John 11:52
And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑπὲρ
for that
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for that
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
3 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 #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνους
nation
G1484
ἔθνους
nation
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
5 of 18
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
13 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διεσκορπισμένα
that were scattered abroad
G1287
διεσκορπισμένα
that were scattered abroad
Strong's:
G1287
Word #:
15 of 18
to dissipate, i.e., (genitive case) to rout or separate; specially, to winnow; figuratively, to squander
συναγάγῃ
he should gather together
G4863
συναγάγῃ
he should gather together
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
16 of 18
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
Cross References
John 10:16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.Isaiah 49:6And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.1 John 2:2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.Revelation 5:9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;Romans 3:29Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:1 Peter 1:1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
Historical Context
First-century Judaism debated Gentile inclusion in messianic kingdom. John, writing later, understands the cross as breaking down the dividing wall (Eph 2:14) between Jew and Gentile.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the cross accomplish both substitutionary atonement and cosmic unification?
- What does 'children of God scattered abroad' teach about election before conversion?
- In what ways does this verse anticipate the Great Commission's worldwide scope?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John expands Caiaphas' prophecy beyond Israel to include gathering God's scattered children worldwide into one. This reveals the cross's cosmic scope—not merely national but universal salvation. The phrase 'children of God scattered abroad' refers to elect Gentiles destined for inclusion in Christ's church. 'Gather together in one' anticipates the one fold under one Shepherd (10:16) and fulfills Abrahamic covenant promises to bless all nations. This demonstrates Reformed doctrine of particular redemption: Christ died specifically for His elect people.