Devine Scripture

John 11:51

What does John 11:51 mean?

A plain-English look at John 11:51 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 11:51 means

John explains that Caiaphas did not speak of himself; as high priest, he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation. God used even a hostile leader’s words to declare His saving plan. The intent of the council was murder; the intent of God was atonement. Jesus’ death will serve not the council’s interests, but the nation’s true need—salvation. This verse teaches that God’s sovereignty encompasses human schemes, bringing redemptive meaning out of wicked designs. The high priest’s office, though corrupted, becomes the mouthpiece for a truth greater than the speaker understands.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

He did not say this of himself, but being the high priest that year he said, as a prophet, that Jesus would be put to death for the nation;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And this he said not of himself, but being chief priest of that year, he did prophesy that Jesus was about to die for the nation,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And this he spoke not of himself: but being the high priest of that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But this he did not say of himself; but, being high priest that year, prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation;

Context

This interpretive comment follows Caiaphas’s proposal and reframes it as prophecy. John lifts the narrative from political plot to theological purpose. The next verse will widen the scope beyond the nation, pointing to the gathering of God’s scattered children. Together, these verses reveal that the death being planned is the very means by which God will accomplish His worldwide saving purpose in and through His Son.

v.50nor 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.

v.51This passage

v.52and not for the nation only, but that he might also gather together into one the children of God that are scattered abroad.

Cross references

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

  • Galatians 3:13

    Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

  • 2 Peter 2:15

    forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the hire of wrong-doing;

  • Galatians 4:4

    but when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

  • Daniel 9:26

    And after the threescore and two weeks shall the anointed one be cut off, and shall have nothing: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and even unto the end shall be war; desolations are determined.

  • Numbers 24:14

    And now, behold, I go unto my people: come, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.

  • 1 Peter 3:18

    Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

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 11:51.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary