John 11:56
New International Version
They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the temple courts they asked one another, “What do you think? Isn’t he coming to the festival at all?”

New Living Translation
They kept looking for Jesus, but as they stood around in the Temple, they said to each other, “What do you think? He won’t come for Passover, will he?”

English Standard Version
They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?”

Berean Standard Bible
They kept looking for Jesus and asking one another as they stood in the temple courts, “What do you think? Will He come to the feast at all?”

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore they were seeking Jesus and were saying among one another standing in the temple, "What does it seem to you, that He will not come to the feast?"

King James Bible
Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?

New King James Version
Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?”

New American Standard Bible
So they were looking for Jesus, and saying to one another as they stood in the temple area, “What do you think; that He will not come to the feast at all?”

NASB 1995
So they were seeking for Jesus, and were saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think; that He will not come to the feast at all?”

NASB 1977
Therefore they were seeking for Jesus, and were saying to one another, as they stood in the temple, “What do you think; that He will not come to the feast at all?”

Legacy Standard Bible
So they were seeking Jesus, and were saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That He will not come to the feast at all?”

Amplified Bible
So they were looking for Jesus as they stood in the temple [area], and saying among themselves, “What do you think? Will He not come to the feast at all?”

Christian Standard Bible
They were looking for Jesus and asking one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? He won’t come to the festival, will he? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They were looking for Jesus and asking one another as they stood in the temple complex: “What do you think? He won’t come to the festival, will He?”

American Standard Version
They sought therefore for Jesus, and spake one with another, as they stood in the temple, What think ye? That he will not come to the feast?

Contemporary English Version
They looked around for Jesus. Then when they were in the temple, they asked each other, "You don't think he will come here for Passover, do you?"

English Revised Version
They sought therefore for Jesus, and spake one with another, as they stood in the temple, What think ye? That he will not come to the feast?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As they stood in the temple courtyard, they looked for Jesus and asked each other, "Do you think that he'll avoid coming to the festival?"

Good News Translation
They were looking for Jesus, and as they gathered in the Temple, they asked one another, "What do you think? Surely he will not come to the festival, will he?"

International Standard Version
They kept looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the Temple, "What do you think? Surely he won't come to the festival, will he?"

Majority Standard Bible
They kept looking for Jesus and asking one another as they stood in the temple courts, ?What do you think? Will He come to the feast at all??

NET Bible
Thus they were looking for Jesus, and saying to one another as they stood in the temple courts, "What do you think? That he won't come to the feast?"

New Heart English Bible
Then they sought for Jesus and spoke one with another, as they stood in the temple, "What do you think--that he is not coming to the feast at all?"

Webster's Bible Translation
Then they sought for Jesus, and spoke among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?

Weymouth New Testament
They therefore looked out for Jesus, and asked one another as they stood in the Temple, "What do you think? --will he come to the Festival at all?"

World English Bible
Then they sought for Jesus and spoke with one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that he isn’t coming to the feast at all?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
therefore they were seeking Jesus and said with one another, standing in the temple, “What appears to you—that He may not come to the celebration?”

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore they were seeking Jesus and were saying among one another standing in the temple, "What does it seem to you, that He will not come to the feast?"

Young's Literal Translation
they were seeking, therefore, Jesus, and said one with another, standing in the temple, 'What doth appear to you -- that he may not come to the feast?'

Smith's Literal Translation
Then sought they Jesus, and said with one another, standing in the temple, What seems it to you, that he should not come to the festival.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, they were seeking Jesus. And they conferred with one another, while standing in the temple: “What do you think? Will he come to the feast day?”

New American Bible
They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?”

New Revised Standard Version
They were looking for Jesus and were asking one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? Surely he will not come to the festival, will he?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they were looking for Jesus, and at the temple they kept saying to one another, What do you think, will he not come to the feast?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they were seeking for Yeshua, and they were saying to one another in The Temple, “What do you think? Will he come to the feast?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Then they sought for Jesus, and said one to another, as they stood in the temple: What think you, that he will not come to the feast?

Godbey New Testament
Then they were seeking Jesus, and standing in the temple, they were saying one with another, What seems to you; that He may not come to the feast?

Haweis New Testament
Then they sought for Jesus, and said one to another, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?

Mace New Testament
when they were in the temple, they enquired for Jesus, and said to one another, do you think he will not be at the feast?

Weymouth New Testament
They therefore looked out for Jesus, and asked one another as they stood in the Temple, "What do you think? --will he come to the Festival at all?"

Worrell New Testament
They were, therefore, seeking for Jesus, and were saying one with another, while standing in the temple, "What think ye? That He will not come to the feast?"

Worsley New Testament
So they sought for Jesus, and said to one another in the temple, What think ye? that He will not come to the feast?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Plot to Kill Jesus
55Now the Jewish Passover was near, and many people went up from the country to Jerusalem to purify themselves before the Passover. 56 They kept looking for Jesus and asking one another as they stood in the temple courts, “What do you think? Will He come to the feast at all?” 57But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where He was must report it, so that they could arrest Him.…

Cross References
John 7:11
So the Jews were looking for Him at the feast and asking, “Where is He?”

John 12:9
Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews learned that Jesus was there. And they came not only because of Him, but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.

John 7:25-27
Then some of the people of Jerusalem began to say, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? / Yet here He is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying anything to Him. Have the rulers truly recognized that this is the Christ? / But we know where this man is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where He is from.”

John 7:45-52
Then the officers returned to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring Him in?” / “Never has anyone spoken like this man!” the officers answered. / “Have you also been deceived?” replied the Pharisees. ...

John 12:12-13
The next day the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. / They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!”

John 2:13-17
When the Jewish Passover was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. / In the temple courts He found men selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and money changers seated at their tables. / So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle. He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. ...

John 6:4
Now the Jewish Feast of the Passover was near.

John 5:1
Some time later there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

John 10:24
So the Jews gathered around Him and demanded, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

Matthew 26:3-5
At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, / and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. / “But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”

Mark 11:18
When the chief priests and scribes heard this, they looked for a way to kill Him. For they were afraid of Him, because the whole crowd was astonished at His teaching.

Luke 19:47-48
Jesus was teaching at the temple every day, but the chief priests, scribes, and leaders of the people were intent on killing Him. / Yet they could not find a way to do so, because all the people hung on His words.

Matthew 21:12-13
Then Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. / And He declared to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer.’ But you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”

Mark 14:1-2
Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away, and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a covert way to arrest Jesus and kill Him. / “But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”

Luke 22:1-2
Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, / and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they feared the people.


Treasury of Scripture

Then sought they for Jesus, and spoke among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think you, that he will not come to the feast?

John 11:8
His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?

John 7:11
Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?

John 11:7
Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.

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Appear Area Feast Festival Jesus Kept Opinion Seeking Sought Standing Stood Temple Themselves Think
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.














They kept looking for Jesus
The people were actively seeking Jesus, indicating His growing reputation and the anticipation surrounding His actions. This reflects the heightened tension and expectation among the Jewish people during this period. Jesus had performed many miracles, and His teachings had stirred both hope and controversy. The act of looking for Jesus also signifies the spiritual longing and curiosity about His identity and mission.

and asking one another
This phrase highlights the communal nature of the Jewish society, where discussions and debates were common, especially in religious settings. It shows the collective concern and interest in Jesus' movements and intentions. The people were not only curious but also anxious about the implications of His presence or absence.

as they stood in the temple courts
The temple courts were a central place for worship, teaching, and gathering in Jerusalem. This setting underscores the religious and cultural significance of the events unfolding. The temple was the heart of Jewish religious life, and discussions there would have been charged with theological and messianic expectations. The temple courts were also a place where Jesus had previously taught, adding to the anticipation of His return.

“What do you think?
This question reflects the uncertainty and speculation among the people. It invites personal reflection and opinion, showing that Jesus' actions were a matter of public debate. The question also implies a sense of urgency and importance, as the people were eager to understand Jesus' intentions and the potential impact on the Passover feast.

Will He come to the feast at all?”
The feast refers to the Passover, a significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. Attendance at the Passover was expected of Jewish males, and Jesus' potential presence was of great interest. This question highlights the tension between Jesus' mission and the religious authorities' opposition. It also foreshadows the events leading to His crucifixion, as the Passover would become the backdrop for His ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling His role as the Lamb of God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
Central figure in the Gospel of John, whose actions and teachings are the focus of the account. At this point, He is being sought after by many.

2. The People
The crowd in the temple courts, likely consisting of Jews who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. They are curious and perhaps anxious about Jesus' presence.

3. The Temple Courts
The location where the people are gathered. This is a significant place for Jewish worship and teaching, and it is where many discussions about Jesus take place.

4. The Feast
Refers to the Passover, a major Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. It is a time when many Jews would travel to Jerusalem.

5. The Pharisees and Chief Priests
Though not mentioned directly in this verse, they are the religious leaders who are plotting against Jesus, creating an atmosphere of tension and anticipation.
Teaching Points
Anticipation and Expectation
The people's anticipation of Jesus' arrival at the feast reflects a broader expectation of the Messiah. In our lives, we should cultivate a similar anticipation for Christ's presence and work.

Public Curiosity and Division
The mixed reactions to Jesus' presence remind us that the Gospel can be divisive. We should be prepared to encounter varied responses when we share our faith.

The Significance of the Temple
The temple courts as a place of discussion about Jesus highlight the importance of communal worship and study. We should value our church communities as places to seek and discuss Christ.

The Role of Festivals and Traditions
The Passover feast sets the stage for Jesus' actions. Similarly, Christian traditions and celebrations can be opportunities to reflect on and encounter Christ.

Seeking Jesus in Our Lives
Just as the people were actively looking for Jesus, we should continually seek Him in our daily lives, through prayer, scripture, and community.(56) Then sought they for Jesus, and spake . . .--The words imply a continuance of seeking and speaking. They describe the scene as it took place ay after day as they stood in the Temple courts. They had heard rumours of recent events in the various parts from which they had come. Many of them had seen and heard Him at earlier feasts at Jerusalem, and they wonder whether He will come to the Passover, or whether the decree of the Jews will deter Him.

What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?--The words contain two questions: What think ye? That He will not come to the feast? He has not been seen in any of the caravans, and the place of His retirement is not known to them. They ask the question one of another; but the tone of doubt is prevalent.

Verse 56. - They sought therefore for Jesus, and said one with another, as they stood in the temple. Their excitement augmented from day to day; they dreaded and hoped for the final conflict. Not being aware of his retreat, not caring, perhaps, to dispatch him by hired assassins, they determined in the most public way, on a great platform, to complete the deep damnation of his taking off, little forecasting their eternal infamy. They were in continual search for Jesus, and spake in excited groups when they met, asking one another eager questions when they stood in the temple. The evangelist has witnessed the scene; these are two inquiries mentioned: What think ye, generally? Think ye that he will not come to the feast? The aorist subjunctive is used here in the sense of an event in the future which when effected will be a completed act; so that the statement gives a reason for the excitement among the people.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
They kept looking for
ἐζήτουν (ezētoun)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2212: To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

asking
ἔλεγον (elegon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

one another
ἀλλήλων (allēlōn)
Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 240: One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.

[as] they stood
ἑστηκότες (hestēkotes)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative 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.

temple courts,
ἱερῷ (hierō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2411: Neuter of hieros; a sacred place, i.e. The entire precincts of the Temple.

“What
Τί (Ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

do you think?
δοκεῖ (dokei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1380: A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.

Will He come
ἔλθῃ (elthē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

feast
ἑορτήν (heortēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1859: A festival, feast, periodically recurring. Of uncertain affinity; a festival.

at all?”
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.


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NT Gospels: John 11:56 Then they sought for Jesus and spoke (Jhn Jo Jn)
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