of Chaldee origin; the dell; Caiaphas (i.e. Cajepha), an Israelite:--Caiaphas.
Transliteration:Kaïáphas
Pronunciation:kah-ee-af'-as
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Καϊάφας (Kaïáphas), Strong's number `{{G2533}}`, refers exclusively to a proper noun: Caiaphas, the High Priest of Israel from approximately AD 18 to 36. Its etymological origin is Chaldean, meaning "the dell" or "depression," possibly referring to a valley or low-lying area. However, for a proper noun, the primary semantic range is limited to the specific individual it designates. In this case, Caiaphas is a historical figure whose identity is inextricably linked to his role as High Priest during the pivotal period of Jesus' ministry, trial, and crucifixion. Therefore, the "meaning" of Καϊάφας is not a concept or action, but the person himself and the significant historical and theological role he played.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Caiaphas is prominently featured in the Gospels and the book of Acts, always in his capacity as High Priest and a key antagonist to Jesus and the early church.
* **John 11:49-52**: Caiaphas first appears in a crucial moment following the raising of Lazarus. As members of the Sanhedrin debate how to respond to Jesus' growing popularity, Caiaphas, serving as High Priest that year, offers what he believes is a pragmatic solution: "You know nothing at all, nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish" [[John 11:49-50]]. The Gospel writer, however, immediately interprets this statement as a divine prophecy: "He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who were scattered abroad" [[John 11:51-52]]. This passage highlights the ironic truth that God can use even the words and intentions of his adversaries to fulfill his sovereign plan.
* **Matthew 26:3, 57-68; Mark 14:53-65; Luke 22:54-71**: Caiaphas presides over the Jewish trial of Jesus. After Jesus' arrest, He is first taken to Annas, Caiaphas's father-in-law, and then to Caiaphas's house, where the Sanhedrin convenes an illegal night trial. Caiaphas actively seeks false testimony against Jesus [[Matthew 26:59]]. When Jesus remains silent, Caiaphas directly challenges Him, "I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God" [[Matthew 26:63]]. Jesus' affirmative response, "You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven" [[Matthew 26:64]], leads Caiaphas to tear his robes and declare Jesus guilty of blasphemy, leading the council to condemn Him to death [[Matthew 26:65-66]]. His actions here demonstrate a profound spiritual blindness and a perversion of justice.
* **John 18:13-28**: John's account details the sequence of Jesus being brought first to Annas, who then sends Him bound to Caiaphas. This emphasizes the close familial and political ties between the two powerful priestly figures.
* **Acts 4:6**: After Pentecost, when Peter and John are arrested for preaching the resurrection of Jesus and healing a lame man, they are brought before "Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family" [[Acts 4:6]]. Caiaphas is still in a position of authority, continuing his opposition to the followers of Jesus. Peter boldly declares to them, "Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well" [[Acts 4:10]]. This encounter further illustrates the entrenched resistance of the religious establishment to the new movement of Christ.
Across these occurrences, Caiaphas consistently embodies the institutional religious power that rejects and condemns the Messiah.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Καϊάφας naturally connects to several related words and theological concepts:
* **`{{G458}}` Ἄννας (Annas)**: Caiaphas's father-in-law and a powerful former High Priest. Their close relationship and shared opposition to Jesus highlight the dynastic nature of the high priesthood and the concentration of power.
* **`{{G749}}` ἀρχιερεύς (archiereus)**: High Priest. This term defines Caiaphas's office and underscores the irony of the highest religious official condemning the Son of God.
* **`{{G4892}}` συνέδριον (synedrion)**: Sanhedrin, the Jewish supreme court over which Caiaphas presided. This body's actions under Caiaphas reveal the corruption and spiritual bankruptcy within the religious leadership.
* **`{{G5547}}` Χριστός (Christos)**: Christ/Messiah. Caiaphas's role is defined by his rejection of Jesus as the Christ, a central theological conflict.
* **Prophecy and Fulfillment**: Caiaphas's unwitting prophecy in [[John 11:49-52]] connects to the broader biblical theme of divine sovereignty working through human agency, even sinful agency, to accomplish God's purposes.
* **Injustice and Persecution**: Caiaphas's actions exemplify the injustice meted out against Jesus and later against His disciples, foreshadowing the persecution the early church would face from religious authorities.
* **Spiritual Blindness**: Caiaphas's inability to recognize the Messiah, despite his position as High Priest, serves as a stark example of spiritual blindness and the dangers of religious formalism without true spiritual discernment.
### Theological Significance
Caiaphas stands as a profoundly significant figure in salvation history, primarily as the embodiment of the religious establishment's rejection of the Messiah.
1. **The Perversion of Religious Authority**: Caiaphas's office as High Priest was meant to mediate between God and Israel, to uphold the Law, and to guide the people in righteousness. Instead, he uses his authority to condemn the very Son of God, demonstrating how religious power can become corrupted and spiritually bankrupt. His tearing of robes, a sign of outrage at blasphemy, is tragically ironic given that he was condemning the source of all truth.
2. **Unwitting Instrument of Divine Purpose**: Perhaps the most profound theological insight concerning Caiaphas comes from John's Gospel. His declaration that "it is better for you that one man should die for the people" [[John 11:50]] is interpreted as a divine prophecy that Jesus would die for the nation and for the scattered children of God [[John 11:51-52]]. This highlights the theological principle that God's sovereign plan cannot be thwarted, even by the malicious intentions of human actors. God can use the very acts of human evil to accomplish His redemptive purposes.
3. **The Clash of Kingdoms**: Caiaphas represents the kingdom of this world, particularly its religious and political power structures, set against the spiritual kingdom of God embodied in Jesus. His actions underscore the fundamental conflict between human wisdom and divine wisdom, between institutional power and humble truth.
4. **A Warning Against Spiritual Blindness**: Caiaphas's story serves as a perennial warning to those in positions of religious leadership. Despite his intimate knowledge of the Law and the prophetic scriptures, he failed to recognize the fulfillment of those scriptures in Jesus. His focus on political expediency and maintaining the status quo blinded him to the divine reality standing before him.
### Summary
Καϊάφας (Kaïáphas), Strong's number `{{G2533}}`, refers to Caiaphas, the High Priest during Jesus' earthly ministry. While his name etymologically means "the dell," his significance is entirely tied to his historical role. He is a central figure in the Jewish rejection and condemnation of Jesus, presiding over the Sanhedrin trial and declaring Jesus guilty of blasphemy. His actions, driven by political expediency and a desire to preserve the nation, tragically led to the crucifixion of the Messiah. Yet, in a profound theological irony, his words in [[John 11:49-52]] were divinely inspired to prophesy Jesus' atoning death, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to use even human wickedness to fulfill His redemptive plan. Caiaphas thus stands as a poignant biblical example of the perversion of religious authority, spiritual blindness, and the unwitting instrumentality of human agents in the unfolding of divine purpose.
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