John 11:52

KJV

And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} not {G3756} for that {G5228} nation {G1484} only {G3440}, but {G235} that {G2443} also {G2532} he should gather together {G4863} in {G1519} one {G1520} the children {G5043} of God {G2316} that were scattered abroad {G1287}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and not for the nation alone, but so that he might gather into one the scattered children of God.

Berean Standard Bible

and not only for the nation, but also for the scattered children of God, to gather them together into one.

American Standard Version

and not for the nation only, but that he might also gather together into one the children of God that are scattered abroad.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 11:52 serves as a profound interpretive commentary by the Apostle John, revealing the universal and divine scope of Jesus's impending atoning death. It clarifies that Christ's sacrifice was not merely for the Jewish nation, as the high priest Caiaphas had unwittingly prophesied, but was intended to gather into a unified body all those, both Jew and Gentile, whom God had chosen as His children, regardless of their current dispersion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the pivotal event of Lazarus's resurrection in [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Resurrection of Lazarus"). This astonishing miracle, while demonstrating Jesus's divine power over death, simultaneously hardened the hearts of the religious leaders, particularly the Sanhedrin. Their fear of a Roman crackdown due to Jesus's growing popularity led Caiaphas, the high priest, to declare it "expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not" ([John 11:50](/john/11-50 "John 11:50 - Caiaphas's Prophecy")). John then intervenes, explaining that Caiaphas's statement, though uttered from political expediency, was a divine prophecy, revealing God's true, far-reaching purpose for Jesus's death. Verse 52 expands on this, clarifying that the scope of this atoning work extended beyond "that nation only" to include all of God's scattered children.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The backdrop is first-century Judea under Roman occupation. The Jewish religious leaders, particularly the Sanhedrin, operated under the watchful eye of Rome, constantly fearing any popular movement that might provoke Roman intervention and jeopardize their limited autonomy. Caiaphas's concern was primarily political: sacrificing one man (Jesus) to preserve the Jewish nation from Roman wrath. The term "nation" (Greek: _éthnos_) here primarily refers to the Jewish people. However, John's commentary transcends this narrow, ethnocentric view, hinting at the future inclusion of non-Jews (Gentiles) into God's covenant people. The idea of a "scattered" people would resonate with the Jewish diaspora, but John applies it more broadly to all people, both Jew and Gentile, who would come to believe.
* **Key Themes:** John 11:52 profoundly contributes to several major themes within John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **universal scope of salvation**, revealing that Jesus's atoning work was not limited to a single ethnic group but was for "the children of God that were scattered abroad," foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family. This aligns with the Gospel's overarching message that God's love extends to the entire world, as famously stated in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World"). Secondly, the verse highlights God's ultimate desire for **gathering and unity**. The phrase "gather together in one" speaks to the formation of the Church, where diverse believers are brought into a singular spiritual family under Christ, breaking down traditional barriers ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Finally, it powerfully illustrates **divine sovereignty**, demonstrating that even the machinations and unwitting declarations of human leaders are ultimately orchestrated by God to fulfill His redemptive plan, which far surpasses human understanding or political maneuvering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gather together (Greek, _synágō_):** From G4863, meaning "to lead together, i.e., collect or convene." This word emphasizes the active, intentional work of Jesus to bring disparate individuals into a unified whole. It evokes the imagery of a shepherd gathering his flock, a common biblical metaphor for God's care for His people and Christ's role in bringing them into His fold.
* **children of God (Greek, _téknon tou Theou_):** From G5043 (_téknon_), meaning "a child (as produced)," and G2316 (_theós_), meaning "the supreme Divinity." This phrase denotes a spiritual relationship of belonging and adoption, rather than merely a physical or national lineage. It refers to those who are spiritually born of God through faith in Christ, a concept introduced early in John's Gospel ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God")). These are individuals who have received Christ and been given the right to become God's children.
* **scattered abroad (Greek, _diaskorpízō_):** From G1287, meaning "to dissipate, i.e., to rout or separate; specially, to winnow; figuratively, to squander." This term vividly describes a state of dispersion, fragmentation, or disunity. It implies a people who are not yet unified, either geographically, ethnically, or spiritually. Jesus's death is presented as the means to reverse this scattering, bringing them together into a single, cohesive body.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And not for that nation only":** This clause directly refutes the limited, nationalistic scope of Caiaphas's prophecy in [John 11:50](/john/11-50 "John 11:50 - Caiaphas's Prophecy"). John, inspired by the Holy Spirit, clarifies that while Caiaphas spoke of preserving the Jewish nation from Roman destruction, God's true purpose for Jesus's death extended far beyond this singular ethnic group. It sets up a contrast, moving from a narrow, temporal concern to a broad, eternal one.
* **"but that also he should gather together in one":** This phrase reveals the positive, unifying purpose of Christ's death. The conjunction "but also" introduces an expansive, inclusive dimension. Jesus's sacrifice is portrayed as the catalyst for a divine act of collection—bringing together those who were separate. The phrase "in one" (Greek: _eis heîs_) emphasizes the desired outcome of perfect unity and cohesion, forming a singular spiritual entity, the body of Christ.
* **"the children of God that were scattered abroad":** This identifies the beneficiaries of Jesus's gathering work. These are not merely the physical descendants of Abraham, but those who are spiritually born of God, regardless of their ethnic or geographical location. The term "scattered abroad" highlights their prior state of dispersion, whether referring to the Jewish diaspora, the spiritually lost among all peoples, or simply humanity's fragmented state apart from Christ. Jesus's death is the magnet that draws them together.

#### Literary Devices
John 11:52 is rich in literary devices. The most prominent is **Irony**, as Caiaphas, intending to speak a political expedient, unwittingly utters a profound **Prophecy** of Christ's universal atoning work. John's commentary clarifies this divine irony, transforming a human declaration of death into a revelation of life for all. There is also strong **Symbolism** in the imagery of "gathering together" those who were "scattered abroad," evoking the biblical motif of a shepherd gathering his sheep ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). This symbolizes the formation of the Church, a unified community drawn from all nations. Furthermore, the verse employs **Contrast**, setting the limited scope of "that nation only" against the expansive vision of "the children of God that were scattered abroad," highlighting the radical inclusivity of God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 11:52 is a cornerstone for understanding the New Testament's emphasis on the universal nature of God's salvation and the unity of the Church. It expands the scope of God's redemptive work beyond ethnic or national boundaries, demonstrating that Christ's sacrifice was for all humanity, those whom God would call His own. This verse anticipates the Great Commission and the global expansion of the Gospel, affirming that God's plan has always been to reconcile a diverse people to Himself, forming one new humanity in Christ. It underscores that true spiritual lineage is not based on physical descent but on being "children of God" through faith.

* [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down Dividing Walls")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")
* [Revelation 7:9-10](/rev/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 11:52 calls believers to embrace a radical, expansive vision of God's kingdom. It challenges us to look beyond our own cultural, national, or denominational affiliations and to recognize the profound unity we share as "children of God," purchased by the same sacrifice of Christ. This verse fosters a deep appreciation for the inclusive nature of the Gospel, compelling us to participate in God's mission to gather the "scattered abroad" into His family. It reminds us that our primary identity is found in Christ, not in earthly distinctions, and that our efforts should be directed toward fostering unity within the Church, reflecting the very purpose for which Christ died. This understanding should motivate us to overcome divisions, extend hospitality to all believers, and actively engage in evangelism to those who are still outside the fold.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the universal scope of Christ's sacrifice in John 11:52 impact your view of evangelism and missions?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or churches, inadvertently limit the "nation" for whom Christ died, and how can we overcome such limitations?**
* **What practical steps can you take to promote greater unity among "the children of God" in your local community and beyond?**

### FAQ

**What does "that nation only" refer to in John 11:52?**

Answer: "That nation only" refers specifically to the Jewish nation (Greek: _éthnos_), as spoken by the high priest Caiaphas in [John 11:50](/john/11-50 "John 11:50 - Caiaphas's Prophecy"). Caiaphas's concern was to prevent the entire Jewish people from being destroyed by the Romans due to Jesus's growing popularity. John's commentary in verse 52 clarifies that while Caiaphas's words were politically motivated and limited to the Jewish people, God's true purpose for Jesus's death was far broader and more inclusive.

**Who are "the children of God that were scattered abroad"?**

Answer: This phrase refers to all individuals, both Jew and Gentile, who would come to believe in Jesus and be spiritually born into God's family ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God")). The "scattered abroad" aspect can refer to the Jewish diaspora, but more broadly, it encompasses all people throughout the world who are separated from God and from each other by sin. Jesus's death serves to gather these diverse individuals into one unified body, the Church, regardless of their geographical location, ethnic background, or social status.

**How does John 11:52 relate to the concept of the Church?**

Answer: John 11:52 is a foundational verse for understanding the nature and purpose of the Church. The phrase "gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad" directly foreshadows the formation of the Church as a unified body composed of believers from every tribe, tongue, and nation ([Revelation 7:9](/rev/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). It teaches that the primary purpose of Christ's death was not just individual salvation, but the creation of a new, unified community—a spiritual family where all distinctions are transcended by their common identity as children of God in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 11:52 stands as a powerful declaration of Christ's ultimate mission, revealing that His death was the divine instrument for the grandest act of unification in human history. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, laid down His life not only for the "sheep of this fold" (Israel) but also for "other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd" ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). His sacrifice on the cross became the magnetic force, drawing together into a single, unified body those who were scattered by sin, division, and ethnic barriers. He is the cornerstone upon whom this new spiritual temple is built, reconciling both Jew and Gentile to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the hostility ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Through His shed blood, Jesus fulfilled the ancient prophecies of a Messiah who would gather the dispersed people of God, not just physically, but spiritually, creating a new humanity where all who believe are "one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). Thus, John 11:52 points directly to Christ as the sole means by which God's scattered children are brought into His eternal family, fulfilling His redemptive purpose for all creation.

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 10:16

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.

1 John 2:2

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

Isaiah 49:6

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

Ephesians 1:9

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

Ephesians 1:10

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:

1 Peter 1:1

¶ Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

Ephesians 2:14

¶ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us];