John 11 46

John 11:46 kjv

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

John 11:46 nkjv

But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did.

John 11:46 niv

But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

John 11:46 esv

but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

John 11:46 nlt

But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

John 11 verses

John 11 46 Meaning

John 11:46 describes a significant moment after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. While many witnesses believed in Jesus because of this powerful miracle (Jn 11:45), a contrasting group of eyewitnesses chose to inform Jesus's adversaries, the Pharisees, about what He had done. This act of reporting signaled a rejection of Jesus and a turning point that escalated the conflict with the religious authorities, leading directly to their plot to have Jesus killed. It reveals the immediate polarization of response to a clear demonstration of divine power.

John 11 46 Context

John 11:46 occurs immediately after Jesus performs one of His most public and astonishing miracles: raising Lazarus from the dead after he had been in the tomb for four days (Jn 11:1-44). This event, happening in Bethany near Jerusalem, drew many witnesses. The verse captures the divided reaction to this clear display of divine power. While many onlookers responded with faith (Jn 11:45), "some of them" reacted with hostility, choosing to report Jesus's actions to the very religious authorities who were seeking to condemn Him. This act directly precipitates the decision of the Sanhedrin to put Jesus to death (Jn 11:47-53), marking a pivotal moment in Jesus's ministry and setting the stage for His crucifixion. Historically, the Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions. They were frequently in conflict with Jesus over interpretations of the Law, His claims of authority, and His association with sinners. This report fed directly into their existing animosity and fear of a charismatic leader who might upset Roman rule and challenge their own religious authority.

John 11 46 Word analysis

• But (Greek: Δὲ - De): This conjunction marks a strong contrast, signaling a departure from the group mentioned in verse 45 who believed. It highlights the sharp polarization in response to Jesus's miracle.

• some of them: Refers to a specific subset of the Jews who had witnessed Lazarus's resurrection, emphasizing that not all who saw believed or reacted positively. This choice reveals deliberate rejection or hardened hearts, even in the face of irrefutable evidence.

• went their ways (Greek: ἀπῆλθον - apēlthon): Signifies a deliberate act of departing. It was not an accidental encounter but a purposeful journey to inform the authorities, highlighting their intent.

• to the Pharisees (Greek: πρὸς τοὺς Φαρισαίους - pros tous Pharisaious): The chosen recipients of the report. The Pharisees were Jesus's primary antagonists throughout His ministry, known for their strict legalism and deep-seated opposition to Him. Reporting to them indicated seeking official condemnation rather than embracing the miracle. This decision channels the information to those most hostile to Jesus, aiming to trigger their judgment.

• and told them (Greek: καὶ εἶπον αὐτοῖς - kai eipon autois): A direct act of disclosure. It suggests informing, possibly with a sense of denunciation or seeking judgment against Jesus. They served as informers.

• what things Jesus had done (Greek: ἃ ἐποίησεν Ἰησοῦς - ha epoiēsen Iēsous): This refers specifically to the raising of Lazarus. The witnesses reported the undeniable miracle itself, acknowledging Jesus's action but presenting it in a context that would evoke the Pharisees' condemnation, likely viewing it as a threat or blasphemy rather than a divine work. The specific, undeniable nature of the event made it especially potent in the hands of His enemies.

• "some of them went their ways to the Pharisees": This phrase captures the deliberate and hostile nature of their action. It underscores a segment of the Jewish populace choosing alignment with the established religious opposition to Jesus, effectively joining the side of His accusers rather than His followers.

• "told them what things Jesus had done": This highlights that the miracle itself became the weapon in the hands of Jesus's enemies. The reporting was factual regarding the event, yet insidious in its intent and consequence, aiming to incriminate Jesus rather than celebrate His power.

John 11 46 Bonus section

The individuals who went to the Pharisees were likely driven by a mixture of motives:

• Political Fear: Some may have genuinely feared that Jesus's growing popularity, especially after such a profound miracle, would incite the Roman authorities, leading to suppression and the loss of their nation and temple (as voiced by the Sanhedrin in Jn 11:48).
• Religious Zeal (misguided): Others might have considered Jesus a dangerous deceiver or blasphemer who threatened the traditional interpretation of the Law and the purity of their faith. Their actions, from their perspective, could have been a defense of Judaism.
• Envy or Self-Interest: Some might have resented Jesus's influence or felt their own positions of authority or social standing were threatened by Him.This division among eyewitnesses highlights the principle that even indisputable miracles do not compel belief where there is a will to disbelieve or other overriding motives. It underscores the spiritual blindness that can persist despite overwhelming evidence.

John 11 46 Commentary

John 11:46 serves as a crucial hinge in John's Gospel, illustrating the immediate and decisive reaction to the culmination of Jesus's public ministry: the resurrection of Lazarus. This verse is not about the miracle itself but about the divided human response to a profound divine act. The witnesses' decision to inform the Pharisees reveals hardened hearts, political fear, or loyalty to the established religious order, contrasting sharply with the belief ignited in others. This act of reporting to Jesus's sworn enemies demonstrates a profound rejection of His divine claims and power, despite undeniable proof. It moves the narrative beyond spiritual questioning into outright conspiracy and political maneuvering against Jesus, triggering the Sanhedrin's decision to condemn Him. The incident foreshadows the greater human capacity for rejection and betrayal even in the face of glorious revelation, setting the irreversible course for Jesus's path to the cross.