John 11:53

53 Therefore from that day they thought for to slay him.

John 11:53 Meaning and Commentary

John 11:53

Then from that day forth
Caiaphas's reasoning appeared so good, and his advice so agreeable, that it was at once, and generally assented to, except by one or two, as Nicodemus, and Joseph of Arimathea; that ever after this,

they took counsel together;
at certain times, and that very often, and agreed in their counsel,

for to put him to death;
this they resolved upon, before there was any legal process, before any crime was charged upon him, or any proof given, or he was heard what he had to say for himself; so highly approved of was Caiaphas's motion, to put him to death, right or wrong, whether he was innocent or not; that they had nothing to do, but to consult of ways and means of getting him into their hands, and of taking away his life in a manner, as would he most for their own credit among the people, and to his shame and disgrace, and at the most proper and suitable time.

John 11:53 In-Context

51 But [Forsooth] he said not this thing of himself, but when he was bishop of that year, he prophesied, that Jesus was to die for the folk,

52 and not only for the folk, but that he should gather into one the sons of God that were scattered.

53 Therefore from that day they thought for to slay him.

54 Therefore Jesus walked not then openly among the Jews [Therefore Jesus walked not now openly at the Jews]; but he went into a country beside [the] desert, into a city, that is said Ephraim, and there he dwelled with his disciples [and there he dwelt with his disciples].

55 And the pask of the Jews was nigh, and many of the country went up to Jerusalem before the pask, to hallow themselves.