Mark Chapter 11 · Verse 32
But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλ'
But
G235
ἀλλ'
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
2 of 17
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 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἐφοβοῦντο
they feared
G5399
ἐφοβοῦντο
they feared
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
6 of 17
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαόν
the people
G2992
λαόν
the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
8 of 17
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
εἶχον
men counted
G2192
εἶχον
men counted
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
11 of 17
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
14 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
Mark 12:12And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.Matthew 14:5And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.Matthew 21:46But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.
Historical Context
John's popularity was immense. Josephus reports Herod feared John's influence might lead to insurrection. When Herod executed John, people believed Herod's later military defeat was divine judgment. John's memory remained revered; questioning his prophetic status would alienate the masses. The religious leaders' fear of crowds was pragmatic but revealed misplaced priorities. They held authority by maintaining public support and Roman tolerance. Losing credibility could undermine their position. Yet leaders who fear losing position more than offending God are unfit to lead.
Questions for Reflection
- How does fear of human opinion—what will people think?—silence truth-telling and compromise integrity?
- Why did ordinary people demonstrate better spiritual discernment than educated religious leaders?
- What positions, relationships, or reputations might you be protecting at the expense of speaking or acknowledging truth?
Analysis & Commentary
But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people—The other horn of the dilemma: denying John's divine authority would provoke public outrage. They feared the people—fear of human opinion determined their response, not conviction of truth. Leaders who should guide people toward truth are instead controlled by popular opinion. This is man-pleasing versus God-pleasing (Galatians 1:10). For all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed—The people's discernment surpassed their leaders'. Common folk recognized John's authenticity—his holiness, courage, prophetic authority—while religious elites rejected him. This reversal is a consistent biblical theme: God reveals truth to the humble while hiding it from the supposedly wise (Matthew 11:25). The leaders' fear is deeply ironic—they should fear God but instead fear crowds.