John 11:46

KJV

But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} some {G5100} of {G1537} them {G846} went their ways {G565} to {G4314} the Pharisees {G5330}, and {G2532} told {G2036} them {G846} what things {G3739} Jesus {G2424} had done {G4160}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But some of them went off to the P’rushim and told them what he had done.

Berean Standard Bible

But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

American Standard Version

But some of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them the things which Jesus had done.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 11:46 captures a critical juncture following Jesus' resurrection of Lazarus, illustrating the immediate and divergent responses to this profound miracle. While many believed, a faction of witnesses, rather than embracing faith, chose to report Jesus' actions to the hostile Pharisees, thereby accelerating the religious leaders' plot against Him and highlighting the deep-seated opposition to divine truth and power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the climactic narrative of [Lazarus's resurrection](/john/11-1-44 "John 11:1-44 - The Resurrection of Lazarus"). Immediately preceding it, [John 11:45](/john/11-45 "John 11:45 - Many Believe") explicitly states that "many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him." Verse 46 then presents a stark contrast, revealing that not all witnesses responded with faith. This divergence of reactions sets the stage directly for the Sanhedrin's council meeting in [John 11:47-53](/john/11-47-53 "John 11:47-53 - The Sanhedrin Plots to Kill Jesus"), where the Jewish leaders, fueled by fear and political expediency, decide that Jesus must die. Thus, [John 11:46](/john/11-46 "John 11:46 - Report to the Pharisees") serves as the immediate catalyst for the intensification of opposition that ultimately leads to Jesus' crucifixion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Pharisees were a prominent and influential Jewish religious sect during the Second Temple period, known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and their oral traditions. They held significant sway among the common people but often found themselves in theological and ideological conflict with Jesus, whom they perceived as undermining their authority, traditions, and interpretation of the Law. The act of reporting Jesus' miracle to them was not an act of admiration or wonder, but an act of denunciation, intended to provoke official action against Him. In the highly charged political and religious atmosphere of Roman-occupied Judea, any figure who amassed a large following and performed public wonders could be seen as a threat to both Roman stability and the established Jewish religious order, making such reports particularly dangerous for Jesus.

* **Key Themes:** [John 11:46](/john/11-46 "John 11:46 - The Informers") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Division and Response to Jesus**, illustrating how Jesus' presence and miraculous works invariably elicit polarized reactions—some believe, while others reject and oppose Him, as seen throughout [John's Gospel](/john/1 "The Gospel of John"). Secondly, it highlights the **Escalating Opposition** against Jesus. The resurrection of Lazarus, rather than leading to universal belief, becomes the final straw for the religious authorities, directly prompting their decision to eliminate Jesus, fulfilling the prophetic words of Caiaphas in [John 11:49-50](/john/11-49-50 "John 11:49-50 - Caiaphas's Prophecy"). Lastly, the verse implicitly reinforces the **Undeniable Nature of Jesus' Miracles**. The fact that even those who reported Him acknowledged "what things Jesus had done" (G4160, _poiéō_) testifies to the public, verifiable, and powerful nature of His signs, which could not be dismissed as mere trickery but had to be confronted.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **some (Greek, _tìs'_):** This indefinite pronoun (G5100) indicates "a certain one," "any person or object," or "some." In this context, it highlights a subset of the witnesses present at Lazarus's tomb, distinguishing them from the "many" who believed in [John 11:45](/john/11-45 "John 11:45 - Many Believe"). This deliberate choice of word emphasizes the selective nature of their response—they witnessed the same undeniable miracle but chose a path of opposition rather than faith.
* **told (Greek, _épō'_):** Derived from G2036, this verb means "to speak or say" (by word or writing). Here, it signifies the act of reporting or informing. The use of this word implies a deliberate communication, not merely casual conversation, but a formal or intentional disclosure to the authorities, carrying the weight of an accusation or a warning.
* **done (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This verb (G4160) is broadly translated as "to make or do" in a wide application. In this context, it refers specifically to the powerful and undeniable actions Jesus had performed, particularly the raising of Lazarus. The phrase "what things Jesus had done" acknowledges the reality and impact of His miracles, even by those who sought to use this information against Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees":** This opening clause immediately introduces a contrast ("But") with the previous verse, which described many believing. "Some of them" refers to a distinct group among the witnesses to Lazarus's resurrection. Their action of "going their ways to the Pharisees" signifies a deliberate and intentional act of reporting, indicating a decision to align with the religious establishment against Jesus, rather than with Him.
* **"and told them":** This phrase directly states the purpose of their journey. They were not merely sharing news but actively conveying information to the Pharisees. Given the Pharisees' known animosity towards Jesus, this "telling" was undoubtedly an act of denunciation, intended to provoke a response from the authorities.
* **"what things Jesus had done":** This final clause specifies the content of their report. It was not a rumor or a vague accusation, but a direct account of Jesus's powerful deeds, specifically the resurrection of Lazarus. This detail is crucial because it confirms the undeniable nature of the miracle, even from the perspective of those who opposed Jesus. They could not deny the event itself, only its implications and their desired response to it.

#### Literary Devices
[John 11:46](/john/11-46 "John 11:46 - The Informers") employs several potent literary devices. **Contrast** is immediately evident, juxtaposing the "many" who believed in [John 11:45](/john/11-45 "John 11:45 - Many Believe") with the "some" who reported Jesus to the Pharisees in this verse. This highlights the polarized reactions Jesus consistently evoked. There is also a strong element of **Irony**: a divine act of life-giving power, intended to reveal God's glory and elicit faith, is instead used as evidence to condemn the Giver of life. The report, meant to harm Jesus, inadvertently serves God's larger redemptive plan. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful piece of **Foreshadowing**, directly setting the stage for the Sanhedrin's plot against Jesus in the subsequent verses ([John 11:47-53](/john/11-47-53 "John 11:47-53 - The Sanhedrin's Plot")). The actions of "some of them" are the immediate trigger for the intensified opposition that will lead to Jesus' crucifixion, demonstrating the escalating conflict between light and darkness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the human capacity for spiritual blindness and hardened hearts, even in the face of undeniable divine power. The resurrection of Lazarus was arguably Jesus' most public and dramatic miracle, yet for "some," it served not as a catalyst for faith but as further evidence for their predetermined rejection. This reveals a fundamental theological truth: belief is not merely a matter of intellectual assent to evidence, but a spiritual posture of the heart. The decision to report Jesus to the Pharisees, rather than embrace Him, underscores the deep-seated resistance to God's truth when it challenges human authority, comfort, or preconceived notions. It highlights the tragic reality that even God's most glorious acts can be twisted and used for malicious purposes by those unwilling to submit to His sovereignty.

* [John 3:19-20](/john/3-19-20 "John 3:19-20 - Men Loved Darkness")
* [Matthew 10:22-23](/matthew/10-22-23 "Matthew 10:22-23 - Persecution and Endurance")
* [Acts 5:33-39](/acts/5-33-39 "Acts 5:33-39 - Gamaliel's Counsel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 11:46](/john/11-46 "John 11:46 - The Witnesses' Report") serves as a sobering reminder that encountering God's power does not automatically guarantee a positive response. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: when confronted with undeniable truths about God, or with His work in the world, do we respond with open hearts and faith, or do we allow fear, prejudice, or a desire to maintain our own control to harden us? This verse also prepares believers for the reality of opposition. Just as Jesus' greatest miracle provoked intensified hostility, followers of Christ can expect that their faithful living and proclamation of the Gospel may not always be met with acceptance, but sometimes with resistance, criticism, or even active opposition. It calls us to remain steadfast, understanding that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, regardless of human reactions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my heart typically respond when confronted with compelling evidence of God's work or truth that challenges my comfort zone or preconceived notions?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "report" or resist God's activity when it doesn't align with my expectations or desires?**
* **How can I prepare myself to face potential opposition or misunderstanding when living out my faith, knowing that even Jesus' good deeds provoked hostility?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the nature of belief and unbelief, and how might this inform my approach to sharing the Gospel with others?**

### FAQ
**Why did some witnesses report Jesus to the Pharisees instead of believing, especially after such a profound miracle?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state their motivations, but several factors likely contributed to their decision. Firstly, fear of the religious authorities and potential repercussions for associating with Jesus could have played a role. The Pharisees held significant power, and aligning with Jesus could have meant social ostracization or worse. Secondly, deeply ingrained prejudice or a hardened heart could have prevented them from accepting Jesus as the Messiah, despite the evidence. Their worldview might have been so rigid that even a miracle of this magnitude could not break through their unbelief. They may have viewed Jesus as a threat to their religious traditions, the established order, or even to their own national security, as suggested by Caiaphas's cynical reasoning in [John 11:49-50](/john/11-49-50 "John 11:49-50 - Caiaphas's Prophecy"). Their report was likely an act of self-preservation or an attempt to maintain the status quo, rather than an act of genuine inquiry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 11:46](/john/11-46 "John 11:46 - The Report That Led to the Cross"), though seemingly a simple report, is a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama of Christ's redemptive work, directly contributing to His ultimate sacrifice. The very miracle that should have heralded Jesus as the Christ—the raising of Lazarus, a powerful demonstration of His authority over death—becomes the catalyst for His condemnation. This opposition, initiated by "some of them" and amplified by the Pharisees, was not an unforeseen obstacle but a necessary step in God's sovereign plan for salvation. Jesus came not only to display divine power but also to suffer and die as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The rejection and plotting against Him, as foreshadowed here and explicitly detailed in [John 11:47-53](/john/11-47-53 "John 11:47-53 - The Sanhedrin's Plot"), were essential elements of His mission. Through this escalating hostility, Jesus was "led as a lamb to the slaughter" ([Isaiah/53-7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Prophecy of the Suffering Servant")), ultimately fulfilling the Father's will on the cross, thereby conquering sin and death for all who believe ([Romans/5-8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, even the malice of those who reported Him served the divine purpose of bringing about the world's salvation through Christ's atoning death and resurrection.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 9:13

¶ They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.

John 5:15

The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.

John 5:16

And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

John 12:37

¶ But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:

Luke 16:30

And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

Luke 16:31

And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

Acts 5:25

Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.