John 11:50
New International Version
You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”

New Living Translation
You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.”

English Standard Version
Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.”

Berean Standard Bible
You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”

Berean Literal Bible
nor do you consider that it is profitable for you that one man should die for the people, and the whole nation should not perish."

King James Bible
Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

New King James Version
nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.”

New American Standard Bible
nor are you taking into account that it is in your best interest that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish instead.

NASB 1995
nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.”

NASB 1977
nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation should not perish.”

Legacy Standard Bible
nor do you take into account that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.”

Amplified Bible
Nor do you understand that it is expedient and politically advantageous for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.”

Christian Standard Bible
You’re not considering that it is to your advantage that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation perish.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
You’re not considering that it is to your advantage that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation perish.”

American Standard Version
nor do ye take account that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

Contemporary English Version
Don't you know it is better for one person to die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed?"

English Revised Version
nor do ye take account that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You haven't even considered this: It is better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed."

Good News Translation
Don't you realize that it is better for you to have one man die for the people, instead of having the whole nation destroyed?"

International Standard Version
You don't realize that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed."

Majority Standard Bible
You do not realize that it is better for us that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.?

NET Bible
You do not realize that it is more to your advantage to have one man die for the people than for the whole nation to perish."

New Heart English Bible
nor do you consider that it is advantageous for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish."

Webster's Bible Translation
Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

Weymouth New Testament
You do not reflect that it is to your interest that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation perish."

World English Bible
nor do you consider that it is advantageous for us that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
nor reason that it is good for us that one man may die for the people, and not the whole nation perish.”

Berean Literal Bible
nor do you consider that it is profitable for you that one man should die for the people, and the whole nation should not perish."

Young's Literal Translation
nor reason that it is good for us that one man may die for the people, and not the whole nation perish.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Neither turn ye in your thoughts that it is profitable to us, that one man die for the people, and the nation perish not.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Neither do you consider that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Nor do you realize that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the entire nation should not perish.”

New American Bible
nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.”

New Revised Standard Version
You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Nor do you reason that it is much better for us that one man should die instead of the people, and not all the people perish.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And you do not consider that is profitable for us that one man should die instead of the nation, and not that the whole nation perish.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
nor do you consider that it is profitable for us, that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.

Godbey New Testament
You know nothing, you do not consider that it is profitable to you, that one man may die for the people, and the whole nation perish not.

Haweis New Testament
nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation be not destroyed.

Mace New Testament
you little consider it is our interest, that one man should die for the people, to prevent the destruction of the whole nation.

Weymouth New Testament
You do not reflect that it is to your interest that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation perish."

Worrell New Testament
nor do ye consider that it is expedient for you, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not."

Worsley New Testament
nor do ye consider, that it is better for us that one man should die for the people, than that the whole nation should perish.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Plot to Kill Jesus
49But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! 50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” 51Caiaphas did not say this on his own. Instead, as high priest that year, he was prophesying that Jesus would die for the nation,…

Cross References
Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

Matthew 20:28
just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

1 Peter 2:24
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.”

Romans 5:8
But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

2 Corinthians 5:21
God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Hebrews 9:28
so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.

1 John 2:2
He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Acts 4:27-28
In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. / They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen.

Romans 3:25
God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.

1 John 4:10
And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Isaiah 53:10-12
Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. / After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities. / Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

Galatians 3:13
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

Hebrews 2:14-15
Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, / and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.


Treasury of Scripture

Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

John 11:48
If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

John 18:14
Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

John 19:12
And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.

Jump to Previous
Account Advantageous Better Consider Death Destruction Die Expedient Good Interest Nation Perish Rather Realize Reason Reflect Understand Whole
Jump to Next
Account Advantageous Better Consider Death Destruction Die Expedient Good Interest Nation Perish Rather Realize Reason Reflect Understand Whole
John 11
1. Jesus raises Lazarus, four days buried.
45. Many Jews believe.
47. The high priests and Pharisees gather a council against Jesus.
49. Caiaphas prophesies.
54. Jesus hides himself.
55. At the Passover they enquire after him, and lay wait for him.














You do not realize
This phrase is spoken by Caiaphas, the high priest, during a meeting of the Sanhedrin. It indicates a lack of understanding among the Jewish leaders regarding the implications of Jesus' ministry. The high priest's role was to mediate between God and the people, yet here Caiaphas is unaware of the divine plan unfolding through Jesus. This reflects the spiritual blindness often mentioned in the Gospels (e.g., John 9:39-41).

that it is better for you
Caiaphas argues from a pragmatic standpoint, suggesting a utilitarian approach to the situation. This reflects the political tension of the time, as the Jewish leaders were concerned about maintaining their power and avoiding Roman intervention. The phrase underscores the leaders' focus on self-preservation rather than spiritual truth.

that one man die for the people
This statement is prophetic, albeit unintentionally. Caiaphas speaks of Jesus' death as a means to prevent Roman crackdown on the Jewish nation. However, from a theological perspective, it foreshadows the sacrificial nature of Jesus' death, aligning with Old Testament prophecies such as Isaiah 53, which speaks of a suffering servant who bears the sins of many.

than that the whole nation perish
Caiaphas expresses concern for the survival of the Jewish nation under Roman rule. Historically, the Jewish leaders feared that Jesus' growing influence could lead to a revolt, prompting Roman retaliation. Ironically, Jesus' death and resurrection would offer spiritual salvation to all, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham that through his offspring all nations would be blessed (Genesis 22:18). This phrase also highlights the tension between earthly kingdoms and the Kingdom of God, a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Caiaphas
The high priest during the time of Jesus' ministry. He played a significant role in the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. Caiaphas is the one who makes the statement in John 11:50, suggesting the expediency of Jesus' death for the sake of the nation.

2. The Sanhedrin
The Jewish ruling council that Caiaphas addressed. They were concerned about the growing influence of Jesus and the potential repercussions from the Roman authorities.

3. Jesus
Central to the passage, Jesus is the "one man" Caiaphas refers to. His death is seen as a substitutionary sacrifice, a theme that resonates throughout the New Testament.

4. Jerusalem
The city where these events take place, significant as the religious and political center of Jewish life.

5. The Nation of Israel
Represented by the Sanhedrin, they are concerned about their national security and identity in the face of Roman occupation.
Teaching Points
The Sovereignty of God
Despite Caiaphas' intentions, God used his words to fulfill His divine plan. This reminds us that God can work through any situation to accomplish His purposes.

Substitutionary Atonement
Jesus' death was not just a political expediency but a divine necessity for the salvation of humanity. Reflect on the depth of Christ's sacrifice for our sins.

The Cost of Discipleship
Just as Jesus laid down His life, we are called to take up our cross and follow Him, understanding the cost of true discipleship.

Fear vs. Faith
The Sanhedrin acted out of fear of losing their power and position. Consider how fear can lead us away from God's will and how faith can guide us back.

National and Personal Salvation
While Caiaphas spoke of national preservation, Jesus' death offers personal salvation to all who believe. Reflect on the personal implications of Jesus' sacrifice.(50) Nor consider that it is expedient for us . . .--This remarkable counsel has linked itself in St. John's thoughts with the name of Caiaphas. He quotes it again in John 18:14.

Should die for the people, and that the whole nation . . .--Different words are used here in the Greek, as in the English. The former word represents the theocratic people, those who were united together as the servants of God; the latter word is that which is used in John 11:48, and represents the political nation as one of the nations of the earth.

Verse 50. - Nor consider; or, nor do ye take account. Hengstenberg shows that where this verb (λογίζεσθε) elsewhere occurs, it is used intransitively, and with this Godet agrees; then they take ὅτι, as "because" or for it is expedient for you (the text ὑμῖν is preferred by Meyer, Godet, Westcott and Herr, and the Revised. The chief difference in thought is that it makes the language somewhat more dogmatic, Caiaphas hardly classing himself for the moment with such irresolute companions) that one man should die for ("on behalf of" amounting to "instead of") the people - i.e. for the theocratic organization, whose were the promises, to whom was given the dominion- and not that the entire nation (the political aggregation) perish. Some have supposed (like Lange) Divine purpose lurking in the ἵνα; but it was rather the maxim of worldly expediency of half-paganized superstition allied in this form to the sacrifice of Codrus, or of Iphigenia, viz. that the extinction of guiltless and innocent victims may be demanded by political necessity, and must be determined upon at once, by the chief court of equity and criminal judicature in the nation. If, thought he, the multitudes accept this Sabbath-breaker, this Worker of miracles, this religious Enthusiast, this moral Reformer, for their Messiah, the Romans will crush the movement, will stamp out the entire religious order; "we" shall be annihilated as a power, the "nation" will be abolished as such. It is more expedient that this one man should suffer than that the whole of our position should be sacrificed.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
You do not realize
λογίζεσθε (logizesthe)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3049: To reckon, count, charge with; reason, decide, conclude; think, suppose.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

it is better
συμφέρει (sympherei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4851: From sun and phero; to bear together, i.e. to collect, or to conduce; especially advantage.

for you
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

one
εἷς (heis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

man
ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

die
ἀποθάνῃ (apothanē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 599: To be dying, be about to die, wither, decay. From apo and thnesko; to die off.

for
ὑπὲρ (hyper)
Preposition
Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

people
λαοῦ (laou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2992: Apparently a primary word; a people.

[than that]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

whole
ὅλον (holon)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3650: All, the whole, entire, complete. A primary word; 'whole' or 'all', i.e. Complete, especially as noun or adverb.

nation
ἔθνος (ethnos)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1484: Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.

perish.”
ἀπόληται (apolētai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 622: From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.


Links
John 11:50 NIV
John 11:50 NLT
John 11:50 ESV
John 11:50 NASB
John 11:50 KJV

John 11:50 BibleApps.com
John 11:50 Biblia Paralela
John 11:50 Chinese Bible
John 11:50 French Bible
John 11:50 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: John 11:50 Nor do you consider that it (Jhn Jo Jn)
John 11:49
Top of Page
Top of Page