Devine Scripture

Matthew 21:26

What does Matthew 21:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 21:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 21:26 means

The religious leaders' internal deliberation exposed their true motives. They feared admitting John's baptism was from God because that would incriminate them for not believing him. Conversely, declaring John's authority was merely human would provoke the crowd, who deeply respected John as a prophet. Their primary concern was self-preservation and public opinion, not truth or divine will.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But if we shall say, From men; we fear the multitude; for all hold John as a prophet.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But if we shall say, From men; we fear the multitude; for all hold John as a prophet.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But if we say, From men; we are in fear of the people, because all take John to be a prophet.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and if we should say, From men, we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

If we shall say, from heaven, he will say to us: Why then did you not believe him? But if we shall say, from men, we are afraid of the multitude: for all held John as a prophet.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but if we should say, Of men, we fear the crowd, for all hold John for a prophet.

Context

This verse continues the chief priests' and elders' private discussion regarding Jesus' question, further illustrating their motivations and fears. It directly follows the presentation of Jesus' dilemma-question and sets up their eventual answer of feigned ignorance. This internal struggle highlights their political concerns and spiritual cowardice, directly informing their evasive response.

v.25The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven or from men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why then did ye not believe him?

v.26This passage

v.27And they answered Jesus, and said, We know not. He also said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 22:2

    And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death; for they feared the people.

  • Luke 20:6

    But if we shall say, From men; all the people will stone us: for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.

  • Mark 12:12

    And they sought to lay hold on him; and they feared the multitude; for they perceived that he spake the parable against them: and they left him, and went away.

  • Matthew 21:46

    And when they sought to lay hold on him, they feared the multitudes, because they took him for a prophet.

  • Mark 6:20

    for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was much perplexed; and he heard him gladly.

  • Matthew 11:9

    But wherefore went ye out? to see a prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

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