King James Version

What Does John 11:47 Mean?

“Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.”

Context

Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.

Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all ,

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

[(3) LIFE, TRUTH, LIGHT, AND LOVE MORE FULLY MANIFESTED. CORRESPONDING INCREASE OF THE UNBELIEF OF THE JEWS (*continued*)*.* (*b*)*The council of the Jews. The decree of death against the Giver of Life* (John 11:47-53). (c)*The withdrawal to Ephraim. Many seek for Jesus* (John 11:54-57). (*d*)*The supper at Bethany. Mary, Judas, the chief priests *(*love, selfishness, hatred*) (John 12:1-11). (*e*)*The entry into Jerusalem. The King and His people* (John 11:12-19). (*f*)*The wider kingdom* (John 11:20-36). Certain Greeks would see Jesus. The firstfruits of the West (John 11:20-22). The seed and the harvest. Life in death (John 11:23-26). (*f*)*The wider kingdom* (continued). The world-wide attraction of the Cross. Light in darkness (John 11:27-36). (*g*)*The final issue of the unbelief of the Jews.* (*α*)The writer’s own judgment (John 11:37-43)— On no-faith (John 11:37-41); On half-faith (John 11:42-43). (*β*)The Judgment of Jesus (John 11:44-50). The rejection of light (John 11:46); love (“that I might save the world,” John 11:47); truth (John 11:49); life (John 11:50).] (47) **Then gathered the chief priests and** ***the*** **Pharisees a council.**—Matters have reached too serious a stage for them to allow further delay. Opponents have become believers; enemies have become friends; and there are men of their own rank, and men with whom they had taken counsel against Him, who have now believed. The Pharisees go in their difficulty to the chief priests, who were for the most part Sadducees, and they together summon a meeting of the Sanhedrin. **What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.**—The note of interrogation may be placed in the middle or at the end of the clause. The latter suits better the energy of their language. “What do we, seeing that this Man doeth many miracles?” They accept the testimony of the Jews who have come to them, and cannot longer throw doubt upon His miracles. The question is asked in the present tense; it is not a matter for future action. “What are we doing, seeing what this Man is doing?” They feel that they have been inactive but too long, while He has been daily gaining influence. The form of their question is a strange contradiction; they cannot but admit that He doeth many signs, and yet their pride will call Him by no name but the contemptuous “this Man!”

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 11:47 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.