John 11:57
Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.
Original Language Analysis
δεδώκεισαν
had given
G1325
δεδώκεισαν
had given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
1 of 19
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
G749
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
5 of 19
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
8 of 19
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
ἐντολὴν
a commandment
G1785
ἐντολὴν
a commandment
Strong's:
G1785
Word #:
9 of 19
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
ἐάν
if
G1437
ἐάν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
11 of 19
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
γνῷ
knew
G1097
γνῷ
knew
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
13 of 19
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ποῦ
where
G4226
ποῦ
where
Strong's:
G4226
Word #:
14 of 19
as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality
ἐστιν
he were
G2076
ἐστιν
he were
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
15 of 19
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
μηνύσῃ
he should shew
G3377
μηνύσῃ
he should shew
Strong's:
G3377
Word #:
16 of 19
to disclose (through the idea of mental effort and thus calling to mind), i.e., report, declare, intimate
ὅπως
it that
G3704
ὅπως
it that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
17 of 19
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
Historical Context
The Sanhedrin could issue binding religious edicts with civil enforcement power. This manhunt explains the disciples' fear and Jesus' strategic movements in the following chapters.
Questions for Reflection
- How does institutional corruption create environments enabling individual sin?
- What does the Sanhedrin's desperate manhunt reveal about their fear of truth?
- When have you witnessed authorities demanding cooperation in opposing God's truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Sanhedrin issues official orders: anyone knowing Jesus' location must report it for arrest. This demonstrates escalating persecution—from debate to conspiracy to manhunt. The commandment corrupts justice, requiring citizens to betray a teacher. This totalitarian demand previews future Christian persecution. The order also demonstrates the council's fear and desperation—they recognize their inability to control Jesus without public cooperation. Their edict sets the stage for Judas' betrayal, showing how institutional corruption enables individual sin.