Mark Chapter 11 · Verse 31
And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλογίζοντο
they reasoned
G3049
ἐλογίζοντο
they reasoned
Strong's:
G3049
Word #:
2 of 15
to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)
πρὸς
with
G4314
πρὸς
with
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 15
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ἑαυτοὺς
themselves
G1438
ἑαυτοὺς
themselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
4 of 15
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
λέγοντες,
saying
G3004
λέγοντες,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἐὰν
If
G1437
Ἐὰν
If
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
6 of 15
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
Ἐξ
From
G1537
Ἐξ
From
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
8 of 15
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 #:
9 of 15
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ἐρεῖ,
he will say
G2046
ἐρεῖ,
he will say
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
10 of 15
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
Historical Context
John's message of repentance condemned the religious establishment's hypocrisy. He called Pharisees and Sadducees a brood of vipers (Matthew 3:7) and warned that Abraham's descent did not guarantee salvation. This undermined their presumption and privilege. Many common people repented; most religious leaders did not. Their rejection of John paralleled their rejection of earlier prophets. Jesus later indicts them: You build tombs for the prophets, yet you are sons of those who murdered the prophets (Matthew 23:29-31).
Questions for Reflection
- How does calculating What answer benefits me? rather than What is true? characterize modern evasion of Jesus's claims?
- Why does suppressing known truth create intellectual incoherence in those rejecting God's revelation?
- Where might you be reasoning pragmatically about theological questions rather than seeking truth regardless of cost?
Analysis & Commentary
They reasoned with themselves—Rather than seeking truth, they calculate consequences. The Greek verb indicates internal debate, weighing options. Their reasoning is pragmatic, not principled—they ask not What is true? but What answer benefits us politically? This exposes their hearts: they do not genuinely seek Jesus's authority's nature but seek to trap or discredit Him while protecting their status. If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?—They recognize admitting John's divine commissioning would condemn them. If John was God's prophet, why did not they believe his message and repent? Why did not they accept his testimony about Jesus? Their dilemma reveals position incoherence—they knew John was genuinely prophetic but refused to believe because accepting John meant accepting Jesus, which threatened their power.