John 11:50
Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
Original Language Analysis
διαλογίζεσθε
consider
G1260
διαλογίζεσθε
consider
Strong's:
G1260
Word #:
2 of 18
to reckon thoroughly, i.e., (genitive case) to deliberate (by reflection or discussion)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
συμφέρει
it is expedient
G4851
συμφέρει
it is expedient
Strong's:
G4851
Word #:
4 of 18
to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
10 of 18
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαοῦ
the people
G2992
λαοῦ
the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
12 of 18
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
14 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὅλον
that the whole
G3650
ὅλον
that the whole
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
15 of 18
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 18:14Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.Luke 24:46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:Romans 3:8And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
Historical Context
Political expediency often guided Sanhedrin decisions under Roman occupation. Caiaphas' cynical calculation reflects realpolitik common in vassal states. Ironically, his formula matches Isaiah 53's suffering servant prophecy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Caiaphas' evil intent not negate the truth of his prophetic words?
- What does this teach about God's ability to speak truth through any source?
- In what ways does this statement reveal the heart of substitutionary atonement?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Caiaphas articulates expedient politics: one man's death saves the nation. His calculation is coldly pragmatic—better Jesus die than risk Roman retaliation. He speaks 'not of himself' but prophetically (v. 51), unknowingly declaring substitutionary atonement's core truth: one dies for many. His evil intent can't prevent his words from carrying divine truth. This demonstrates the doctrine of verbal inspiration—God can communicate truth even through unwilling or unknowing agents. The statement foreshadows the cross's purpose.