John 18 14

John 18:14 kjv

Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

John 18:14 nkjv

Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

John 18:14 niv

Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.

John 18:14 esv

It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.

John 18:14 nlt

Caiaphas was the one who had told the other Jewish leaders, "It's better that one man should die for the people."

John 18 verses

John 18 14 Meaning

This verse speaks of Annas's connection to Caiaphas, identifying him as the father-in-law of Caiaphas. This familial relationship highlights the significant political and religious power held by the house of Annas.

John 18 14 Context

Jesus has just been arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. He is initially brought before Annas, the former High Priest, who wields considerable influence even though he is no longer officially in office. This informal interrogation by Annas precedes Jesus being sent to Caiaphas, who is the reigning High Priest at that time. The chapter describes the events surrounding Jesus's betrayal, arrest, and initial questioning before His trials.

John 18 14 Word Analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): A common conjunction used to link clauses or ideas. Here it connects the preceding actions with the introduction of Caiaphas.
• Annas (Ἄννας - Annas): A proper noun, referring to the former High Priest. He was a powerful figure, and his house held significant authority within the Sanhedrin.
• was (ἦν - ēn): The imperfect form of the verb "to be," indicating a continuous state or ongoing action in the past. It describes Annas's position or identity.
• father-in-law (πενθερὸς - pentheros): A masculine noun meaning father-in-law. This specific relationship underscores the familial ties among the elite priestly families, who often held positions of power.
• of (τοῦ - tou): A genitive article, indicating possession or relationship. It links Caiaphas to Annas as his father-in-law.
• Caiaphas (Καϊαφᾷ - Kaiaphas): A proper noun, referring to the reigning High Priest at the time of Jesus's trial.
• who (ὅς - hos): A relative pronoun introducing a subordinate clause that describes Caiaphas.
• was (ἦν - ēn): Again, the imperfect form of "to be."
• high priest (ἀρχιερεὺς - archiereus): A masculine noun meaning chief priest or high priest. This title signifies the highest religious authority in Judaism, responsible for mediating between God and the people.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Annas was father-in-law of Caiaphas": This phrase highlights the interconnectedness of power within the high priestly families. The office of the High Priest was not merely religious but also deeply political, and familial connections played a crucial role in maintaining influence. Annas, though deposed, maintained significant control through his son-in-law. This reflects a common pattern of hereditary influence and control within religious leadership structures, often noted in historical accounts and scholarly works.

John 18 14 Bonus Section

The house of Annas (or the sons of Annas) is mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament (Acts 4:6) and was notorious for its wealth and political maneuvering. Josephus, the Jewish historian, extensively details the instability of the high priesthood during this period, noting how the office was often bought and sold, and how multiple members of the same families, like Annas, served in the role or wielded significant power through their relatives. The familial link between Annas and Caiaphas highlights a powerful alliance that effectively controlled the Sanhedrin and the religious apparatus, directly leading to Jesus's condemnation.

John 18 14 Commentary

This verse, while seemingly simple, reveals the complex political landscape of Jerusalem during Jesus's time. Annas's continued influence even after being removed from the official position of High Priest demonstrates the power and nepotism that characterized the era. The fact that Jesus was first brought to Annas suggests his primary role in directing the proceedings, even with Caiaphas as the official High Priest. This underscores a deep-seated opposition to Jesus from the entrenched religious elite, who saw Him as a threat to their authority and the established order.