John 12:10
But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
Original Language Analysis
ἐβουλεύσαντο
consulted
G1011
ἐβουλεύσαντο
consulted
Strong's:
G1011
Word #:
1 of 9
to advise, i.e., (reflexively) deliberate, or (by implication) resolve
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
G749
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
4 of 9
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 2:16Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.Luke 16:31And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.Ecclesiastes 9:3This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.Exodus 10:3And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.John 11:57Now 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.
Historical Context
The Sanhedrin had authority to order executions in certain cases, though Roman oversight was required. Lazarus posed no criminal threat, making any plot purely religious persecution.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the plot against Lazarus teach about hardened hearts suppressing evidence?
- How does this demonstrate that persecution targets not just Christ but His witnesses?
- In what ways do people today attempt to 'kill' inconvenient testimony?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The chief priests plot to kill Lazarus too, demonstrating how sin escalates. Not satisfied with planning Jesus' death, they target the evidence—Lazarus himself. This reveals the depth of their hardness: they prefer murder to belief. Their logic is perverse: eliminate the witness rather than accept the truth. This demonstrates that rejection of evidence isn't merely intellectual but moral—they suppress truth in unrighteousness (Rom 1:18). Their plot against Lazarus shows that persecution extends beyond Christ to His witnesses.