John 11:51

Translations

Modern

Caiaphas did not say this on his own. Instead, as high priest that year, he was prophesying that Jesus would die for the nation,

Traditional

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

Literal

Now he did not say this from himself, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation,

Latin

Hoc autem a semetipso non dixit: sed cum esset pontifex anni illius, prophetavit, quod Jesus moriturus erat pro gente,

Interlinear

Greek

English

Caiaphas did not say this on his own. Instead, as high priest that year, he was prophesying that Jesus would die for the nation,

Notes

John 11:50–51

it is better … that one man die: Caiaphas spoke with clear political intent. He argued that it was better for one man to die than for the whole nation to suffer. He meant that it was better for Jesus, whom he saw as a threat, to die than for Rome to destroy the Jewish people.

Caiaphas viewed Jesus as a possible revolutionary. He feared that Rome would crush the nation if unrest grew. From his point of view, sacrificing one man would protect many.

But his words carried a deeper meaning. Caiaphas did not understand this meaning. In a way he could not see, he spoke the truth. Jesus would die for the people. His death would bring salvation (rescue from sin and separation from God).

John explains that Caiaphas did not speak on his own authority. As high priest that year, he spoke prophetically (as one who speaks a message from God). God used his words to point to the saving purpose of the death of Jesus.

The rescue that God’s people needed was not mainly from Rome. It would come through the cross of Christ.

John 11:1–57

The resurrection of Lazarus points to the future death and resurrection of Jesus. The description of Lazarus’s tomb is similar to the description of the tomb Jesus was placed in after he died (11:38, 44; 20:1, 7). Both accounts mention a cave and burial cloths. These details connect the two events and help us see that Lazarus’s story is a sign.

Soon after Lazarus was raised, a woman anointed Jesus for burial (12:3). This act prepared him for his coming death.

Then the time for his glorification began (12:23).

Theme notes and profiles

Annas and Caiaphas Jewish Leaders Martha, Mary, and Lazarus The Jewish High Council The Pharisees

Events

Chief Priests Conspire Against Jesusc. AD 30

Related verses

2 Corinthians 5:21
God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
Daniel 9:26
Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and will have nothing. Then the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood, and until the end there will be war; desolations have been decreed.
Galatians 4:4–5
But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
Matthew 20:28
…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Exodus 28:30
And place the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece of judgment, so that they will also be over Aaron’s heart whenever he comes before the LORD. Aaron will continually carry the judgment of the sons of Israel over his heart before the LORD.
1 Samuel 23:9
When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.”
Matthew 7:22–23
Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Numbers 22:28
Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times?”
1 Samuel 28:6
He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.
Judges 20:27–28
And the Israelites inquired of the LORD. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there,
Isaiah 53:5–8
But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
Numbers 24:2
When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him,

Parallels

Matthew 26:1–5 Mark 14:1–2 Luke 22:1–2

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Caiaphas Eternal Life Jesus Christ John, Gospel of Lazarus

Topics

Atonement: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Caiaphas: Prophesies Concerning Jesus Christian Minister: Caiaphas Jesus, the Christ: Design of his Death Jesus, the Christ: Escapes to the Town of Ephraim from the Conspiracy Led by Caiaphas, the High Priest Jesus, the Christ: Miracles of Raising of Lazarus Prophecy: Gift of, Sometimes Possessed by Unconverted Men Prudence in Avoiding his Enemies Salvation: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Atonement: Foretold The High Priest: Office of, Made Annual by the Romans The High Priest: Sometimes Enabled to Prophesy

John 11:51

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