John 11:57

57 (11-56) And the chief priests and Pharisees had given a commandment that, if any man knew where he was, he should tell, that they might apprehend 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 And the pasch of the Jews was at hand: and many from the country went up to Jerusalem, before the pasch, to purify themselves.

56 They sought therefore for Jesus; and they discoursed one with another, standing in the temple: What think you that he is not come to the festival day?

57 (11-56) And the chief priests and Pharisees had given a commandment that, if any man knew where he was, he should tell, that they might apprehend him.