Word Pictures in the New Testament - David Cox

Word Pictures in the NT [Mark: Chapter 11].
11:30 {Answer me} (\apokrith•te moi\). This sharp demand for a
reply is only in Mark. See also verse 29. Jesus has a right to
take this turn because of John's direct relation to himself. It
was not a dodge, but a home thrust that cleared the air and
defined their attitude both to John and Jesus. They rejected John
as they now reject Jesus.
11:31 {If we say} (\ean eip•men\). Third-class condition with
aorist active subjunctive. The alternatives are sharply presented
in their secret conclave. They see the two horns of the dilemma
clearly and poignantly. They know only too well what Jesus will
say in reply. They wish to break Christ's power with the
multitude, but a false step now will turn the laugh on them. They
see it.
11:32 {But should we say} (\alla eip•men\). Deliberative
subjunctive with aorist active subjunctive again. It is possible
to supply \ean\ from verse 31 and treat it as a condition as
there. So Mt 21:26 and Lu 20:6. But in Mark the structure
continues rugged after "from men" with anacoluthon or even
aposiopesis--"they feared the people" Mark adds. Matthew has it:
"We fear the multitude." Luke puts it: "all the people will stone
us." All three Gospels state the popular view of John as a
prophet. Mark's "verily" is \ont•s\ really, actually. They feared
John though dead as much as Herod Antipas did. His martyrdom had
deepened his power over the people and disrespect towards his
memory now might raise a storm (Swete).
11:33 {We know not} (\ouk oidamen\). It was for the purpose of
getting out of the trap into which they had fallen by challenging
the authority of Jesus. Their self-imposed ignorance, refusal to
take a stand about the Baptist who was the Forerunner of Christ,
absolved Jesus from a categorical reply. But he has no notion of
letting them off at this point.
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Word Pictures in the New Testament
(Mark: Chapter 11)