John 11:47

Authorized King James Version

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Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

Original Language Analysis

συνήγαγον gathered G4863
συνήγαγον gathered
Strong's: G4863
Word #: 1 of 19
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
οὖν Then G3767
οὖν Then
Strong's: G3767
Word #: 2 of 19
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεῖς the chief priests G749
ἀρχιερεῖς the chief priests
Strong's: G749
Word #: 4 of 19
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 5 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαῖοι the Pharisees G5330
Φαρισαῖοι the Pharisees
Strong's: G5330
Word #: 7 of 19
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
συνέδριον a council G4892
συνέδριον a council
Strong's: G4892
Word #: 8 of 19
a joint session, i.e., (specially), the jewish sanhedrin; by analogy, a subordinate tribunal
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 9 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔλεγον said G3004
ἔλεγον said
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 10 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Τί What G5101
Τί What
Strong's: G5101
Word #: 11 of 19
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ποιεῖ do we G4160
ποιεῖ do we
Strong's: G4160
Word #: 12 of 19
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ὅτι for G3754
ὅτι for
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 13 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οὗτος this G3778
οὗτος this
Strong's: G3778
Word #: 14 of 19
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄνθρωπος man G444
ἄνθρωπος man
Strong's: G444
Word #: 16 of 19
man-faced, i.e., a human being
πολλὰ many G4183
πολλὰ many
Strong's: G4183
Word #: 17 of 19
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
σημεῖα miracles G4592
σημεῖα miracles
Strong's: G4592
Word #: 18 of 19
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
ποιεῖ do we G4160
ποιεῖ do we
Strong's: G4160
Word #: 19 of 19
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Analysis & Commentary

The chief priests and Pharisees convene the Sanhedrin, acknowledging Jesus performs 'many miracles' (literally 'signs'). Their question 'What do we?' reveals political calculation, not spiritual inquiry. They don't dispute the miracles' reality but debate the response. This demonstrates hardened hearts—even undeniable evidence doesn't penetrate willful unbelief. Their concern is pragmatic (maintaining power) not theological (seeking truth). This validates Jesus' teaching about those who wouldn't believe even if one rose from the dead (Luke 16:31).

Historical Context

The Sanhedrin was Judaism's supreme council of 71 members including chief priests, elders, and scribes. They held religious and limited civil authority under Roman oversight.

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