New International Version They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ New Living Translation They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John. English Standard Version And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not 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?’ Berean Literal Bible And they were reasoning with themselves, saying, “What should we say? If we should say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you⁺ not believe him?’ King James Bible And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? New King James Version And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ New American Standard Bible And they began considering the implications among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ NASB 1995 They began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ NASB 1977 And they began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ Legacy Standard Bible And they began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ Amplified Bible They began discussing it with each other, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ Berean Annotated Bible They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: “If we say, ‘From heaven, He will ask, ‘Why then did you⁺ not believe (have faith) him? Christian Standard Bible They discussed it among themselves: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him? ’ Holman Christian Standard Bible They began to argue among themselves: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why didn’t you 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? Contemporary English Version They thought it over and said to each other, "We can't say that God gave John this right. Jesus will ask us why we didn't believe John. English Revised Version And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? GOD'S WORD® Translation They discussed this among themselves. They said, "If we say, 'from heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' Good News Translation They started to argue among themselves: "What shall we say? If we answer, 'From God,' he will say, 'Why, then, did you not believe John?' International Standard Version They began discussing this among themselves. "If we say, 'From heaven,' he'll say, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' NET Bible They discussed with one another, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Then why did you not believe him?' New Heart English Bible They reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we should say, 'From heaven;' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?' Webster's Bible Translation And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? Weymouth New Testament So they debated the matter with one another. "Suppose we say, 'Heavenly,'" they argued, "he will ask, 'Why then did you not believe him?' Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThey deliberated among themselves: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ World English Bible They reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we should say, ‘From heaven;’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd they were reasoning with themselves, saying, “If we may say, From Heaven, He will say, Why then did you not believe him? Berean Literal Bible And they were reasoning with themselves, saying, “What should we say? If we should say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you⁺ not believe him?’ Young's Literal Translation And they were reasoning with themselves, saying, 'If we may say, From heaven, he will say, Wherefore, then, did ye not believe him? Smith's Literal Translation And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we say, From heaven; he will say, Wherefore did ye not believe him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut they thought with themselves, saying: If we say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did you not believe him? Catholic Public Domain Version But they discussed it among themselves, saying: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ New American Bible They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say, ‘[Then] why did you not believe him?’ New Revised Standard Version They argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they reasoned among themselves and said, If we should say to him, from heaven, he will say to us, Why then did you not believe him? Aramaic Bible in Plain English And they reasoned in themselves and they said, “If we say to him from Heaven, he will say to us, 'And why did you not believe him?' “ NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd they reasoned with themselves, saying: If we say, From heaven, he will reply, Why, then, did you not believe him? Godbey New Testament And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we may say, It is from heaven; He will say, Why did you not believe on him? Haweis New Testament And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we reply, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? Mace New Testament answer me that, upon this they reasoned thus with themselves; if we should say, it was divine, he will urge, why then did you not believe him? Weymouth New Testament So they debated the matter with one another. "Suppose we say, 'Heavenly,'" they argued, "he will ask, 'Why then did you not believe him?' Worrell New Testament And they reasoned with themselves, saying, Worsley New Testament And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we say, from heaven; He will say, why then did ye not believe him? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Jesus' Authority Challenged…30John’s baptism—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me!” 31 They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32But if we say, ‘From men’...” they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet.… Cross References They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: Luke 20:5 They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil. Proverbs 16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD. “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ Luke 20:4 John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?” 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?’ John 3:31 The One who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The One who comes from heaven is above all. He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’” Matthew 21:32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. Luke 7:29-30 All the people who heard this, even the tax collectors, acknowledged God’s justice. For they had received the baptism of John. / But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John. John 5:46-47 If you had believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me. / But since you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?” John 1:19-27 And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” / He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.” / “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” … Matthew 3:1-6 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea / and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” / This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” … Luke 3:2-6 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. / He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, / as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him. … John 5:33-36 You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. / Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved. / John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light. … Acts 19:4 Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” Matthew 11:7-15 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? / Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces. / What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. … Luke 7:24-30 After John’s messengers had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? / Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces. / What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. … Treasury of Scripture And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did you not believe him? Why. Matthew 11:7-14 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? … Matthew 21:25-27,31,32 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? … John 1:15,29,34,36 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me… Jump to Previous Argued Believe Debated Discussed Faith Heaven Heavenly Matter Reasoned Reasoning Suppose Themselves Thought WhereforeJump to Next Argued Believe Debated Discussed Faith Heaven Heavenly Matter Reasoned Reasoning Suppose Themselves Thought WhereforeMark 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. They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: The religious leaders privately weighed their response because either answer would expose them. In the Temple courts, where their authority was publicly displayed, they were more concerned with preserving their standing before the people than giving an honest judgment about John. Luk 20:5 They deliberated among themselves and said,… “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ To admit that John’s baptism came from God would acknowledge the divine authority of his ministry. John had called Israel to repentance and had identified Jesus as the One sent by God, making such an admission a direct challenge to the leaders’ rejection of Jesus. Luk 20:4 John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?” He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ Their refusal to accept John’s message revealed more than uncertainty; it showed deliberate unbelief. Jesus’ question exposed the contradiction between any claim to honor God and their rejection of the prophet God had sent. Mat 21:32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness,… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is teaching in the temple courts and is questioned by the chief priests, scribes, and elders about His authority. 2. Chief Priests, Scribes, and Elders Religious leaders of the Jewish community who challenge Jesus' authority. They are concerned about maintaining their own power and influence. 3. John the Baptist Though not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the subject of the question posed by Jesus. John’s baptism and authority are being debated. 4. The Temple in Jerusalem The setting of this event, a significant place of worship and teaching for the Jewish people. 5. The Crowd The people present in the temple who are listening to Jesus and observing the interaction between Him and the religious leaders. Teaching Points Authority from GodRecognize that true spiritual authority comes from God, not human institutions. Jesus’ authority was divine, as was John the Baptist’s. Fear of Man vs. Fear of God The religious leaders were more concerned with public opinion than with truth. We should prioritize God’s truth over human approval. The Importance of Belief Belief in God’s messengers is crucial. The leaders’ refusal to believe John the Baptist reflects a hardened heart towards God’s revelation. Self-Examination Like the religious leaders, we must examine our motives and openness to God’s truth. Are we resisting God’s authority in any area of our lives? Wisdom in Decision-Making The leaders’ deliberation shows the complexity of decision-making when truth is not the priority. Seek God’s wisdom in all decisions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Mark 11:31?2. How does Mark 11:31 challenge our understanding of authority and truth? 3. What does Mark 11:31 reveal about the Pharisees' fear of public opinion? 4. How can we avoid the Pharisees' mistake of fearing man over God? 5. How does Mark 11:31 connect with Proverbs 29:25 about fearing man? 6. In what ways can we seek God's wisdom when facing difficult questions? 7. What authority does Jesus claim in Mark 11:31, and how does it challenge religious leaders? 8. How does Mark 11:31 illustrate the conflict between Jesus and the Jewish authorities? 9. Why were the chief priests and elders unable to answer Jesus' question in Mark 11:31? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 11? Verses 31, 32. - They reasoned with themselves, like men anxious and perplexed. If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? For he told you I was the promised Messias, and bade you prepare yourselves by repentance to receive my grace and salvation. But should we say, From men - they feared the people: for all verily held John to be a prophet. This is a broken sentence, but very expressive. The evangelist leaves his reader to supply what they meant. They deemed it prudent not to finish the sentence; and probably cut it short with some significant gesture. They did not like to confess that they feared the people; although this was the true reason why they hesitated to say that John's baptism was of men. They knew that all the people held John to be a prophet. They were thus thrown on one or other horn of a dilemma. Mark 11:31 reveals religious leaders caught in a self-made trap. Their private plotting, fear of public opinion, reluctance to affirm John’s divine mission, and unwillingness to believe God’s messenger all expose hardened hearts. The verse warns that recognizing truth without submitting to it leaves one accountable before God, urging every reader to respond in obedient faith rather than calculated self-interest. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek They deliberatedδιελογίζοντο (dielogizonto) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1260: To reason (with), debate (with), consider. From dia and logizomai; to reckon thoroughly, i.e. to deliberate. among πρὸς (pros) Preposition Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. themselves ἑαυτοὺς (heautous) Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself. what Τί (Ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. they should answer: εἴπωμεν (eipōmen) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “If Ἐὰν (Ean) Conjunction Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. we say, εἴπωμεν (eipōmen) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. ‘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. He will ask, ἐρεῖ (erei) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2046: Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say. ‘Why Διὰ (Dia) Preposition Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. then οὖν (oun) Conjunction Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. did you not believe ἐπιστεύσατε (episteusate) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. him?’ αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. Additonal Resources Mark 11:31 Blue Letter BibleMark 11:31 Bible Gateway Mark 11:31 Bible.com Mark 11:31 NIV |
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