John 12:10

But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;

But {G1161} the chief priests {G749} consulted {G1011} that {G2443} they might put {G615} Lazarus {G2976} also {G2532} to death {G615};

The head cohanim then decided to do away with El‘azar too,

So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well,

But the chief priests took counsel that they might put Lazarus also to death;

Commentary

John 12:10 reveals the chilling escalation of hostility from the Jewish religious leaders towards Jesus and those associated with Him. This verse immediately follows the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, but its roots lie in the monumental miracle of Lazarus's resurrection.

Context

The events leading up to this verse are critical. Jesus had performed the astonishing miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead in Bethany (John 11). This undeniable display of divine power caused many Jews to believe in Jesus, leading to a significant increase in His popularity and influence. The chief priests and Pharisees, already threatened by Jesus' growing following, had previously convened the Sanhedrin to plot His death (John 11:47-53). Now, Lazarus himself, a living testament to Jesus' power over death, became a target because his very existence drew people to Jesus, undermining their authority and religious system. His continued presence was an inconvenient truth they wished to erase.

Key Themes

  • Extreme Opposition to Truth: The chief priests' decision to kill Lazarus demonstrates their profound spiritual blindness and hardened hearts. Rather than acknowledging God's power displayed through Jesus, they sought to eliminate the evidence.
  • Malice and Desperation: Their consultation reveals a deep-seated malice and desperation to maintain control. They were so intent on stopping Jesus that they were willing to commit murder, not only of Jesus but also of an innocent man who was simply a recipient of God's grace.
  • The Cost of Witnessing: Lazarus faced a death threat simply because he was a powerful, living witness to Jesus' resurrection power. This highlights that those who bear testimony to Christ may face persecution.
  • Unstoppable Divine Purpose: Despite the human plot, God's ultimate plan for Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection would not be thwarted. The chief priests' actions, though evil, ultimately contributed to the fulfillment of prophecy.

Linguistic Insights

The word "consulted" (Greek: symbouleuomai) implies a deliberate and calculated decision-making process among the religious authorities. It wasn't a rash act but a formal agreement to commit murder. The phrase "put Lazarus also to death" underscores their willingness to extend their murderous intent beyond Jesus to anyone who might draw attention to His divine works, highlighting the depth of their hostility.

Reflection and Application

This verse serves as a stark reminder that truth and divine power often provoke intense opposition from those who cling to their own authority or prefer darkness to light. Just as the chief priests sought to silence Lazarus, those who bear witness to Christ today may face rejection, criticism, or even hostility for their faith. We are reminded that the world often prefers darkness over light when its deeds are evil. However, this verse also implicitly reassures us that no human plot can ultimately thwart God's sovereign plan. The resurrection of Lazarus, though a catalyst for this plot, also foreshadowed Jesus' own victory over death, which the priests unwittingly helped to bring about.

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

  • 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.

  • Matthew 2:16

    ¶ Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

  • Genesis 4:4

    And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

  • Genesis 4:10

    And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.

  • John 11:47

    Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

  • John 11:53

    Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

  • Daniel 5:21

    And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling [was] with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and [that] he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.
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