Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.

JOHN 11:57KJV
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John 11:57 (KJV)

What does John 11:57 mean?

John 11:57 says that the chief priests and Pharisees had given an order: if anyone knew where Jesus was, they should report it so that the authorities could arrest him. This verse shows that the religious leaders were actively seeking to capture Jesus and were enlisting the public’s help.

The setting is just after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, which caused many people to believe in him and alarmed the religious leaders. The chief priests and Pharisees are the ones giving the command, and they are addressing the general public. Their instruction reveals their determination to stop Jesus, seeing him as a threat to their authority and the stability of their position.

The Greek behind John 11:57

  • ἐντολή (entolē, "commandment"): This word is often used for an official order or directive, highlighting that this was not just a suggestion but a formal instruction from the highest religious authorities.
  • δεῖ (dei, "that"): While not tagged directly, the Greek construction using ἵνα (hina, "that") and ἐάν (ean, "if") sets up a conditional command, emphasizing that anyone who happened to know Jesus’ location was obligated to report it.
  • παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi, "take" or "arrest"): The word here (πιάσωσιν, from πιάζω, "to seize" or "arrest") stresses that the goal was not just to find Jesus but to take him into custody, showing the seriousness of their intent.

Why John 11:57 matters

  • John 11:57 clarifies that the decision to arrest Jesus was not a private plot but a public and official action, involving the broader community in the search.
  • This verse sets the stage for the events of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, showing that the authorities’ opposition was already well organized before the Passover.
  • It helps explain the tension in the following chapters, where people are cautious about speaking openly about Jesus, knowing there was a standing order against him.

Where else these words appear

“shew” Greek G3377 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 20:37 Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
  • Acts 23:30 And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:

“take” Greek G4084 · used in 12 verses

  • John 7:30 Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.
  • John 8:20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
  • Acts 3:7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

“where” Greek G4226 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
  • John 16:5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

“that” Greek G3704 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Mark 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
  • Acts 23:15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.