Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

JOHN 11:50KJV
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John 11:50 (KJV)

What does John 11:50 mean?

John 11:50 records a statement that it is better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed. The verse presents the idea that sacrificing one individual can spare a larger group from harm.

In this scene, Caiaphas, the high priest, is speaking to the Jewish council about Jesus. The council is worried that Jesus’ growing influence might provoke the Romans and bring disaster on the nation. Caiaphas argues that having Jesus killed would be a practical solution to protect everyone else from potential destruction.

The Greek behind John 11:50

  • "συμφέρει" (sumpherei, G4851) means "it is expedient" or "it is better." This word shows that Caiaphas is making a calculation about what is most beneficial or advantageous for the group, not what is morally right.
  • "ὑπὲρ" (huper, G5228) means "for" or "on behalf of." Here, it suggests the idea of substitution—one person dying in place of others.
  • "ἀπόληται" (apolētai, G622) means "perish" or "be destroyed." This word highlights the fear of total ruin for the nation, not just individual loss.

Why John 11:50 matters

  • John 11:50 helps clarify that Caiaphas is thinking politically and practically, not spiritually or prophetically, even though his words have a deeper meaning in the context of the Gospel.
  • The verse shows the tension between the Jewish leaders and the threat of Roman intervention, giving insight into why they saw Jesus as a danger.
  • This statement sets the stage for the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion, showing how human decisions and fears played a role in the unfolding story.

Where else these words appear

“consider” Greek G1260 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 16:7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
  • Mark 2:8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
  • Luke 3:15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;

“expedient” Greek G4851 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • John 18:14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

“perish” Greek G622 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 5:37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
  • John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

“die” Greek G599 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 8:32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
  • John 11:14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
  • Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.