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

MATTHEW 21:26KJV
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Matthew 21:26 (KJV)

What does Matthew 21:26 mean?

Matthew 21:26 shows the religious leaders worrying about how the people will react if they say John the Baptist’s authority came only from humans, because the crowd strongly believes John was a true prophet. The verse highlights their fear of public opinion and their hesitation to answer Jesus honestly.

In this scene, Jesus is talking with the chief priests and elders in the Temple after they questioned His authority. He asks them about John the Baptist’s authority, putting them in a difficult spot. This verse reveals that the leaders are not concerned with truth, but with maintaining their status and avoiding conflict with the people, who respected John as a prophet.

The Greek behind Matthew 21:26

  • ἄνθρωποι (anthrōpoi, G444): This word means "men" or "people" in a general sense. Here, it refers to human authority, as opposed to divine authority, which is the heart of Jesus’ question.
  • φοβέομαι (phobeomai, G5399): This verb means "to fear." The leaders’ fear is not about being wrong, but about the consequences from the crowd, showing their motivation is self-preservation.
  • ὄχλος (ochlos, G3793): This word means "crowd" or "multitude." It emphasizes that the leaders are worried about the collective opinion and possible reaction of the gathered people, not just a few individuals.
  • προφήτης (prophētēs, G4396): This is the word for "prophet." The people’s view of John as a genuine prophet is what makes the leaders afraid to dismiss him, since prophets were highly respected and often seen as speaking for God.

Why Matthew 21:26 matters

  • Matthew 21:26 clarifies that the religious leaders’ decisions were shaped more by fear of public backlash than by a search for truth or faithfulness to God.
  • The verse shows the tension between Jesus and the authorities, highlighting their unwillingness to answer honestly and their political calculations.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain why the leaders ultimately refuse to answer Jesus’ question, setting up the following verses where Jesus exposes their lack of integrity.

Where else these words appear

“fear” Greek G5399 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  • Luke 1:50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
  • Acts 13:26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

“John” Greek G2491 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
  • John 1:32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

“prophet” Greek G4396 · used in 143 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
  • Acts 7:42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?