Matthew 21:26
But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 15
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 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
φοβούμεθα
we fear
G5399
φοβούμεθα
we fear
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
6 of 15
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 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλον
the people
G3793
ὄχλον
the people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
8 of 15
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἔχουσιν
hold
G2192
ἔχουσιν
hold
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
11 of 15
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 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Mark 6:20For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.Matthew 11:9But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.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.John 5:35He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
Historical Context
The Sanhedrin's power depended partly on popular support. Rome granted them religious authority but watched for unrest. Condemning a beloved prophet could trigger riots, threatening their delicate political balance. Yet this same calculation led them to kill Jesus (John 11:48-50).
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas might fear of others' opinions be overruling your obedience to known truth?
- How does the leaders' self-aware hypocrisy warn against comfortable Christianity that knows truth but refuses costly obedience?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people—Raw political pragmatism: φοβούμεθα τὸν ὄχλον (phoboumetha ton ochlon), 'we fear the crowd.' For all hold John as a prophet—the same people who held Jesus as prophet (v.11, 46) yet would soon cry for His crucifixion. Popular opinion proved fickle foundation.
The leaders' fear of man became a snare (Prov 29:25). They knew truth (John was God's prophet) but suppressed it to preserve power and position. This self-aware hypocrisy—knowing right but choosing wrong for political gain—marks the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit: willful rejection of known truth.