John 11:56

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 11:56 captures the intense public anticipation and speculation surrounding Jesus's presence in Jerusalem just days before the Passover feast, following His miraculous raising of Lazarus. As pilgrims gathered in the temple precincts for purification rituals, a palpable tension filled the air, with many wondering if Jesus, now a marked man by the religious authorities, would dare to appear at the pivotal annual festival, thereby confronting the very powers seeking His life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the Sanhedrin's fateful decision to put Jesus to death, a direct consequence of His raising Lazarus from the dead in [John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus"). The miracle, while confirming Jesus's divine power to many, escalated the fears of the chief priests and Pharisees that His growing popularity would provoke Roman intervention, leading them to conclude that "it is 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' Prophecy")). Jesus, aware of their plot, had withdrawn to Ephraim ([John 11:54](/john/11-54 "John 11:54 - Jesus Withdraws to Ephraim")), making His potential return to Jerusalem for the feast a matter of urgent public debate and concern. This sets the stage for His triumphal entry and the events of Passion Week.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "feast" mentioned is the Passover (Pesach), one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals (along with Pentecost and Tabernacles) when all Jewish males were commanded to come to Jerusalem ([Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - Three Annual Feasts")). Jerusalem would swell with hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of pilgrims. The temple courts, specifically the outer Gentile courts, would be bustling with activity, including the purification rites mentioned in [John 11:55](/john/11-55 "John 11:55 - People Purifying Themselves for Passover"). These rituals involved ceremonial cleansing to ensure one was ritually pure to participate in the Passover meal. The atmosphere during such feasts was often charged, a volatile mix of religious fervor and political tension under Roman occupation, making public discussions about a controversial figure like Jesus particularly significant.

* **Key Themes:** John 11:56 powerfully contributes to several key themes in John's Gospel. It highlights the escalating **conflict between Jesus and the Jewish authorities**, who have now definitively decided to kill Him ([John 11:53](/john/11-53 "John 11:53 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")). Simultaneously, it underscores the widespread **public fascination and anticipation** surrounding Jesus, demonstrating His immense popular appeal even in the face of official hostility. The verse also subtly introduces the theme of **Jesus's sovereign control over His destiny**, as the question of whether He "will not come" implies a choice on His part, despite the danger. This foreshadows His deliberate journey to Jerusalem for the cross, fulfilling the divine plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sought (Greek, _zētéō'_):** This verb, in the imperfect tense (G2212), indicates a continuous or repeated action of "seeking" or "inquiring." It suggests that the people were not merely wondering but actively discussing and looking for Jesus, reflecting a pervasive curiosity and perhaps a hopeful expectation of His appearance. This seeking was not simply a casual thought but an ongoing topic of conversation among the crowds in the temple.
* **spake (Greek, _légō'_):** The verb (G3004) implies a systematic or set discourse, rather than just random chatter. In this context, it suggests a deliberate discussion or debate among the people about Jesus's intentions. The use of "spake among themselves" (G3326 G240) further emphasizes the internal dialogue and collective pondering within the crowd, indicating a shared concern or curiosity.
* **temple (Greek, _hierón'_):** This term (G2411) refers to the entire sacred precincts of the Jerusalem Temple, not just the inner sanctuary (naos). It was the central hub for religious activity, especially during major feasts, making it a natural gathering place for pilgrims and a public forum for discussions. The fact that they stood "in the temple" underscores the public and religious nature of their inquiry about Jesus's arrival for the Passover feast (G1859).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then sought they for Jesus":** This clause establishes the immediate and active pursuit or inquiry concerning Jesus's whereabouts and intentions. The "then" (G3767, _oûn_) links this popular activity directly to the preceding events, particularly the Sanhedrin's decision to kill Him and Jesus's subsequent withdrawal.
* **"and spake among themselves":** This indicates a communal, internal dialogue among the pilgrims. It wasn't just individual thoughts but a shared conversation, revealing a collective preoccupation with Jesus's next move.
* **"as they stood in the temple":** This detail provides the setting, emphasizing the public nature of their discussion within the sacred and bustling environment of the Jerusalem Temple during a major festival. It highlights the visibility and widespread interest in Jesus.
* **"What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?":** This is the core question, revealing the people's uncertainty and the underlying tension. The double negative "will not come" (G3364 G2064) implies a strong expectation or hope that He *would* come, despite the known dangers. It suggests a challenge to their own assumptions, as if to say, "Surely, he won't *not* come, will he?"

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Anticipation** and **Dramatic Irony**. The **Anticipation** is evident in the people's "seeking" and "speaking among themselves," expressing their eager expectation and speculation regarding Jesus's arrival at the feast. They are on the edge of their seats, wondering if the controversial figure will appear. This sense of anticipation builds the narrative tension leading into Passion Week. Simultaneously, there is profound **Dramatic Irony**. The readers know, from the preceding verses ([John 11:49-53](/john/11-49-53 "John 11:49-53 - Caiaphas' Prophecy and the Plot")), that the religious authorities have already resolved to kill Jesus, and that Jesus himself is aware of this plot. The people's question, "What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?", is therefore laden with a tragic irony, as His coming to the feast is precisely what will lead to His arrest and crucifixion, fulfilling the very "expediency" Caiaphas spoke of.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 11:56 powerfully illustrates the human response to divine revelation, oscillating between genuine seeking and fearful rejection. The people's public discussion about Jesus's potential appearance at the Passover feast underscores His undeniable impact and the widespread recognition of His significance, even among those who might not fully grasp His identity. Their question, born of curiosity and perhaps a longing for the Messiah, inadvertently points to the very purpose of His coming: to fulfill the Passover as the ultimate sacrifice. This tension between popular intrigue and official hostility sets the stage for the climactic events of Holy Week, where Jesus deliberately walks into the heart of danger to accomplish His mission.

* [Luke 19:47-48](/luke/19-47-48 "Luke 19:47-48 - Jesus Teaches in the Temple")
* [Matthew 21:10-11](/matthew/21-10-11 "Matthew 21:10-11 - The Whole City Was Stirred")
* [John 7:11](/john/7-11 "John 7:11 - Jews Seek Jesus at the Feast")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 11:56 invites us to consider our own posture toward Jesus. Are we actively "seeking" Him, engaging in genuine inquiry and discussion about His presence and will in our lives? The pilgrims in the temple, despite their limited understanding and the dangerous climate, were compelled to ponder Jesus. Their question, "What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?", reveals a deep-seated human need for a deliverer, a hope that transcends immediate circumstances. In a world often marked by uncertainty and opposition to faith, this verse encourages us to maintain a spirit of anticipation for Christ's work, trusting that He will always "come" in His perfect timing and according to His divine purpose, even into the most perilous situations. It challenges us to openly discuss and consider Jesus's claims and actions, not shying away from the implications of His radical presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I actively "seek" Jesus in my daily life, beyond formal religious practices?**
* **How do I engage in discussions about Jesus with others, and what does my "thinking" about Him reveal about my faith or doubts?**
* **What "feasts" or significant moments in my life am I anticipating Jesus's presence, and how does His historical courage in the face of danger inspire me?**

### FAQ
**Why were the people "seeking" Jesus and discussing His potential arrival at the feast?**

Answer: The people were seeking Jesus and discussing His arrival because of the extraordinary miracle He had just performed: raising Lazarus from the dead ([John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead")). This event had dramatically increased His fame and solidified His reputation as a powerful prophet, possibly even the Messiah, among the common people. However, it also intensified the opposition from the Jewish religious authorities, who had decided to kill Him ([John 11:53](/john/11-53 "John 11:53 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")). Therefore, there was immense public curiosity and suspense: would Jesus, despite the clear danger, dare to come to Jerusalem for the highly anticipated Passover feast? Their discussions reflected a mix of awe, hope, and an awareness of the political and religious tension surrounding Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 11:56, with its depiction of the people seeking Jesus and questioning His presence at the Passover feast, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus's ultimate identity as the Lamb of God and the true Passover. The very feast they anticipate Him attending is the one where He will become the sacrifice, fulfilling the ancient shadows of the Old Covenant. Their question, "What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?", is answered definitively by His deliberate and resolute journey to Jerusalem, knowing full well the suffering that awaited Him ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")). He came not to avoid danger, but to embrace it, becoming the perfect Passover Lamb "who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - John the Baptist Points to Jesus")). His presence at the feast was not merely a physical appearance but the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection, which transformed the Passover from a memorial of liberation from Egypt into the celebration of eternal liberation from sin and death through His blood ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover")). Thus, the people's anxious seeking foreshadowed the world's desperate need for the One who would willingly offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for all.

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 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?