John 11:56
What does John 11:56 mean?
A plain-English look at John 11:56 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 11:56 means
In the temple, people look for Jesus and discuss whether He will come to the feast. Their question—“What think ye? That he will not come to the feast?”—reveals both curiosity and tension. The city hums with speculation about the One whose signs have stirred the nation. The temple, center of worship and authority, becomes the forum for debate. This public expectation contrasts with Jesus’ present withdrawal and underlines the suspense. The verse shows that Jesus cannot be ignored; even His absence provokes urgent inquiry as the feast approaches.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000They sought therefore for Jesus, and spake one with another, as they stood in the temple, What think ye? That he will not come to the feast?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901They sought therefore for Jesus, and spake one with another, as they stood in the temple, What think ye? That he will not come to the feast?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another while they were in the Temple, What is your opinion? Will he not come to the feast?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862they were seeking, therefore, Jesus, and said one with another, standing in the temple, `What doth appear to you--that he may not come to the feast?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752They sought therefore for Jesus; and they discoursed one with another, standing in the temple: What think you that he is not come to the festival day? And the chief priests and Pharisees had given a commandment that, if any man knew where he was, he should tell, that they might apprehend him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890They sought therefore Jesus, and said among themselves, standing in the temple, What do ye think? that he will not come to the feast?
Context
As the crowds prepare for Passover, their attention turns to Jesus. This collective search follows the note about purification and precedes the mention of the leaders’ standing order to report His whereabouts. The scene is set: a city full of pilgrims, a populace wondering, and authorities ready to act. The next verse will confirm the official intent to seize Him, tightening the narrative coil before the events of the next chapter.
v.55Now the passover of the Jews was at hand: and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the passover, to purify themselves.
v.56This passage
v.57Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given commandment, that, if any man knew where he was, he should show it, that they might take him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
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