Devine Scripture

John 12:10

What does John 12:10 mean?

A plain-English look at John 12:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 12:10 means

The chief priests, entrusted with spiritual care, plot murder—not only of Jesus but also of Lazarus. Their strategy reveals the depth of their resistance: rather than reconsider in light of undeniable life, they seek to erase the evidence. Hatred of the truth stoops to absurdity, aiming at the one who has been raised, as though killing him could silence the witness. This sobering picture shows how threatened authority can twist justice when hearts are hardened. The verse exposes religious leadership gone wrong—protecting position by suppressing life rather than shepherding people toward the One who gives it.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But the chief priests took counsel that they might put Lazarus also to death;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But the chief priests took counsel that they might put Lazarus also to death;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now there was talk among the chief priests of putting Lazarus to death;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the chief priests took counsel, that also Lazarus they may kill,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But the chief priests thought to kill Lazarus also:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But the chief priests took counsel that they might kill Lazarus also,

Context

The crowds have come to see Jesus and Lazarus. In response, the chief priests escalate their hostility, moving from opposition to conspiracy. The reason for their plot will be stated in the next verse: many are believing in Jesus because of Lazarus. This dark resolve provides a backdrop to the joyous procession that follows, highlighting the stark divide between public acclaim and official rejection. It also foreshadows the unified plan to put Jesus to death during the Passover week.

v.9The common people therefore of the Jews learned that he was there: and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

v.10This passage

v.11because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

Cross references

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

  • Ecclesiastes 9:3

    This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

  • Genesis 4:4

    And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And Jehovah had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

  • Luke 16:31

    And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, if one rise from the dead.

  • Matthew 2:16

    Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the Wise-men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had exactly learned of the Wise-men.

  • Job 15:25

    Because he hath stretched out his hand against God, And behaveth himself proudly against the Almighty;

  • Job 40:8

    Wilt thou even annul my judgment? Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be justified?

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