discern the source of spiritual authority. Like the religious leaders, we must consider whether our beliefs and practices are rooted in divine authority or human tradition.

Courage in Confrontation
Jesus demonstrates courage in confronting the religious leaders. We are called to stand firm in our faith and convictions, even when faced with opposition.

The Importance of Repentance
John's baptism was a call to repentance. This remains a foundational aspect of the Christian faith, urging us to continually turn away from sin and towards God.

Discernment in Leadership
The religious leaders' inability to answer Jesus' question reveals a lack of spiritual discernment. As believers, we must seek wisdom and understanding in our leadership and decision-making.

Acknowledging Divine Work
Recognizing and affirming God's work in the world is crucial. We should be open to seeing how God is moving in unexpected ways and through unexpected people.Verse 30. - The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men? By the "baptism of John" our Lord means his testimony concerning himself, his doctrine, and nil his preaching. It is a synecdoche - the part put for the whole. The argument is incontrovertible. It is this: "You ask from whence I derive my authority - from God or from men? I in my turn ask you from whom did John the Baptist derive his authority to baptize and to teach? from heaven or from men? If he had it from God, as all will confess, then I too have the same from God; for John testified of me, saying that he was but a servant, the friend of the Bridegroom; but that I was the Messiah, the Son of God: and this too when you sent messengers to him for his special purpose, that you might know from him whether he was the Messias." (See John 1:20; John 10:41.) Answer me. This is characteristic of St. Mark's style, and of our Lord's dignified earnestness.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
The
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

baptism
βάπτισμα (baptisma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 908: The rite or ceremony of baptism. From baptizo; baptism.

of John,
Ἰωάννου (Iōannou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491: Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.

was it
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

from
ἐξ (ex)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

heaven
οὐρανοῦ (ouranou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.

or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

from
ἐξ (ex)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

men?
ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

Answer
ἀποκρίθητέ (apokrithēte)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.

Me!”
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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Mark 11:29
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