KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Meanwhile, the chief priests and Pharisees had put out an official order: if anyone knew where Jesus was hiding, they had to report it immediately so they could arrest him.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The religious leaders were so threatened by Jesus that they turned the whole community into informants.
📜 Historical Context — Why was this verse written?
The Gospel of John was written by John, one of Jesus's disciples, for a Christian audience in the late first century CE. The Gospel aimed to present Jesus as divine, and this passage specifically documents the Jewish authorities' decree to arrest Jesus after the raising of Lazarus, fearing his growing influence.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.
Share or Save