John 18:14

The Betrayal of Jesus · John 18:1–14
Read John 18

Translations

Modern
Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be better if one man died for the people.
Traditional
Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
Literal
Now Caiaphas was the one having given counsel to the Jews that it is profitable for one man to perish for the people.
Latin
Erat autem Caiphas, qui consilium dederat Judæis: Quia expedit unum hominem mori pro populo.

Original

Greek
English
Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be better if one man died for the people.

Notes

one man died for the people: Caiaphas had said this as a political calculation (11:49–50). John points out the irony: the death of Jesus did not bring political freedom to Israel. Instead, it brought spiritual salvation for everyone who believes in him.

  • Soldiers bound Jesus and took him back to Jerusalem.

  • First, they brought him to Annas, who had been the high priest and remained very influential. Five of his sons also became high priests. Caiaphas, his son-in-law, was the official high priest at that time (see 18:24).

Jesus finished speaking his final words to his disciples in the upper room (13:31–17:26). Jesus then left the city and went to a garden east of Jerusalem to pray. There, authorities arrested him and took him back into the city for questioning by the Jewish religious leaders. The important "hour" Jesus often mentioned throughout the Gospel had arrived (see 2:4; see also study note on 12:23).

Theme notes and profiles

Annas and Caiaphas

Events

Parallels

Matthew 26:47–56 Mark 14:43–52 Luke 22:47–53

People

Caiaphas: High priest during Jesus' ministry and trial Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Glossary

Annas Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Jew John, Gospel of Passion Procurator

Topics

Caiaphas: Prophesies Concerning Jesus Christian Minister: Caiaphas Court: Civil: Composition of, and Mode of Procedure Jesus, the Christ: Trial of, Before Caiaphas (In Jerusalem) Prisoners: Jesus