New International VersionThey discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’
New Living TranslationThey talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John.
English Standard VersionAnd they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
Berean Standard BibleThey deliberated among themselves what they should answer: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
Berean Literal BibleAnd they began 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 BibleAnd they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
New King James VersionAnd they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
New American Standard BibleAnd they began considering the implications among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’
NASB 1995They began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’
NASB 1977And they began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’
Legacy Standard BibleAnd they began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’
Amplified BibleThey began discussing it with each other, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’
Christian Standard BibleThey discussed it among themselves: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him? ’
Holman Christian Standard BibleThey began to argue among themselves: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’
American Standard VersionAnd they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
Contemporary English VersionThey 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 VersionAnd they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThey discussed this among themselves. They said, "If we say, 'from heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?'
Good News TranslationThey 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 VersionThey began discussing this among themselves. "If we say, 'From heaven,' he'll say, 'Then why didn't you believe him?'
NET BibleThey discussed with one another, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Then why did you not believe him?'
New Heart English BibleThey reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we should say, 'From heaven;' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?'
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
Weymouth New TestamentSo 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 BibleThey 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 BibleAnd they began 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 TranslationAnd 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 VersionBut they discussed it among themselves, saying: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’
New American BibleThey 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 VersionThey 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 EnglishAnd 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 TestamentAnd 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 TestamentAnd they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we reply, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
Mace New Testamentanswer 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 TestamentSo 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 TestamentAnd they reasoned with themselves, saying,
Worsley New TestamentAnd they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we say, from heaven; He will say, why then did ye not believe him?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus' Authority Challenged… 30John’s baptism—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me!” 31They deliberatedamongthemselveswhatthey should answer:“Ifwe say,‘Fromheaven,’He will ask,‘Whythendid you not believehim?’32But if we say, ‘From men’...” they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet.…
Cross References Matthew 21:25-27What 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?’ / But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.” / So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
Luke 20:4-8John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?” / They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ / But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” ...
John 1:19-27And 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 3:1-6In 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 3:2-6during 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 5:33-36You 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 19:4Paul 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 11:7-15As 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 7:24-30After 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. ...
John 10:41-42Many came to Him and said, “Although John never performed a sign, everything he said about this man was true.” / And many in that place believed in Jesus.
Matthew 14:5Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.
Luke 9:7-9When Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, he was perplexed. For some were saying that John had risen from the dead, / others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that a prophet of old had arisen. / “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.
John 3:26-30So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Look, Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, the One you testified about—He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.” / John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. / You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’ ...
Matthew 17:12-13But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.” / Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist.
Luke 1:76-80And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him, / to give to His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, / because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, ...
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 ArguedBelieveDebatedDiscussedFaithHeavenHeavenlyMatterReasonedReasoningSupposeThemselvesThoughtWhereforeJump to Next ArguedBelieveDebatedDiscussedFaithHeavenHeavenlyMatterReasonedReasoningSupposeThemselvesThoughtWhereforeMark 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:This phrase highlights the internal conflict and strategic thinking of the religious leaders. They were often depicted as being more concerned with maintaining their authority and public image than seeking truth. This deliberation reflects their fear of losing influence over the people, as they were aware of John the Baptist's popularity and the potential implications of acknowledging his divine authority. The setting is the Temple in Jerusalem, a place of significant religious and political power, which adds to the tension of their deliberation. “If we say, ‘From heaven,’
The phrase "from heaven" indicates divine origin, suggesting that John the Baptist's authority and message were sanctioned by God. In Jewish culture, acknowledging something as "from heaven" was to recognize it as having divine authority. This acknowledgment would have significant implications, as it would validate John's ministry and, by extension, Jesus' ministry, since John had testified about Jesus. The leaders' hesitation to affirm this reflects their unwillingness to accept Jesus' authority and the threat it posed to their own. He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
This rhetorical question underscores the inconsistency and hypocrisy of the religious leaders. If they admitted John's authority was divine, their failure to believe and follow his teachings would expose their lack of faith and spiritual insight. John the Baptist's call to repentance and his identification of Jesus as the Messiah were central to his ministry. By not believing John, the leaders were rejecting God's plan and the prophetic fulfillment of the Messiah's coming. This question also highlights Jesus' wisdom in exposing their duplicity and challenging their spiritual blindness. 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 EldersReligious leaders of the Jewish community who challenge Jesus' authority. They are concerned about maintaining their own power and influence. 3. John the BaptistThough 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 JerusalemThe setting of this event, a significant place of worship and teaching for the Jewish people. 5. The CrowdThe 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 GodThe religious leaders were more concerned with public opinion than with truth. We should prioritize God’s truth over human approval. The Importance of BeliefBelief in God’s messengers is crucial. The leaders’ refusal to believe John the Baptist reflects a hardened heart towards God’s revelation. Self-ExaminationLike 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-MakingThe 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?
11.What are the main themes in the Gospel of Mark?
12.What does 'Heaven and Earth will pass away' mean?
13.Why does this miracle at Cana (John 2:1-11) only appear in John's Gospel and not in the Synoptics?
14.Do you eat or drink for God's glory?What Does Mark 11:31 Mean They deliberated among themselves“They deliberated among themselves” (Mark 11:31). The chief priests, scribes, and elders pause to huddle, revealing their true motive: protecting position, not pursuing truth. Scripture often shows that when leaders scheme in private, they set themselves against God’s revealed will (Psalm 2:1–2;Acts 4:15–18). • Their deliberation shows fear of losing authority—just as Saul feared David (1 Samuel 18:12). • It exposes spiritual blindness; instead of recognizing Jesus as Messiah (Isaiah 42:18–20), they strategize to trap Him. • Like those inProverbs 26:24–26, their whispered counsel masks hatred of correction.
what they should answerThey weigh a response, not in light of truth, but of consequences. Concerned with optics, they mirror Pilate, who later tries to appease the crowd rather than uphold justice (Mark 15:15). •Proverbs 29:25 warns that “the fear of man is a snare,” and here that snare tightens. •Galatians 1:10 reminds believers that seeking human approval clashes with serving Christ. • Their hesitation contrasts with Peter and John, who spoke plainly before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:19–20).
“If we say, ‘From heaven,’”Acknowledging John’s baptism as divine would validate John’s witness to Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). It would also endorse John’s call to repentance (Luke 3:3) and affirm the prophetic expectation ofMalachi 3:1. •Matthew 21:25 parallels this scene, underscoring their dilemma. •Luke 7:29–30 notes that common people accepted John, but the religious leaders rejected him, “nullifying God’s purpose for themselves.” • To admit John’s heavenly authority would compel them to honor Jesus, whom John proclaimed (John 3:27–36).
“He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’”Jesus exposes the logical consequence of their confession. Truth acknowledged demands obedience (James 4:17). •Hebrews 2:1–3 warns against neglecting a salvation first spoken by the Lord and confirmed by witnesses like John. •Matthew 21:32 records Jesus’ charge: “Even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.” • By refusing belief, they fulfillIsaiah 6:9–10—ever hearing but never understanding—and stand self-condemned (John 12:48).
summaryMark 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. Verses 31, 32. - They reasoned with themselves, like men anxious and perplexed. If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then didye 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 aprophet. 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.
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.amongπρὸς(pros)Preposition
Strong's 4314:To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.themselvesἑαυτοὺς(heautous)Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1438:Himself, herself, itself.whatΤί(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.“IfἘὰν(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.‘FromἘξ(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.‘WhyΔιὰ(Dia)Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.thenοὖν(oun)Conjunction
Strong's 3767:Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.did you not believeἐπιστεύσατε(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.
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NT Gospels: Mark 11:31 They reasoned with themselves saying If we (Mar Mk Mr) |
