John 11:57

57 But the leading priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where Jesus was, he must tell them. Then they could arrest 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 It was almost time for the Jewish Passover Feast. Many from the country went up to Jerusalem before the Passover to do the special things to make themselves pure.
56 The people looked for Jesus and stood in the Temple asking each other, "Is he coming to the Feast? What do you think?"
57 But the leading priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where Jesus was, he must tell them. Then they could arrest him.
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.