Bible Strands
Matthew 21:26
But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The chief priests and elders, questioned by Jesus about the origin of John’s baptism, deliberate on their response. They weigh the consequences of acknowledging divine authority versus acknowledging human origin.
The words — φοβοῦμεθα (phoboumetha) means “we fear,” and ὄχλον (ochlon) translates to “multitude” or “people.” The text states they fear the crowd because the crowd universally regards John as a prophet.
The thread — This fear of the crowd regarding John’s prophetic status appears in Matthew 14:5, where Herod refrains from killing John because the people view him as a prophet. The same concern about public perception shapes the religious leaders’ dilemma in Matthew 21:26.
Why it lands — The text reports that the leaders prioritize public opinion over truth to avoid unrest. A reader must confront how fear of human judgment can override honest acknowledgment of divine authority.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
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.
- Matthew 11:9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
- Matthew 14:5 Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.
- Matthew 21:46 Although they wanted to arrest Him, they were afraid of the crowds, because the people regarded Him as a prophet.
- John 5:35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light.
- Isaiah 57:11 Whom have you dreaded and feared, so that you lied and failed to remember Me or take this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear Me?
- Mark 11:32 But if we say, ‘From men’...” they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet.
- Mark 12:12 At this, the leaders sought to arrest Jesus, for they knew that He had spoken this parable against them. But fearing the crowd, they left Him and went away.
- Luke 20:6 But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.”
- Luke 20:19 When the scribes and chief priests realized that Jesus had spoken this parable against them, they sought to arrest Him that very hour. But they were afraid of the people.