Matthew 21:26 Meaning and Explanation
“But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The leaders fear to say John's baptism was merely human because the people regarded John as a prophet.
What Does Matthew 21:26 Mean?
Continuing their private deliberation, the leaders see the other horn of the dilemma. To call John's baptism merely human would anger the people, who all held John to be a true prophet. Fear of the crowd, not love of the truth, governs their thinking.
Here their motives stand exposed. They weigh their answer by its consequences for their reputation rather than by what is true. The fear of people, rather than the fear of God, paralyzes them. This is a sobering picture of how concern for human opinion can silence honest conviction. Those who will not stand for the truth become captive to the very crowd they sought to control.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 21:26
What does Matthew 21:26 mean?
The leaders fear to say John's baptism was merely human because the people regarded John as a prophet.