New International VersionThen one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all!
New Living TranslationCaiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about!
English Standard VersionBut one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all.
Berean Standard BibleBut one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all!
Berean Literal BibleBut a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest the same year, said to them, "You know nothing at all,
King James BibleAnd one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
New King James VersionAnd one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all,
New American Standard BibleBut one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all,
NASB 1995But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all,
NASB 1977But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all,
Legacy Standard BibleBut one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all,
Amplified BibleBut one of them, Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year [the year of Christ’s crucifixion], said to them, “You know nothing at all!
Christian Standard BibleOne of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all!
Holman Christian Standard BibleOne of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all!
American Standard VersionBut a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
Contemporary English VersionOne of the council members was Caiaphas, who was also high priest that year. He spoke up and said, "You people don't have any sense at all!
English Revised VersionBut a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
GOD'S WORD® TranslationOne of them, Caiaphas, who was chief priest that year, told them, "You people don't know anything.
Good News TranslationOne of them, named Caiaphas, who was High Priest that year, said, "What fools you are!
International Standard VersionBut one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, told them, "You don't know anything!
NET BibleThen one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said, "You know nothing at all!
New Heart English BibleBut a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all,
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said to them, Ye know nothing at all,
Weymouth New TestamentBut one of them, named Caiaphas, being High Priest that year, said, "You know nothing about it. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all!
World English BibleBut a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being chief priest of that year, said to them, “You have not known anything,
Berean Literal BibleBut a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest the same year, said to them, "You know nothing at all,
Young's Literal Translation and a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being chief priest of that year, said to them, 'Ye have not known anything,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being chief priest that year, said to them, Ye know nothing, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut one of them, named Caiphas, being the high priest that year, said to them: You know nothing.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen one of them, named Caiaphas, since he was the high priest that year, said to them: “You do not understand anything.
New American BibleBut one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing,
New Revised Standard VersionBut one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut one of them, called Caiaphas, who was the high priest for that year, said to them, You know nothing;
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishBut one of them, whose name was Qaipha, was The High Priest that year, and he said to them, “You know nothing,” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut one of them, Caiaphas, who was chief priest that year, said to them: You know nothing,
Godbey New TestamentBut one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them,
Haweis New TestamentThen one particular person of them, Caiaphas, being the high-priest of that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing,
Mace New Testamentbut one of them named Caiaphas, being the high priest at that time, said to them, ye don't know what you are about.
Weymouth New TestamentBut one of them, named Caiaphas, being High Priest that year, said, "You know nothing about it.
Worrell New TestamentBut a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said, "Ye know nothing at all;
Worsley New TestamentBut Caiaphas who was one of them, being high-priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all;
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Plot to Kill Jesus… 48If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49Butoneofthem,named Caiaphas,who washigh priestthatyear,saidto them,“Youknownothing at all!50You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”…
Cross References John 18:14Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be better if one man died for the people.
Matthew 26:3-4At 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.
Luke 3:2during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
Acts 4:6along with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and many others from the high priest’s family.
John 18:13They brought Him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.
Matthew 5:22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.
Mark 14:53They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders, and scribes assembled.
Luke 22:66At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and scribes, met together. They led Jesus into their Sanhedrin and said,
Acts 23:2-5At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. / Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit here to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck.” / But those standing nearby said, “How dare you insult the high priest of God!” ...
John 7:45-52Then 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. ...
Matthew 27:1When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death.
Mark 15:1Early in the morning, the chief priests, elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin devised a plan. They bound Jesus, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate.
Luke 23:1Then the whole council rose and led Jesus away to Pilate.
Acts 5:34-40But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a short time. / “Men of Israel,” he said, “consider carefully what you are about to do to these men. / Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. ...
John 12:10So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well,
Treasury of Scripture And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said to them, You know nothing at all, Caiaphas. John 18:13,14 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year… Luke 3:2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. Acts 4:6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. Ye. John 7:48,49 Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? … Proverbs 26:12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit?there is more hope of a fool than of him. Isaiah 5:20-23 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! … Jump to Previous CaiaphasCa'iaphasChiefHighPriestJump to Next CaiaphasCa'iaphasChiefHighPriestJohn 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.But one of them, named CaiaphasCaiaphas was the Jewish high priest from AD 18 to 36, appointed by the Roman authorities. His role was significant in the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. As high priest, Caiaphas held considerable religious and political influence. His mention here sets the stage for his pivotal role in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion. Caiaphas was a Sadducee, a sect known for its collaboration with Roman authorities and denial of the resurrection, which contrasts with the Pharisees' beliefs. who was high priest that year
The phrase "that year" emphasizes the specific time of Jesus' ministry and crucifixion, highlighting the providential timing of events. The high priesthood was a lifetime position, but during Roman rule, high priests were often replaced for political reasons. Caiaphas' tenure during this critical period underscores his involvement in the trial and condemnation of Jesus, fulfilling the divine plan for salvation. said to them
Caiaphas addresses the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council responsible for religious and legal matters. His authority as high priest gives weight to his words, influencing the council's decision-making. This moment reflects the tension between maintaining Jewish law and appeasing Roman rule, as the council grapples with Jesus' growing influence. “You know nothing at all!
Caiaphas' rebuke indicates frustration with the council's indecision regarding Jesus. His statement suggests a lack of understanding or insight among the members, emphasizing his own perceived wisdom and authority. This phrase foreshadows his proposal to sacrifice Jesus for the perceived greater good, unwittingly aligning with God's redemptive plan. Caiaphas' words echo the prophetic nature of his role, as he unknowingly speaks of Jesus' sacrificial death for the nation and beyond. Persons / Places / Events 1. CaiaphasThe high priest during the time of Jesus' ministry. He played a significant role in the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. As high priest, Caiaphas held a position of great religious authority among the Jewish people. 2. The SanhedrinThe Jewish ruling council, composed of chief priests, scribes, and elders. They were responsible for religious decisions and had significant influence over Jewish society. 3. The Plot to Kill JesusThis event marks a pivotal moment where the religious leaders, led by Caiaphas, begin to actively plot the death of Jesus, seeing Him as a threat to their authority and the stability of their nation. Teaching Points The Danger of Spiritual BlindnessCaiaphas, despite his religious position, failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. This serves as a warning against spiritual blindness and the importance of seeking truth with humility. God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsEven as Caiaphas plotted against Jesus, God's sovereign plan for salvation was being fulfilled. This reminds us that God can use even the intentions of those opposed to Him to accomplish His purposes. The Responsibility of LeadershipCaiaphas' actions highlight the responsibility that comes with leadership, especially spiritual leadership. Leaders are called to seek God's will and lead with integrity and truth. The Cost of CompromiseCaiaphas' decision was driven by political expediency rather than truth. This teaches us the dangers of compromising our values and beliefs for the sake of convenience or fear of losing power. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of John 11:49?
2.How does Caiaphas' statement in John 11:49 demonstrate God's sovereignty in events?
3.What role does Caiaphas play in God's redemptive plan according to John 11:49?
4.How does John 11:49 connect with Old Testament prophecies about Jesus' sacrifice?
5.How can we discern God's purpose in unexpected situations, like Caiaphas in John 11:49?
6.What can we learn about God's use of authority figures from John 11:49?
7.Why did Caiaphas, a high priest, prophesy about Jesus' death in John 11:49?
8.How does Caiaphas' statement in John 11:49 reflect God's sovereignty in the Bible?
9.What historical evidence supports Caiaphas' role as high priest during Jesus' time?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 11?
11.Why do different Gospels have different reasons for why Jesus was arrested?
12.Who were the chief priests in the Bible?
13.Numbers 23:8–10: How credible is it that a pagan prophet blesses Israel despite a king’s demand to curse them, considering other biblical narratives?
14.John 18:13 - Is there a contradiction in having both Annas and Caiaphas acting as high priest at the same time, given the known Jewish legal and historical practices of the period?What Does John 11:49 Mean But one of themThe Sanhedrin had gathered in alarm over Jesus’ growing influence (John 11:47–48). Out of roughly seventy leaders, the Spirit zooms in on one voice. This focus reminds us how often God singles out an individual to advance His purpose—think of Gamaliel steering the council inActs 5:34–39 or Joseph speaking up inGenesis 50:20. Here, amid political panic, one man will articulate a plan that unwittingly serves the divine storyline.
Named CaiaphasCaiaphas is no fictional figure; he appears across the Gospels (Matthew 26:3;John 18:24) and inActs 4:6. History locates him as high priest from A.D. 18-36, married into the powerful household of Annas. His name anchors the verse in real time and space, reinforcing the reliability of the narrative. Just as Isaiah pinpoints “King Uzziah” (Isaiah 6:1) or Luke lists rulers (Luke 3:1-2), John ties eternal truth to verifiable people.
Who was high priest that yearThe high priest carried unique authority—only he could enter the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:32-34;Hebrews 5:1). John repeats “that year” (John 11:51; 18:13) to highlight the hinge point of redemptive history: the year the true Passover Lamb would die (John 1:29). Though Caiaphas holds the highest earthly religious office, he unknowingly serves the purposes of the true Great High Priest, Jesus (Hebrews 7:26-27).
said to themCaiaphas turns from listening to leading. In the council’s echo chamber of fear, his voice slices through the confusion. Similar moments occur when Paul addresses the Areopagus (Acts 17:22) or Peter at Pentecost (Acts 2:14). Leadership always speaks into a moment; whether for good or ill, words matter (Proverbs 18:21).
"You know nothing at all!"His outburst is blunt, bordering on contempt. The leaders prided themselves on knowledge (John 7:48-49), yet Caiaphas accuses them of ignorance. Ironically, he is the one blind to God’s plan; still, God uses his words to set in motion events leading to the cross (John 11:50-51;1 Corinthians 2:8). Consider the layers: • Human arrogance—Caiaphas speaks with scorn. • Divine sovereignty—God channels even arrogant speech to fulfill prophecy (Proverbs 16:9;Acts 2:23). • Spiritual revelation—true understanding comes not from position but from faith in Christ (John 8:31-32;James 1:5).
summaryJohn 11:49 spotlights Caiaphas as the lone, authoritative voice within a fearful council. His historical identity and high-priestly role lend weight to his words, yet his sharp rebuke exposes spiritual blindness. God, however, weaves even this prideful declaration into His redemptive plan, proving once more that no human scheme can derail His sovereign purpose. (49) And one of them, named Caiaphas.--Comp. Notes on Matthew 26:3; Luke 3:2. His proper name was Joseph, and the name Caiaphas is the Syriac form of Cephas. He, like Peter, took the name of "Rockman," as a title to indicate his work! For the succession of high priests at this time, see Jos. Ant. xviii. 2, ? 2. Caiaphas himself was priest from A.D. 26-36. Being the high priest that same year.--The words occur again inJohn 11:51 and inJohn 18:13. They are used with a solemnity of meaning to express "that fatal and decisive year." Ye know nothing at all.--There had probably been various suggestions made by different members of the Sanhedrin which seemed to him to miss the mark, or to fall short of the one means which would have a successful issue. Verse 49. - But a certain one of them, (named) Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all. Among the divided interests and irresolute fears of the Pharisees, who had not made up their minds as to the right course to pursue, "one of them," i. e. of the council, a man of firm will and hectoring disposition, had a clear though devilish purpose of political expediency, and a stern resolve, if he could, to repress the inconvenient manifestation of religious earnest- ness - Caiaphas. We know that Annas is spoken of as ἀρχιερεὺς in John 18:15, 19. And Annas and Caiaphas are both said to be "high priests" ( Luke 3:2). In Acts 4:6 Annas is spoken of as high priest, Caiaphas being associated with "John and Alexander." This becomes more comprehensible when we learn from Josephus ('Ant.,' 18:02. 2 and 4. 3) that Valerius Gratus (in the year A.D. ) had deprived Annas (or Hanan, Ananias, Ananas) of the office, "when he had held it for seven years." So great, however, was the influence of Annas, that, either to consult his temper or that of the people, who would consider him the legal high priest, the office was conferred upon members of his family in succession, first on Ishmael, then on Eleazer the son of Ishmael, then on Simon his son, and finally on Joseph Caiaphas (who is declared by St. John ( John 18:13) to be the son-in-law of Annas, thus explaining his appointment on the one hand, and the continued influence on the other of the unscrupulous Annas, who was high priest de jure). Joseph Caiaphas held the office from A.D. to A.D. , and thus throughout the ministry of Jesus. The apostle's remark (repeated John 18:13) that he was "high priest that same year" has been set down by Strauss, Scholton, and others to ignorance on the part of the writer of the Hebrew law of the priesthood. This is excessively improbable, even with a late author of the second century, who evidently knew as much concerning Judaea and its history as the author of the Fourth Gospel did indubitably possess. It is enough that the evangelist singles out "that memorable year" (Lucke, Meyer and Lunge, etc.) of the death of Christ; and remarks on the man who was holding the position at this solemn time, with obvious reference to the fact that now for many years the functions of the high priest were discharged only at the pleasure of the Roman governor, who might, as Caiaphas himself said, abolish the office altogether if he chose arbitrarily to do so. The first words of Caiaphas, "Ye know nothing at all," are brusque, rough, imperious, but are quite akin to what we know elsewhere of the manners of the man (Josephus, 'Bell. Jud.,' 2:08. 14), and of the aristocratic clique of which he was the head.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Butδέ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.oneΕἷς(Heis)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520:One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.ofἐξ(ex)Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.them,αὐτῶν(autōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.[named] Caiaphas,Καϊάφας(Kaiaphas)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2533:Caiaphas, Jewish high priest. Of Chaldee origin; the dell; Caiaphas, an Israelite.who wasὢν(ōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.high priestἀρχιερεὺς(archiereus)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 749:High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.thatἐκείνου(ekeinou)Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1565:That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.year,ἐνιαυτοῦ(eniautou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1763:A year, cycle of time. Prolongation from a primary enos; a year.saidεἶπεν(eipen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.to them,αὐτοῖς(autois)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.“YouὙμεῖς(Hymeis)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.knowοἴδατε(oidate)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1492:To know, remember, appreciate.nothing at all!οὐδέν(ouden)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3762:No one, none, nothing.
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NT Gospels: John 11:49 But a certain one of them Caiaphas (Jhn Jo Jn) |
