John 11:52

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

John 11:52 is a profound interpretative statement by the Apostle John, clarifying the broader, divine purpose behind Jesus's impending death. It immediately follows the high priest Caiaphas's unwitting prophecy that Jesus should die "for that nation" (John 11:50-51). John, guided by the Holy Spirit, reveals that God's plan extended far beyond merely saving the Jewish nation from Roman retribution.

Context

This verse is crucial for understanding the theological significance of Jesus's sacrifice, coming right after the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead. This miracle, while demonstrating Jesus's power over death, also escalated the religious leaders' fear and determination to kill Him. Caiaphas, in a moment of political expediency, declared it "expedient for us, that one man should die for the people" (John 11:50). John then clarifies that Caiaphas's words, though intended politically, were a divine prophecy concerning the true scope of Christ's atoning work for all humanity.

Key Themes

  • Universal Scope of Salvation: The most prominent theme is that Jesus's death was not just for the Jewish people, but for all people whom God calls His own. This foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family, breaking down the traditional barriers of ethnicity and nation. This aligns with the broader message of God's love for the whole world, as seen in John 3:16.
  • Gathering and Unity: The phrase "gather together in one" highlights God's desire for unity among His children. This speaks to the formation of the Church, where believers from every tribe and tongue are brought together as one body under Christ. This concept of unity is a recurring theme in the New Testament, emphasized by Paul in passages like Ephesians 2:14-16, where Christ is described as breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Even the plots and declarations of men, like Caiaphas's decision, are ultimately used by God to accomplish His sovereign will. This verse shows that God's plan for redemption was far grander than human understanding or political maneuvering.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "children of God" (Greek: tekna tou Theou) emphasizes a relationship of divine adoption and belonging, rather than merely a physical or national lineage. It refers to those who are spiritually born of God, a concept introduced earlier in John's Gospel (John 1:12). The term "scattered abroad" (Greek: skorpizō) implies a dispersion or fragmentation, which Jesus's death aimed to reverse by bringing them into a unified whole, much like a shepherd gathering his sheep (John 10:16).

Practical Application

John 11:52 offers profound implications for believers today. It reminds us of the expansive nature of God's grace and the inclusive call of the Gospel. It challenges us to look beyond our own cultural, national, or denominational boundaries and embrace the unity of all who are called "children of God." This verse fosters a missionary heart, knowing that there are still "scattered" people whom God desires to gather into His fold. It also underscores the importance of striving for unity within the church, reflecting Christ's ultimate purpose in His sacrifice.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 10:16 (13 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 1:10 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 2:14 (4 votes)

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