New Testament
John 11:57
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, they must report it, so that they could arrest him.
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Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.
What John 11:57 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the growing tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of the time, specifically the chief priests and Pharisees. They were deeply concerned about Jesus' influence and the miracles he performed, which attracted large crowds. To maintain their authority and control, they issued a command that anyone who knew Jesus' whereabouts should report him. This reflects their desire to arrest him and eliminate the threat he posed to their power and the status quo. The verse highlights the lengths to which these leaders would go to suppress Jesus and his message, showing their fear and opposition to his teachings. It also sets the stage for the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, illustrating the conflict between divine purpose and human opposition. This moment is pivotal as it reveals the escalating plot against Jesus and foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice he would make for humanity.
How to apply John 11:57 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of standing firm in our beliefs, even when faced with opposition. It encourages us to be aware of the pressures to conform or remain silent about our faith. We should seek to share the truth of Jesus boldly, despite potential backlash.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Plot to Kill Jesus (John 11:45–57)
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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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Keep studying John 11:57
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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 11:57 mean?
John 11:57 describes the actions of the chief priests and Pharisees who were worried about Jesus' growing influence. They ordered that anyone who knew his location should report it, indicating their intent to arrest him and eliminate the perceived threat to their authority.
What is the significance of the command given by the chief priests in John 11:57?
The command in John 11:57 highlights the escalating conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders. It shows their fear of losing control and their determination to stop Jesus, setting the stage for the events leading to his crucifixion.
Why did the Pharisees want to arrest Jesus according to John 11:57?
According to John 11:57, the Pharisees wanted to arrest Jesus because they feared his influence over the people and the miracles he performed. They saw him as a threat to their power and the established religious order.
What does this verse reveal about the relationship between Jesus and religious leaders?
This verse reveals a tense relationship between Jesus and the religious leaders, characterized by fear and opposition. The leaders' desire to arrest Jesus indicates their unwillingness to accept his teachings and the challenge he posed to their authority.
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