Devine Scripture

John 11:53

What does John 11:53 mean?

A plain-English look at John 11:53 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 11:53 means

From that day onward, the leaders take counsel to put Jesus to death. The miracle that gave life to Lazarus precipitates a plot that will lead to Jesus’ own death. Their resolve reveals hardened hearts unmoved by signs. Yet their decision also advances God’s timetable toward the Passover, when the Lamb will be offered. The verse marks a turning point: public ministry in Judea becomes too dangerous to continue openly. The shadow of the cross now falls heavily over the narrative, even as Jesus remains sovereign over the hour.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

So from that day forth they took counsel that they might put him to death.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

So from that day forth they took counsel that they might put him to death.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And from that day they took thought together how to put him to death.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

From that day, therefore, they took counsel together that they may kill him;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

From that day therefore they devised to put him to death.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

From that day therefore they took counsel that they might kill him.

Context

After John’s theological commentary on Caiaphas’s words, the story returns to the council’s outcome: a settled plan to kill Jesus. This development explains the shift in Jesus’ movements that follows. The next verse will show Him no longer walking openly among the Jews, but withdrawing with His disciples to Ephraim. The plot’s finalization also sets the backdrop for the growing expectation among the crowds as Passover nears.

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

v.53This passage

v.54Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews, but departed thence into the country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim; and there he tarried with the disciples.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 31:13

    For I have heard the defaming of many, Terror on every side: While they took counsel together against me, They devised to take away my life.

  • Matthew 16:21

    From that time began Jesus to show unto his disciples, that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.

  • Psalms 109:4

    For my love they are my adversaries: But Igive myself untoprayer.

  • Mark 14:1

    Now after two days wasthe feast ofthe passover and the unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him with subtlety, and kill him:

  • Jeremiah 38:4

    Then the princes said unto the king, Let this man, we pray thee, be put to death; forasmuch as he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.

  • Matthew 26:59

    Now the chief priests and the whole council sought false witness against Jesus, that they might put him to death;

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