Mark 11:30
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰωάννου
of John
G2491
Ἰωάννου
of John
Strong's:
G2491
Word #:
3 of 11
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
ἐξ
it from
G1537
ἐξ
it from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 11
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
5 of 11
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ἐξ
it from
G1537
ἐξ
it from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
8 of 11
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Historical Context
John the Baptist was the last and greatest Old Testament prophet (Matthew 11:11-13), the forerunner prophesied in Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1, preparing the way for Messiah. His baptism of repentance, ascetic lifestyle, and fearless preaching drew massive crowds. Josephus confirms John's historical significance and Herod's fear of his influence. John's testimony about Jesus was public and unambiguous. If the religious leaders acknowledged John as God's prophet, they would have to reckon with his testimony about Jesus.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's question force binary choice—eliminating evasive neutrality?
- What does the religious leaders' calculated silence reveal about prioritizing reputation over truth?
- Where might you be evading clear yes/no questions about Jesus's identity because honest answers would demand costly response?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me—Jesus frames a binary choice: John's authority was either from heaven (divinely commissioned) or of men (merely human initiative). No middle ground exists; neutrality is impossible. This forces the religious leaders to take a stand on John's prophetic credentials. The question is brilliant because it is directly relevant. John testified explicitly about Jesus: Behold, the Lamb of God (John 1:29), and I have seen and borne witness that this is the Son of God (John 1:34). If John was a true prophet commissioned by God, his testimony about Jesus is authoritative. Rejecting John means rejecting his testimony to Jesus; accepting John means accepting Jesus.