Devine Scripture

John 11:46

What does John 11:46 mean?

A plain-English look at John 11:46 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 11:46 means

Not all responded with faith. Some went to the Pharisees and reported what Jesus had done. Their action spreads news to those most threatened by Jesus’ growing influence. Whether their motives were hostile or simply deferential to authority, the effect is the same: the miracle provokes a confrontation with the leadership. The report is accurate but leads to counsel against the very One who gives life. The verse shows that the same sign that draws some to belief drives others to entrench in resistance, setting the stage for political and religious calculations.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But some of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them the things which Jesus had done.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But some of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them the things which Jesus had done.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But some of them went to the Pharisees with the news of what Jesus had done.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but certain of them went away unto the Pharisees, and told them what Jesus did;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them the things that Jesus had done.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

Context

After many believe, others carry the news to the Pharisees. This pivot in the narrative leads directly to a formal council of the chief priests and Pharisees. The next verses will reveal their fear of widespread belief and Roman reprisals, culminating in Caiaphas’s infamous counsel. Thus, verse 46 functions as a hinge from the tomb’s glory to the leaders’ plotting, connecting the public sign to its institutional consequences.

v.45Many therefore of the Jews, who came to Mary and beheld that which he did, believed on him.

v.46This passage

v.47The chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many signs.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 5:25

    And there came one and told them, Behold, the men whom ye put in the prison are in the temple standing and teaching the people.

  • John 12:37

    But though he had done so many signs before them, yet they believed not on him:

  • Luke 16:30

    And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one go to them from the dead, they will repent.

  • John 9:13

    They bring to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.

  • John 5:15

    The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him whole.

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