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

JOHN 11:46KJV
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John 11:46 (KJV)

What does John 11:46 mean?

John 11:46 reports that some of the people who witnessed what Jesus did went to the Pharisees and told them about Jesus’ actions. This verse highlights that not everyone who saw Jesus’ miracle responded with belief; instead, some chose to inform the religious leaders.

The setting is just after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead in Bethany. The crowd included both friends of the family and others from the area. While some believed in Jesus because of the miracle, John 11:46 points out that others went to the Pharisees—who were known opponents of Jesus—to report what had happened, setting the stage for the religious leaders’ response in the following verses.

The Greek behind John 11:46

  • ἐπορεύθησαν (eporeuthēsan, “went their ways”): This verb often means to go or travel with purpose. Here, it suggests intentional action—these people deliberately went to the Pharisees, not just in passing.
  • εἶπαν (eipan, “told”): This word means to speak or report. The sense is not just casual conversation but a purposeful sharing of information, likely with the intent of alerting the Pharisees.
  • Φαρισαῖοις (Pharisaiois, “Pharisees”): Naming the Pharisees specifically shows that the information was taken directly to the group most concerned with Jesus’ growing influence.

Why John 11:46 matters

  • John 11:46 clarifies that witnessing a miracle did not guarantee faith; some people responded by involving Jesus’ opponents instead of believing.
  • This verse marks a turning point in the narrative, as the report to the Pharisees leads directly to the plot against Jesus’ life in the following verses.
  • The verse shows the divided reactions to Jesus, which is a recurring theme in John’s Gospel—some are drawn to him, while others become more hostile.

Where else these words appear

“Pharisees” Greek G5330 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Mark 2:18 And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?
  • Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

“ways” Greek G565 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 5:17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
  • Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.