John 11:49
And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
Original Language Analysis
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 17
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
Καϊάφας
named Caiaphas
G2533
Καϊάφας
named Caiaphas
Strong's:
G2533
Word #:
6 of 17
the dell; caiaphas (i.e., cajepha), an israelite
ἀρχιερεὺς
the high priest
G749
ἀρχιερεὺς
the high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
7 of 17
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκείνου
that same
G1565
ἐκείνου
that same
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
11 of 17
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 17
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
οὐκ
nothing at all
G3756
οὐκ
nothing at all
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
15 of 17
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
Cross References
Matthew 26:3Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,John 11:51And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;Acts 4:6And 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.Proverbs 26:12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.Luke 3:2Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
Historical Context
Caiaphas served as high priest AD 18-36 under Roman appointment. Though corrupt, his office retained prophetic significance (v. 51). High priests served annually under Roman rule, unlike the Mosaic lifetime appointment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use even corrupt leaders to accomplish His redemptive purposes?
- What does Caiaphas' unconscious prophecy teach about divine sovereignty over human speech?
- In what ways do we speak truth beyond our own understanding?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Caiaphas, that year's high priest, speaks with unconscious prophetic authority. His position gives weight to his pragmatic calculation despite his evil intent. The phrase 'that same year' emphasizes the providential timing—the year of Jesus' sacrifice. Caiaphas' insult 'ye know nothing at all' reveals arrogant certainty while he himself unknowingly speaks God's truth. This demonstrates how God uses even evil agents to accomplish His purposes, validating Joseph's words: 'ye thought evil...but God meant it unto good' (Gen 50:20).