Some languages might prefer an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "If we say that John's authority is from heaven, he" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
"From God." Jewish people avoided referring to God by his name "Yahweh." Often they used the word "heaven" to refer to him. See how these words are translated in [Luke 20:4](../20/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])