Luke 20:6
But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 16
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
Ἐξ
Of
G1537
Ἐξ
Of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαὸς
the people
G2992
λαὸς
the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
8 of 16
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
πεπεισμένος
persuaded
G3982
πεπεισμένος
persuaded
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
11 of 16
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
γάρ
for
G1063
γάρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐστιν
they be
G2076
ἐστιν
they be
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
13 of 16
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
Ἰωάννην
that John
G2491
Ἰωάννην
that John
Strong's:
G2491
Word #:
14 of 16
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
Historical Context
Public opinion held significant power in first-century Judea. The Sanhedrin needed popular support to maintain authority under Roman occupation. The people's reverence for John stemmed from prophet-hunger—no widely recognized prophet had arisen in 400 years since Malachi. John's appearance, message, and lifestyle evoked Elijah, and his execution by Herod made him a martyr. The crowds who heard Jesus teach included many who had been baptized by John and accepted his testimony about Jesus as the Coming One.
Questions for Reflection
- How does fear of popular opinion compromise religious leaders' ability to speak truth?
- What does the contrast between the people's recognition of John and the leaders' rejection teach about spiritual discernment?
- In what ways do church leaders today sometimes prioritize institutional preservation over prophetic truth-telling?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet—The leaders fear popular opinion (ὁ λαὸς ἅπας, ho laos hapas, "all the people") more than God's truth. The threat of stoning (καταλιθάσει, katalithasei) wasn't hyperbole—crowds could become violent mobs. The people were "persuaded" (πεπεισμένος, pepeismenos, convinced, confident) of John's prophetic status based on his ministry's evident marks: powerful preaching, ascetic lifestyle, fulfillment of prophecy, and martyrdom.
This verse exposes tragic irony: religious leaders who should discern God's voice are paralyzed by fear of crowds, while common people recognize the prophet the experts reject. Their concern isn't "What is true?" but "What is safe?" They're trapped between truth and convenience, unable to acknowledge either option. This reveals how institutional religion can become self-preserving rather than truth-seeking. When leaders value position over truth, they forfeit the authority they claim to protect.