Matthew 21:26
24 “I will also ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
25 What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.”
27 So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
28 But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first one and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’
Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.”
- KJV
- But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
- WEB
- But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet.”
- ASV
- But if we shall say, From men; we fear the multitude; for all hold John as a prophet.
- DARBY
- but if we should say, Of men, we fear the crowd, for all hold John for a prophet.
- BLB
- But if we should say, ‘From men,’ we fear the crowd, for all hold John as a prophet.”
- ÅB
- Men sier vi ‘Fra mennesker’, så frykter vi for folket; for alle anser Johannes som en profet.»
- OTB
- Men hvis vi sier: ‘Fra mennesker,’ frykter vi folket, for alle anser Johannes som en profet.”
- B1930
- Men sier vi: Fra mennesker, da frykter vi for folket; for alle holder Johannes for en profet.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Mark 6:20
because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly.
Read in contextMatthew 14:5
Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.
Read in contextMatthew 21:46
Although they wanted to arrest Him, they were afraid of the crowds, because the people regarded Him as a prophet.
Read in contextJohn 5:35
John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light.
Read in contextMatthew 11:9
What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
Read in contextLuke 22:2
and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death; for they feared the people.
Read in contextActs 5:26
At that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles—but not by force, for fear the people would stone them.
Read in contextJohn 10:41–42
Many came to Him and said, “Although John never performed a sign, everything he said about this man was true.”
Read in context