John 11:56
Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?
Original Language Analysis
ἐζήτουν
sought they for
G2212
ἐζήτουν
sought they for
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
1 of 22
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 22
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔλεγον
spake
G3004
ἔλεγον
spake
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
μετ'
among
G3326
μετ'
among
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
7 of 22
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερῷ
the temple
G2411
ἱερῷ
the temple
Strong's:
G2411
Word #:
11 of 22
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
ἑστηκότες
as they stood
G2476
ἑστηκότες
as they stood
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
12 of 22
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
13 of 22
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
δοκεῖ
think
G1380
δοκεῖ
think
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
14 of 22
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
16 of 22
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οὐ
G3756
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
18 of 22
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἔλθῃ
come
G2064
ἔλθῃ
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
19 of 22
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
20 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
Passover attendance was mandatory for Jewish males within a certain radius of Jerusalem. The crowds' question shows they knew about the Sanhedrin's plot and wondered if Jesus would risk attendance.
Questions for Reflection
- What's the difference between curiosity about Jesus and commitment to Him?
- How does crowd speculation contrast with Jesus' sovereign knowledge of His time?
- In what ways do we question whether Jesus will 'show up' in dangerous situations?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The crowds seek Jesus and question His Passover attendance. Their seeking is curiosity, not faith—they want spectacle, not salvation. The question 'What think ye? Will he come?' reveals speculation about whether danger will prevent Jesus' appearance. They underestimate His sovereignty and courage. Their doubt contrasts Jesus' certain knowledge of His appointed time. This demonstrates the difference between crowds' curiosity and disciples' commitment. Their question will be answered: Jesus comes not despite danger but because of divine appointment.