John 11:53 - So from that day forward they took counsel that they might put him to death.

Generated Verse: John 11:53

What does "John 11:53" mean?


This verse, John 11:53, is a pivotal point in the Gospel of John. It means that from that day onward, the Jewish leaders conspired and planned to kill Jesus.

Here's a breakdown of the key elements:

"So from that day forward...": This indicates a definitive turning point. A specific event or discussion led to a firm decision.
"...they took counsel...": This refers to a formal or informal meeting among the Jewish leadership. They deliberated and strategized.
"...that they might put him to death.": This clearly states their intent: to execute Jesus.

Context and Significance:

This verse follows the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44). This miracle was a powerful demonstration of Jesus' divine power and authority, and it drew many people to believe in him.

The Jewish leaders, particularly the Pharisees and chief priests, were deeply threatened by Jesus' growing popularity. They feared:

Loss of Power and Authority: Jesus challenged their religious interpretations and traditions.
Political Instability: They feared that Jesus' Messianic claims could incite a Roman crackdown, leading to the loss of their nation and the temple. (John 11:48: "If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our temple and our nation.")

Caiaphas, the high priest, made a pragmatic, though morally reprehensible, argument: "It is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." (John 11:50). This argument, based on political expediency, provided the justification for their decision.

In summary, John 11:53 marks the moment when the Jewish leadership officially committed to plotting Jesus' death. It sets the stage for the events leading up to the crucifixion and highlights the conflict between Jesus and those who opposed him.