John 11:57

57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given commandment that if any one knew where he was, he should make it known, that they might take him.

John 11:57 Meaning and Commentary

John 11:57

Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees
Who were of the sanhedrim:

had given a commandment;
or published an edict, a decree of the senate:

that if any man knew where he were, he should show [it], that they
might take him;
and this made it a doubtful point with some, whether he would come to the feast or not; and was the reason why others sought for him, and inquired after him, that they might discover him to the chief priests and Pharisees, and have the promised reward.

John 11:57 In-Context

55 But the passover of the Jews was near, and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the passover, that they might purify themselves.

56 They sought therefore Jesus, and said among themselves, standing in the temple, What do ye think? that he will not come to the feast?

57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given commandment that if any one knew where he was, he should make it known, that they might take him.