John 11:57

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
δεδώκεισαν
G1325
had given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#2
δὲ
G1161
Now
but, and, etc
#3
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#4
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἀρχιερεῖς
G749
the chief priests
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
#6
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
Φαρισαῖοι
G5330
the Pharisees
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
#9
ἐντολὴν
G1785
a commandment
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
#10
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#11
ἐάν
G1437
if
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#12
τις
G5100
any man
some or any person or object
#13
γνῷ
G1097
knew
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#14
ποῦ
G4226
where
as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality
#15
ἐστιν
G2076
he were
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#16
μηνύσῃ
G3377
he should shew
to disclose (through the idea of mental effort and thus calling to mind), i.e., report, declare, intimate
#17
ὅπως
G3704
it that
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
#18
πιάσωσιν
G4084
they might take
to squeeze, i.e., seize (gently by the hand (press), or officially (arrest), or in hunting (capture))
#19
αὐτόν
G846
him
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

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of divine revelation reflects the essential nature of God revealed through Christ. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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