John 11:47 Meaning and Explanation
“Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The religious leaders meet and discuss the problem posed by Jesus' many miracles.
The Context of John 11:47
In response to the report, the chief priests and Pharisees convene the Sanhedrin to consider how to deal with Jesus.
What Does John 11:47 Mean?
Their fear is real. Jesus has done many miracles, many signs. They are not denying it. The problem is not that the signs are false but that they are true, and true in a way the authorities cannot control or explain. A man performing one miracle might be a charlatan or a sorcerer. A man performing many miracles, drawing crowds, raising the dead—this is a threat to the established order.
The question 'what do we' is urgent. It is not a scholarly inquiry. It is the question of power facing something that challenges its monopoly. If Jesus is from God—if God is really working through him—then the old certainties and hierarchies are in question.
How to Apply John 11:47 Today
Those in power are often less threatened by hypocrisy than by genuine signs of God at work. The real crisis is not whether Jesus is false but whether he is true.
Frequently Asked Questions About John 11:47
What does John 11:47 mean?
The religious leaders meet and discuss the problem posed by Jesus' many miracles.
What is the context of John 11:47?
In response to the report, the chief priests and Pharisees convene the Sanhedrin to consider how to deal with Jesus.
How can I apply John 11:47 today?
Those in power are often less threatened by hypocrisy than by genuine signs of God at work. The real crisis is not whether Jesus is false but whether he is true.