Matthew 21:25
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?
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰωάννου
of John
G2491
Ἰωάννου
of John
Strong's:
G2491
Word #:
3 of 27
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
πόθεν
whence
G4159
πόθεν
whence
Strong's:
G4159
Word #:
4 of 27
from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause
Ἐξ
From
G1537
Ἐξ
From
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
6 of 27
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 #:
7 of 27
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
Ἐξ
From
G1537
Ἐξ
From
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 27
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διελογίζοντο
they reasoned
G1260
διελογίζοντο
they reasoned
Strong's:
G1260
Word #:
13 of 27
to reckon thoroughly, i.e., (genitive case) to deliberate (by reflection or discussion)
παρ᾽
with
G3844
παρ᾽
with
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
14 of 27
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
ἑαυτοῖς
themselves
G1438
ἑαυτοῖς
themselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
15 of 27
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
16 of 27
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 #:
17 of 27
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 #:
19 of 27
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 #:
20 of 27
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 #:
21 of 27
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
Cross References
1 John 3:20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.John 3:18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.John 1:15John 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.Luke 20:5And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?John 1:6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
Historical Context
John's baptism had attracted massive following, including Pharisees and Sadducees whom he denounced (Matt 3:7). The people revered John as a prophet (v.26), creating political pressure. The religious leaders had rejected John's call to repentance, maintaining their self-righteousness—the root issue with Jesus.
Questions for Reflection
- When has fear of consequences kept you from acknowledging truth you knew in your conscience?
- How does political calculation ('what will people think?') compete with truth-seeking in your spiritual decisions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men?—Jesus forces binary choice: divine origin (ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, ex ouranou) or human invention (ἐξ ἀνθρώπων, ex anthrōpōn). John's baptism represented his entire prophetic ministry, which authenticated Jesus (John 1:29-34). Their answer would reveal whether they recognized God's voice.
If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?—The leaders' political calculation (διελογίζοντο, dielogizonto, 'reasoned among themselves') exposes hearts seeking advantage, not truth. John had testified that Jesus was the Lamb of God—acknowledging John's divine authority meant confessing Jesus's Messiahship.