Devine Scripture

John 11:50

What does John 11:50 mean?

A plain-English look at John 11:50 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 11:50 means

Caiaphas proposes that it is expedient for them that one man die for the people so the whole nation does not perish. He frames Jesus’ death as a necessary political sacrifice to preserve national stability. His logic is utilitarian, not moral; he assumes that killing an innocent is justified if it protects the institution. Yet in the mystery of providence, his words carry a deeper truth he does not intend: the death of one for the many. The statement thus becomes a dark echo of substitution, soon to be interpreted by John as an unwitting prophecy of Jesus’ redemptive death.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

nor do ye take account that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

nor do ye take account that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

You do not see that it is in your interest for one man to be put to death for the people, so that all the nation may not come to destruction.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

nor reason that it is good for us that one man may die for the people, and not the whole nation perish.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Neither do you consider that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people and that the whole nation perish not.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

nor consider that it is profitable for you that one man die for the people, and not that the whole nation perish.

Context

Caiaphas’s counsel follows his rebuke and provides the council with a plan to neutralize the perceived threat. The next two verses will reveal John’s theological reading: as high priest, Caiaphas spoke more than he knew, foretelling that Jesus would die for the nation and for the scattered children of God. This juxtaposition shows human cynicism being overruled by divine purpose, even as the plot hardens.

v.49But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,

v.50This passage

v.51Now this he said not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation;

Cross references

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

  • Romans 3:8

    and why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), Let us do evil, that good may come? whose condemnation is just.

  • Luke 24:46

    and he said unto them, Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day;

  • John 11:48

    If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.

  • John 18:14

    Now Caiaphas was he that gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

  • John 19:12

    Upon this Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou release this man, thou art not Cæsar’s friend: every one that maketh himself a king speaketh against Cæsar.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore John 11

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 11.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to John 11:50.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary