BibleWord.ai› Bible› John› Chapter 11› Verse 49

John 11:49

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 11:49 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
John 11:49 — American Standard Version

Context — John 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
46But some of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them the things which Jesus had done.
47The chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many signs.
48If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.
49But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
50nor do ye take account that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
51Now this he said not of himself: but, being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation;
52and not for the nation only, but that he might also gather together into one the children of God that are scattered abroad.
← John 11:48John 11:50 →
← Full Chapter 11 John Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And one of them, [named] Caiaphas, etc.] (See Gill on “<402603>Matthew 26:3”), (See Gill on “<420302>Luke 3:2”), (See Gill on “<431813>John 18:13”). being the high priest that same year; the high priesthood originally was not annual, but for life; but towards the close of the second temple, it came into the hands of the king, to appoint who would to be high priest f521; and it became venal; it was purchased with money; insomuch that they changed the priesthood once a twelve month, and every year a new high priest was made f522 now this man being in such an high office, and a man of no conscience, and of bad principles, being a Sadducee, as seems from (<440406>Acts 4:6 5:17), who denied the…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Caiaphas - See the notes at Luke 3:2. Being high-Priest that same year - It is probable that the office of high priest was at first for life, if there was no conduct that rendered the person unworthy the office. In that case the incumbent was removed. Thus Abiathar was removed by Solomon, 1 Kings 2:27. Subsequently the kings, and especially the conquerors of Judea, claimed and exercised the right of removing the high priest at pleasure, so that, in the time of the Romans, the office was held but a short time. (See the Chronological Table.) Caiaphas held the office for about 10 years. Ye know nothing at all - That is, you know nothing respecting the subject under consideration. You are fools…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“That year - That memorable year, in which Christ was to die. It was the last and chief of Daniel's seventy weeks, the fortieth year before the destruction of Jerusalem, and was celebrated for various causes, in the Jewish history. Therefore that year is so peculiarly mentioned: Caiaphas was the high priest both before and after it. Ye know nothing - He reproves their slow deliberations in so clear a case. John 11:50”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“11:49 Caiaphas was the ruler of the high council from AD 18–36. He worked for ten years alongside Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea (AD 26–36; see 18:29), keeping the peace with Rome.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Caiaphas: Joh 18:13, Joh 18:14; Luk 3:2; Act 4:6 Ye: Joh 7:48, Joh 7:49; Pro 26:12; Isa 5:20-23; Co1 1:20, Co1 2:6, Co1 3:18, Co1 3:19 John 11:50”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read John 11 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification