John 11

Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.

His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?

Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.

Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.

Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:

And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.

Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.

Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.

The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.

Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,

And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

Jesus wept.

Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.

Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

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.

And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,

Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;

And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

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?

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 does John 11:53 mean?

Explanation

This verse, found in the Gospel of John, is situated immediately after the narrative of the raising of Lazarus from the dead, a miracle performed by Jesus.

The verse indicates a significant shift in the attitude of the Jewish authorities toward Jesus.

The 'they' in this verse typically refers to the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, which included the chief priests and the Pharisees.

After witnessing the growing popularity of Jesus following the miraculous event, and fearing loss of their own power and potential upheaval under Roman rule, they decided that Jesus must be removed as a threat.

The verse signifies a collective and official decision to assassinate Jesus, setting in motion the events that would lead to the crucifixion.

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Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, Judea was under Roman occupation, and the Jewish Sanhedrin held limited authority under Roman governance.

The Sanhedrin was responsible for religious rulings and had some governance over the internal matters of the Jewish people.

Political and religious stability was a priority, as any uproar could provoke a heavy-handed response from the Roman authorities.

The Christian New Testament portrays the raising of Lazarus as a pivotal event because it significantly increased the popularity of Jesus, causing concern among the Jewish leadership that he could instigate rebellion or draw the wrath of Rome.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, there are various interpretations of John 11:53.

Some Christian theologians see this verse as part of the fulfillment of prophecy, suggesting that Jesus' death was a divine necessity for salvation. Others consider the decision of the Sanhedrin as an exercise of free will that led to grave consequences.

Moreover, this verse also shows an aspect of human nature related to power and control; when threatened, the authorities react with plans to eliminate the perceived threat.

Practical Applications

In contemporary life, John 11:53 might serve to remind individuals of the consequences of actions taken out of fear and the desire to maintain power or control.

It can teach the importance of evaluating situations with moral integrity rather than reacting hastily to perceived threats.

Moreover, it can also illustrate the significance of standing for what is righteous even in the face of opposition or danger.

Cross-References

Matthew 26:4: "And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him."
Mark 14:1: "After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death."
Luke 22:2: "And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people."

Language Study

The verse, primarily written in Koine Greek, uses the word "εβουλευσαντο" (ebouleusanto), which means 'they took counsel' or 'they conferred'.

This term indicates a purposeful and deliberative gathering to plan something significant.

The final phrase "for to put him to death" uses the Greek word "αποκτειναι" (apokteinai), implying a violent killing or murder.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Throughout history, various cultures and religions have incorporated narratives about the clash between the status quo and a transformative figure.

Similar stories can be found in mythologies where gods or heroes challenge the existing order, resulting in conflict or tragedy.

In other religions, founders or prophets often face opposition from established authorities, a theme seen in the lives of figures like the Buddha or Prophet Muhammad.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific perspectives do not typically intersect with the analysis of biblical verses due to the differences between empirical evidence-based investigation and faith-based textual interpretation.

However, the psychological aspects of group dynamics in making decisions under threat, like those exhibited by the Sanhedrin, have been studied within the scientific field of social psychology.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators offer various views on John 11:53.

Matthew Henry comments on the blindness and wickedness of the council in deciding to kill Christ.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary discusses the political and religious ramifications of Jesus' increasing influence and the council's drastic resolution.

The New International Commentary on the New Testament explains the verse as a pivotal turning point in Jesus' ministry, leading to the inevitability of the crucifixion.

John 11

John 11

What does John 11:53 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 11:53 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?