New Testament
John 11:56
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They were looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the temple they said to one another, "What do you think? Will he not come to the feast?"
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Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?
What John 11:56 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, people are gathered in the temple during a significant feast, likely the Passover. They are actively searching for Jesus, indicating his importance to them. Their conversation reveals uncertainty about whether Jesus will attend the feast, highlighting the tension surrounding his presence. This moment reflects the growing anticipation and curiosity about Jesus, as many were aware of his teachings and miracles. The temple setting emphasizes the religious context, where people expected to see him. The question posed among the crowd shows their divided opinions and the fear of the authorities regarding Jesus' influence. This verse sets the stage for the events that follow, illustrating the public's interest in Jesus and the challenges he faced from those in power. It captures a moment of speculation and expectation, revealing the social dynamics at play during this pivotal time in Jesus' ministry.
How to apply John 11:56 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own search for Jesus in our lives. Are we actively seeking him and discussing his teachings with others? It reminds us of the importance of community in faith and the need to engage with questions about our beliefs and the presence of Jesus in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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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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David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
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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 11:56 mean?
John 11:56 describes a moment when people in the temple are looking for Jesus during a feast, expressing uncertainty about whether he will attend. This reflects the growing interest and tension surrounding Jesus' presence as many were aware of his teachings and miracles.
What is the significance of the feast in John 11:56?
The feast mentioned in John 11:56 is likely the Passover, a significant Jewish celebration. It serves as a backdrop for the people's anticipation of Jesus, highlighting the religious context and the expectations surrounding his presence during important events.
What does the crowd's question in John 11:56 reveal?
The crowd's question in John 11:56 reveals their divided opinions about Jesus and the fear of the authorities regarding his influence. It shows that people were actively discussing Jesus and speculating about his actions, indicating his growing impact on society.
How does John 11:56 illustrate community discussion?
John 11:56 illustrates community discussion by showing people in the temple engaging in conversation about Jesus. Their inquiry about whether he will come to the feast highlights the importance of dialogue and shared curiosity in matters of faith.
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