King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
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?
Complete Jewish Bible:
They were looking for Yeshua, and as they stood in the Temple courts they said to each other, “What do you think? that he simply won’t come to the festival?”
Berean Standard Bible:
They kept looking for Jesus and asking one another as they stood in the temple courts, “What do you think? Will He come to the feast at all?”
American Standard Version:
They sought therefore for Jesus, and spake one with another, as they stood in the temple, What think ye? That he will not come to the feast?
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Then{G3767} sought they for{G2212} Jesus{G2424}, and{G2532} spake{G3004} among{G3326} themselves{G240}, as they stood{G2476} in{G1722} the temple{G2411}, What{G5101} think{G1380} ye{G5213}, that{G3754} he will{G2064} not{G3364} come{G2064} to{G1519} the feast{G1859}?
Cross-References (KJV):
John 7:11
- Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
John 11:7
- Then after that saith he to [his] disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.
John 11:8
- [His] disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for John 11:56
John 11:56 is set in the weeks leading up to the Passover feast, one of the most significant Jewish religious festivals commemorating the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. At this point in the Gospel of John, Jesus has already performed notable miracles, including the raising of Lazarus from the dead in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem. This particular act has caused quite a stir among the Jewish authorities, who are increasingly threatened by Jesus' growing influence and the possibility that it might provoke a strong Roman response against the Jewish people.
The verse captures a moment of tension and speculation among the religious leaders and possibly other attendees in the temple. They are actively looking for Jesus, not to honor or follow Him, but out of concern for the potential political and social ramifications of His actions. The question they pose to one another, "What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?" reflects their preoccupation with Jesus' plans and the implications for the delicate balance of power in Jerusalem.
Their concern is twofold: on one hand, they are worried about the Roman authorities' reaction to Jesus' popularity and the potential for unrest during the feast, which could lead to severe repercussions for the Jewish nation. On the other hand, they are also grappling with their own inability to control or understand Jesus' mission and the threat it poses to their religious authority.
This verse is part of the broader narrative leading up to Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, His crucifixion, and His resurrection. It highlights the growing conflict between Jesus and the Jewish leadership, setting the stage for the dramatic events that will unfold during the Passover week. The themes present in this verse include the tension between religious tradition and the new era of faith introduced by Jesus, the political dynamics of first-century Palestine under Roman occupation, and the anticipation of the fulfillment of Jesus' mission, which He would ultimately accomplish in Jerusalem.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: G3767
There are 519 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: οὖν
Transliteration: oûn
Pronunciation: oon
Description: apparently a primary word; (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly:--and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore. - Strong's Number: G2212
There are 116 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ζητέω
Transliteration: zētéō
Pronunciation: dzay-teh'-o
Description: of uncertain affinity; to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life):--be (go) about, desire, endeavour, enquire (for), require, (X will) seek (after, for, means). Compare πυνθάνομαι. - Strong's Number: G2424
There are 935 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: Ἰησοῦς
Transliteration: Iēsoûs
Pronunciation: ee-ay-sooce'
Description: of Hebrew origin (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:--Jesus. - Strong's Number: G2532
There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: καί
Transliteration: kaí
Pronunciation: kahee
Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet. - Strong's Number: G3004
There are 1244 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: λέγω
Transliteration: légō
Pronunciation: leg'-o
Description: a primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas ἔπω and φημί generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while ῥέω is properly to break silence merely, and λαλέω means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean:--ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter. - Strong's Number: G3326
There are 445 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: μετά
Transliteration: metá
Pronunciation: met-ah'
Description: a primary preposition (often used adverbially); properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession) with which it is joined; occupying an intermediate position between ἀπό or ἐκ and εἰς or πρός; less intimate than ἐν and less close than σύν):--after(-ward), X that he again, against, among, X and, + follow, hence, hereafter, in, of, (up-)on, + our, X and setting, since, (un-)to, + together, when, with (+ -out). Often used in composition, in substantially the same relations of participation or proximity, and transfer or sequence. - Strong's Number: G240
There are 338 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀλλήλων
Transliteration: allḗlōn
Pronunciation: al-lay'-lone
Description: Genitive plural from ἄλλος reduplicated; one another:--each other, mutual, one another, (the other), (them-, your-)selves, (selves) together (sometimes with μετά or πρός). - Strong's Number: G2476
There are 152 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἵστημι
Transliteration: hístēmi
Pronunciation: stah'-o
Description: a prolonged form of a primary (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses); to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively):--abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up). Compare τίθημι. - Strong's Number: G1722
There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐν
Transliteration: en
Pronunciation: en
Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition. - Strong's Number: G2411
There are 67 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἱερόν
Transliteration: hierón
Pronunciation: hee-er-on'
Description: neuter of ἱερός; a sacred place, i.e. the entire precincts (whereas ναός denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the Temple (at Jerusalem or elsewhere):--temple. - Strong's Number: G5101
There are 483 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: τίς
Transliteration: tís
Pronunciation: tis
Description: probably emphatic of τὶς; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions):--every man, how (much), + no(-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where (-by, -fore, -of, -unto, - with, -withal), whether, which, who(-m, -se), why. - Strong's Number: G1380
There are 62 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: δοκέω
Transliteration: dokéō
Pronunciation: dok'-o
Description: a prolonged form of a primary verb, (used only in an alternate in certain tenses; compare the base of δεικνύω) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly):--be accounted, (of own) please(-ure), be of reputation, seem (good), suppose, think, trow. - Strong's Number: G5213
There are 567 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὑμῖν
Transliteration: hymîn
Pronunciation: hoo-min'
Description: irregular dative case of ὑμεῖς; to (with or by) you:--ye, you, your(-selves). - Strong's Number: G3754
There are 1189 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὅτι
Transliteration: hóti
Pronunciation: hot'-ee
Description: neuter of ὅστις as conjunction; demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because:--as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why. - Strong's Number: G2064
There are 604 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἔρχομαι
Transliteration: érchomai
Pronunciation: el'-tho
Description: middle voice of a primary verb (used only in the present and imperfect tenses, the others being supplied by a kindred (middle voice) , or (active) , which do not otherwise occur); to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively):--accompany, appear, bring, come, enter, fall out, go, grow, X light, X next, pass, resort, be set. - Strong's Number: G3364
There are 84 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: οὐ μή
Transliteration: ou mḗ
Pronunciation: oo may
Description: i.e. οὐ and μή; a double negative strengthening the denial; not at all:--any more, at all, by any (no) means, neither, never, no (at all), in no case (wise), nor ever, not (at all, in any wise). Compare μὴ οὐκ. - Strong's Number: G1519
There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εἰς
Transliteration: eis
Pronunciation: ice
Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively). - Strong's Number: G1859
There are 25 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἑορτή
Transliteration: heortḗ
Pronunciation: heh-or-tay'
Description: of uncertain affinity; a festival:--feast, holyday.