| 26. Linguistic Exegesis The conditional particle ean {ἐὰν | è-an} introduces a hypothetical scenario with the aorist subjunctive verb eipōmen {εἴπωμεν | eíp-ō-men} “we may say.” The conjunction de {δὲ | dè} marks contrast. The phrase ex anthrōpōn {ἐξ ἀνθρώπων | ex an-thrṓ-pōn} denotes human origin. The apodotic verb phoboumetha {φοβούμεθα | pho-boú-mē-tha} “we fear” governs the direct object ton ochlon {τὸν ὄχλον | tòn ó-chlon}. The nominative adjective pantes {πάντες | pán-tes} is emphatic, and gar {γὰρ | gàr} introduces explanation. The comparative particle hōs {ὡς | hōs} opens a clause with prophētēn {προφήτην | pro-phḗ-tēn} “prophet,” and echousin {ἔχουσιν | é-chou-sin} conveys the crowd’s perception of John. This structure highlights the leaders’ dilemma amid popular acclaim. |