John 11:53

53 From that day therefore they took counsel that they might kill 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 this he did not say of himself; but, being high priest that year, prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation;

52 and not for the nation only, but that he should also gather together into one the children of God who were scattered abroad.

53 From that day therefore they took counsel that they might kill him.

54 Jesus therefore walked no longer openly among the Jews, but went away thence into the country near the desert, to a city called Ephraim, and there he sojourned with the disciples.

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.