John 18:14
What does John 18:14 mean?
A plain-English look at John 18:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 18:14 means
John reminds the reader of Caiaphas's previous counsel to the Jews: \"that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.\" This statement, made earlier in John 11:49-52, originally spoke of the political practicality of sacrificing Jesus to prevent Roman intervention. However, John interprets it as an unwitting prophecy of Jesus' atoning death for the entire nation and beyond. It highlights the ironic truth that Jesus' enemies were unwittingly fulfilling God's redemptive plan.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now Caiaphas was he that gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now Caiaphas was he that gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949It was Caiaphas who had said to the Jews that it was in their interest for one man to be put to death for the people.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and Caiaphas was he who gave counsel to the Jews, that it is good for one man to perish for the people.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now Caiphas was he who had given the counsel to the Jews: That it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But it was Caiaphas who counselled the Jews that it was better that one man should perish for the people.
Context
This verse serves as a crucial theological and historical reminder, immediately following the mention of Annas leading Jesus to Caiaphas. It clarifies Caiaphas's stated rationale for condemning Jesus, revealing the deeper, providential meaning behind his words. This piece of information prepares the reader for the subsequent questioning of Jesus.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 11:49
But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
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