John 11:49
New International Version
Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all!

New Living Translation
Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about!

English Standard Version
But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all.

Berean Standard Bible
But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all!

Berean Literal Bible
But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest the same year, said to them, "You know nothing at all,

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

New King James Version
And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all,

New American Standard Bible
But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all,

NASB 1995
But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all,

NASB 1977
But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all,

Legacy Standard Bible
But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all,

Amplified Bible
But one of them, Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year [the year of Christ’s crucifixion], said to them, “You know nothing at all!

Christian Standard Bible
One of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all!

Holman Christian Standard Bible
One of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all!

American Standard Version
But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,

Contemporary English Version
One of the council members was Caiaphas, who was also high priest that year. He spoke up and said, "You people don't have any sense at all!

English Revised Version
But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
One of them, Caiaphas, who was chief priest that year, told them, "You people don't know anything.

Good News Translation
One of them, named Caiaphas, who was High Priest that year, said, "What fools you are!

International Standard Version
But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, told them, "You don't know anything!

Majority Standard Bible
But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, ?You know nothing at all!

NET Bible
Then one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said, "You know nothing at all!

New Heart English Bible
But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all,

Webster's Bible Translation
And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said to them, Ye know nothing at all,

Weymouth New Testament
But one of them, named Caiaphas, being High Priest that year, said, "You know nothing about it.

World English Bible
But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being chief priest of that year, said to them, “You have not known anything,

Berean Literal Bible
But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest the same year, said to them, "You know nothing at all,

Young's Literal Translation
and a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being chief priest of that year, said to them, 'Ye have not known anything,

Smith's Literal Translation
And a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being chief priest that year, said to them, Ye know nothing,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But one of them, named Caiphas, being the high priest that year, said to them: You know nothing.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then one of them, named Caiaphas, since he was the high priest that year, said to them: “You do not understand anything.

New American Bible
But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing,

New Revised Standard Version
But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all!
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But one of them, called Caiaphas, who was the high priest for that year, said to them, You know nothing;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But one of them, whose name was Qaipha, was The High Priest that year, and he said to them, “You know nothing,”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But one of them, Caiaphas, who was chief priest that year, said to them: You know nothing,

Godbey New Testament
But one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them,

Haweis New Testament
Then one particular person of them, Caiaphas, being the high-priest of that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing,

Mace New Testament
but one of them named Caiaphas, being the high priest at that time, said to them, ye don't know what you are about.

Weymouth New Testament
But one of them, named Caiaphas, being High Priest that year, said, "You know nothing about it.

Worrell New Testament
But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said, "Ye know nothing at all;

Worsley New Testament
But Caiaphas who was one of them, being high-priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Plot to Kill Jesus
48If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! 50You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”…

Cross References
John 18:14
Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be better if one man died for the people.

Matthew 26:3-4
At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, / and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him.

Luke 3:2
during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

Acts 4:6
along with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and many others from the high priest’s family.

John 18:13
They brought Him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.

Matthew 5:22
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Mark 14:53
They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders, and scribes assembled.

Luke 22:66
At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and scribes, met together. They led Jesus into their Sanhedrin and said,

Acts 23:2-5
At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. / Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit here to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck.” / But those standing nearby said, “How dare you insult the high priest of God!” ...

John 7:45-52
Then the officers returned to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring Him in?” / “Never has anyone spoken like this man!” the officers answered. / “Have you also been deceived?” replied the Pharisees. ...

Matthew 27:1
When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death.

Mark 15:1
Early in the morning, the chief priests, elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin devised a plan. They bound Jesus, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate.

Luke 23:1
Then the whole council rose and led Jesus away to Pilate.

Acts 5:34-40
But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a short time. / “Men of Israel,” he said, “consider carefully what you are about to do to these men. / Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. ...

John 12:10
So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well,


Treasury of Scripture

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

Caiaphas.

John 18:13,14
And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year…

Luke 3:2
Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

Acts 4:6
And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

Ye.

John 7:48,49
Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? …

Proverbs 26:12
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Isaiah 5:20-23
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! …

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Caiaphas Ca'iaphas Chief High Priest
John 11
1. Jesus raises Lazarus, four days buried.
45. Many Jews believe.
47. The high priests and Pharisees gather a council against Jesus.
49. Caiaphas prophesies.
54. Jesus hides himself.
55. At the Passover they enquire after him, and lay wait for him.














But one of them, named Caiaphas
Caiaphas was the Jewish high priest from AD 18 to 36, appointed by the Roman authorities. His role was significant in the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. As high priest, Caiaphas held considerable religious and political influence. His mention here sets the stage for his pivotal role in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion. Caiaphas was a Sadducee, a sect known for its collaboration with Roman authorities and denial of the resurrection, which contrasts with the Pharisees' beliefs.

who was high priest that year
The phrase "that year" emphasizes the specific time of Jesus' ministry and crucifixion, highlighting the providential timing of events. The high priesthood was a lifetime position, but during Roman rule, high priests were often replaced for political reasons. Caiaphas' tenure during this critical period underscores his involvement in the trial and condemnation of Jesus, fulfilling the divine plan for salvation.

said to them
Caiaphas addresses the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council responsible for religious and legal matters. His authority as high priest gives weight to his words, influencing the council's decision-making. This moment reflects the tension between maintaining Jewish law and appeasing Roman rule, as the council grapples with Jesus' growing influence.

“You know nothing at all!
Caiaphas' rebuke indicates frustration with the council's indecision regarding Jesus. His statement suggests a lack of understanding or insight among the members, emphasizing his own perceived wisdom and authority. This phrase foreshadows his proposal to sacrifice Jesus for the perceived greater good, unwittingly aligning with God's redemptive plan. Caiaphas' words echo the prophetic nature of his role, as he unknowingly speaks of Jesus' sacrificial death for the nation and beyond.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Caiaphas
The high priest during the time of Jesus' ministry. He played a significant role in the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. As high priest, Caiaphas held a position of great religious authority among the Jewish people.

2. The Sanhedrin
The Jewish ruling council, composed of chief priests, scribes, and elders. They were responsible for religious decisions and had significant influence over Jewish society.

3. The Plot to Kill Jesus
This event marks a pivotal moment where the religious leaders, led by Caiaphas, begin to actively plot the death of Jesus, seeing Him as a threat to their authority and the stability of their nation.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Spiritual Blindness
Caiaphas, despite his religious position, failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. This serves as a warning against spiritual blindness and the importance of seeking truth with humility.

God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs
Even as Caiaphas plotted against Jesus, God's sovereign plan for salvation was being fulfilled. This reminds us that God can use even the intentions of those opposed to Him to accomplish His purposes.

The Responsibility of Leadership
Caiaphas' actions highlight the responsibility that comes with leadership, especially spiritual leadership. Leaders are called to seek God's will and lead with integrity and truth.

The Cost of Compromise
Caiaphas' decision was driven by political expediency rather than truth. This teaches us the dangers of compromising our values and beliefs for the sake of convenience or fear of losing power.(49) And one of them, named Caiaphas.--Comp. Notes on Matthew 26:3; Luke 3:2. His proper name was Joseph, and the name Caiaphas is the Syriac form of Cephas. He, like Peter, took the name of "Rockman," as a title to indicate his work! For the succession of high priests at this time, see Jos. Ant. xviii. 2, ? 2. Caiaphas himself was priest from A.D. 26-36.

Being the high priest that same year.--The words occur again in John 11:51 and in John 18:13. They are used with a solemnity of meaning to express "that fatal and decisive year."

Ye know nothing at all.--There had probably been various suggestions made by different members of the Sanhedrin which seemed to him to miss the mark, or to fall short of the one means which would have a successful issue.

Verse 49. - But a certain one of them, (named) Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all. Among the divided interests and irresolute fears of the Pharisees, who had not made up their minds as to the right course to pursue, "one of them," i.e. of the council, a man of firm will and hectoring disposition, had a clear though devilish purpose of political expediency, and a stern resolve, if he could, to repress the inconvenient manifestation of religious earnest-ness - Caiaphas. We know that Annas is spoken of as ἀρχιερεὺς in John 18:15, 19. And Annas and Caiaphas are both said to be "high priests" (Luke 3:2). In Acts 4:6 Annas is spoken of as high priest, Caiaphas being associated with "John and Alexander." This becomes more comprehensible when we learn from Josephus ('Ant.,' 18:02. 2 and 4. 3) that Valerius Gratus (in the year A.D. ) had deprived Annas (or Hanan, Ananias, Ananas) of the office, "when he had held it for seven years." So great, however, was the influence of Annas, that, either to consult his temper or that of the people, who would consider him the legal high priest, the office was conferred upon members of his family in succession, first on Ishmael, then on Eleazer the son of Ishmael, then on Simon his son, and finally on Joseph Caiaphas (who is declared by St. John (John 18:13) to be the son-in-law of Annas, thus explaining his appointment on the one hand, and the continued influence on the other of the unscrupulous Annas, who was high priest de jure). Joseph Caiaphas held the office from A.D. to A.D. , and thus throughout the ministry of Jesus. The apostle's remark (repeated John 18:13) that he was "high priest that same year" has been set down by Strauss, Scholton, and others to ignorance on the part of the writer of the Hebrew law of the priesthood. This is excessively improbable, even with a late author of the second century, who evidently knew as much concerning Judaea and its history as the author of the Fourth Gospel did indubitably possess. It is enough that the evangelist singles out "that memorable year" (Lucke, Meyer and Lunge, etc.) of the death of Christ; and remarks on the man who was holding the position at this solemn time, with obvious reference to the fact that now for many years the functions of the high priest were discharged only at the pleasure of the Roman governor, who might, as Caiaphas himself said, abolish the office altogether if he chose arbitrarily to do so. The first words of Caiaphas, "Ye know nothing at all," are brusque, rough, imperious, but are quite akin to what we know elsewhere of the manners of the man (Josephus, 'Bell. Jud.,' 2:08. 14), and of the aristocratic clique of which he was the head.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δέ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

one
Εἷς (Heis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

of
ἐξ (ex)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

them,
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

[named] Caiaphas,
Καϊάφας (Kaiaphas)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2533: Caiaphas, Jewish high priest. Of Chaldee origin; the dell; Caiaphas, an Israelite.

who was
ὢν (ōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

high priest
ἀρχιερεὺς (archiereus)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 749: High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.

that
ἐκείνου (ekeinou)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.

year,
ἐνιαυτοῦ (eniautou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1763: A year, cycle of time. Prolongation from a primary enos; a year.

said
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

to them,
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

“You
Ὑμεῖς (Hymeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

know
οἴδατε (oidate)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

nothing at all!
οὐδέν (ouden)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.


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