Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

JOHN 11:47KJV
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John 11:47 (KJV)

What does John 11:47 mean?

John 11:47 describes how the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the council and questioned what action they should take, because Jesus was performing many miraculous signs. This verse shows their concern and uncertainty about how to respond to Jesus’ growing influence.

The verse takes place after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, which caused many people to believe in him. The chief priests and Pharisees—two leading religious groups—gathered the council (the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish ruling body) to discuss what to do about Jesus, since his miracles were attracting widespread attention and followers.

The Greek behind John 11:47

  • σύνοδος (synedrion, transliterated as "council" from the tag G4892): This word refers to the Sanhedrin, the official Jewish ruling council. Its use here highlights the seriousness of the leaders' response—they are treating Jesus as a major issue requiring the highest level of deliberation.
  • σημεῖα (sēmeia, transliterated as "miracles" from the tag G4592): The Greek word means "signs" or "miraculous signs," not just wonders but acts pointing to a deeper meaning. The leaders recognize that Jesus’ actions are not ordinary miracles but signs that carry significant weight for the people.

Why John 11:47 matters

  • This verse marks a turning point where the religious leaders move from watching Jesus to actively plotting against him, setting the stage for the events leading to his arrest.
  • The use of "many miracles" shows that even Jesus’ opponents could not deny his extraordinary works; their concern was not about whether the miracles happened, but about their impact.
  • The gathering of both chief priests and Pharisees (groups often at odds) shows how seriously they viewed the situation, uniting over their shared concern about Jesus’ influence.

Where else these words appear

“council” Greek G4892 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
  • Acts 4:15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
  • Acts 22:30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.

“gathered” Greek G4863 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 27:17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
  • John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

“miracles” Greek G4592 · used in 69 verses

  • Matthew 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
  • Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
  • Acts 4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

“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.