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.
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
If
G1437
ἐὰν
If
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 21
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πιστεύσουσιν
men will believe
G4100
πιστεύσουσιν
men will believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
6 of 21
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
εἰς
on
G1519
εἰς
on
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλεύσονται
shall come
G2064
ἐλεύσονται
shall come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
10 of 21
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀροῦσιν
take away
G142
ἀροῦσιν
take away
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
14 of 21
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τόπον
place
G5117
τόπον
place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
18 of 21
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Rome allowed Jewish religious autonomy but crushed perceived rebellion brutally. The leaders feared messianic movements would trigger Roman military response. This fear was realized in AD 70, validating Jesus' prophecies (Luke 19:41-44).
Questions for Reflection
- How does self-preservation disguised as concern for others corrupt spiritual leadership?
- What does the irony of their fear becoming reality teach about opposing God's purposes?
- In what ways do we cling to 'our place' when God calls us to surrender it?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The council fears that universal belief in Jesus will provoke Roman intervention, destroying 'our place and nation.' 'Our place' likely means the Temple and their religious authority. Their concern is self-preservation disguised as patriotism. Ironically, rejecting Messiah brings the very judgment they fear—Rome destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70. This demonstrates that human schemes to prevent God's will accomplish it. Their statement also reveals spiritual blindness: they fear losing what they should surrender. Security comes through faith in Messiah, not political maneuvering.