New Testament
John 11:48
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation."
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If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
What John 11:48 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the religious leaders are expressing their fear about Jesus' growing influence. They worry that if they do not stop him, more people will start to follow him, which could lead to unrest. Their concern is that the Romans, who occupied their land, would respond to this unrest by taking away their authority and their nation. This highlights the tension between the religious leaders' desire to maintain control and the potential threat posed by Jesus' popularity. They prioritize their political power and the stability of their nation over the truth of Jesus' message. This moment reveals the conflict between faith and fear, as well as the lengths to which people will go to protect their interests, even at the cost of truth and justice.
How to apply John 11:48 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own fears and priorities. Are we sometimes more concerned about maintaining our status or control than about seeking the truth? It encourages us to be open to the transformative power of faith, even when it challenges our comfort or security.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Plot to Kill Jesus (John 11:45–57)
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Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 11:48 mean?
John 11:48 reflects the fear of the religious leaders regarding Jesus' influence. They worry that if they do not act against him, he will gain more followers, leading to potential unrest that could provoke the Romans to take away their authority and nation.
What is the significance of the phrase 'the Romans will come' in John 11:48?
The phrase 'the Romans will come' signifies the religious leaders' fear of losing their power and control. They believe that Jesus' growing popularity could lead to a situation where the Roman authorities intervene, threatening their position and the stability of their nation.
How does John 11:48 relate to the theme of fear of loss?
In John 11:48, the religious leaders express a fear of losing their place and nation due to Jesus' influence. This illustrates how fear of loss can drive people to make decisions that prioritize self-preservation over truth.
What can we learn from John 11:48 about public opinion?
John 11:48 shows how public opinion can create pressure on leaders to act in ways that may not align with truth. The religious leaders' concern about losing control reflects how fear of public sentiment can influence decision-making.
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