King James Version
John 11:50 in the King James Version says “Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.” — study this verse from John chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.”
John 11:50 · KJV
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 ,
Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“consider”
G1260to reckon thoroughly, i.e., (genitive case) to deliberate (by reflection or discussion)
“it is expedient”
G4851to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage
“for”
G5228"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
“the people”
G2992a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“not”
G3361(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
“that the whole”
G3650"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
“nation”
G1484a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
“perish”
G622to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
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.
John 11:50 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to John 11:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge