John 11 53

John 11:53 kjv

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

John 11:53 nkjv

Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death.

John 11:53 niv

So from that day on they plotted to take his life.

John 11:53 esv

So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.

John 11:53 nlt

So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus' death.

John 11 verses

John 11 53 Meaning

John 11:53 marks a critical turning point where the chief priests and Pharisees, gathered as the Sanhedrin, transitioned from general animosity and concern to a formal and deliberate resolution to kill Jesus. The raising of Lazarus served as the catalyst that solidified their resolve, leading them to actively plot His demise out of fear that His growing influence would lead to Roman intervention and the destruction of their nation and temple. This decision, though driven by political and religious malice, unknowingly served the divine plan for Jesus' redemptive death.

John 11 53 Context

John 11:53 follows directly after the highly public and undeniable miracle of Lazarus's resurrection from the dead. This event caused many to believe in Jesus (Jn 11:45) but also intensely alarmed the religious authorities in Jerusalem, specifically the chief priests and the Pharisees. They feared Jesus's growing popularity and Messianic claims would incite a rebellion, leading the Roman authorities to intervene, destroy their temple, and abolish their nation (Jn 11:48). Convening the Sanhedrin (their supreme council), they debated how to handle Jesus. During this council, the high priest Caiaphas delivered a seemingly pragmatic political statement: "It is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish" (Jn 11:50). The Gospel writer then interprets Caiaphas's statement as a divine prophecy, revealing that Jesus was to die not only for the nation of Israel but also to gather into one the scattered children of God (Jn 11:51-52). It is immediately after this "prophecy" and Caiaphas's persuasive argument that the Council makes their decisive, unanimous plot. This verse marks the shift from general animosity and concern about Jesus to a settled, concerted plan for His assassination.

John 11 53 Word analysis

• So (Greek: οὖν, oun): This conjunction indicates a consequence or conclusion. It directly links the preceding discussion, particularly Caiaphas's pivotal "prophecy" and strategic counsel, to the definitive action taken by the council. It marks the outcome of their deliberation.
• from that day on (Greek: ἀπὸ τῆς ἡμέρας ἐκείνης, apo tēs hēmeras ekeinēs): This phrase signifies a turning point or a definitive commencement. It indicates that the decision made on that specific day regarding Jesus became a firm and ongoing commitment. There was no longer mere discussion or passive opposition, but active pursuit.
• they plotted (Greek: ἐβουλεύσαντο, ebouleusanto): This is from the verb βουλεύω (bouleuō), meaning "to take counsel," "to deliberate," or "to resolve." The middle voice implies a deliberate, conscious decision made among themselves, for their own purpose. It signifies a collective and determined design, not a casual thought or suggestion. It implies forming a conspiracy or definite plan, implying a fixed intent rather than just idle consideration.
• to take His life (Greek: ἵνα ἀποκτείνωσιν αὐτόν, hina apokteinōsin auton):
  • ἵνα (hina): This conjunction introduces a purpose or intent clause. It clarifies that the plotting was specifically for the purpose of or with the goal of doing what follows.
  • ἀποκτείνωσιν (apokteinōsin): From the verb ἀποκτείνω (apokteinō), meaning "to kill," "to murder," or "to put to death." This is a strong and unambiguous term for taking a life. It signifies a direct, violent action aimed at ending existence.
  • αὐτόν (auton): "Him" (Jesus). The object of their plot is clear and singular.
  This phrase as a whole leaves no ambiguity regarding their sinister intention. It was a clear, premeditated resolution to commit murder.

• "So from that day on they plotted to take His life": This entire phrase encapsulates a momentous shift. Prior to this, the religious leaders had tried to trap Jesus with words, to discredit Him, or even sought to arrest Him (Jn 7:32, 44), but His "hour" had not yet come. With Lazarus's resurrection, the decision solidifies into a concerted effort to eliminate Him physically. The plot became a sustained policy and endeavor by the highest religious council. This stands as an ironic moment: they plot murder in the name of preserving their nation, fulfilling divine prophecy, and thereby seal their own judgment. The act of plotting reveals their human agency in Jesus's death, yet simultaneously highlights the sovereignty of God over human evil, orchestrating these very plans to achieve His greater purpose of redemption.

John 11 53 Bonus section

The plotting described in John 11:53 refers specifically to the formal, collective decision by the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish religious and political body. While some Pharisees might have individually plotted or shown hostility, the inclusion of "chief priests" (predominantly Sadducees) highlights the combined might of both major religious factions agreeing on this course of action. This unified resolve solidified the political and religious will to seek Jesus's death through the Roman authorities, as they lacked the authority to carry out capital punishment under Roman rule. Their fear of Rome, despite their zeal for the Mosaic Law, paradoxically led them to align with a foreign power to execute what they perceived as a national threat.

John 11 53 Commentary

John 11:53 marks the dark climax of the religious establishment's opposition to Jesus, translating their growing apprehension into a definitive death sentence. The public resurrection of Lazarus left them with an undeniable problem: Jesus's influence was spiraling beyond their control. Driven by fear of Roman reprisal and the loss of their own power and perceived authority, they formally decided, from that day forward, to eliminate Jesus. The chilling nature of this decision is profound: the very religious leaders entrusted with guiding Israel toward God resolve to kill the Anointed One of God. This single verse seals Jesus's earthly fate in the eyes of His adversaries. However, in divine paradox, their human plot to preserve themselves inadvertently became the means by which God's ultimate plan of salvation, the sacrifice of "one man for the people," would be accomplished (as unknowingly prophesied by Caiaphas in Jn 11:49-52). Their resolve was unwavering, but ultimately subject to God's sovereign timing and purpose.