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John 11:53

ESV So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.
NIV So from that day on they plotted to take his life.
NASB So from that day on they planned together to kill Him.
CSB So from that day on they plotted to kill him.
NLT So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death.
KJV Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
NKJV Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death.

What does John 11:53 mean?

This is the ultimate verdict of the council which gathered to discuss Jesus' latest miracle: the raising of Lazarus (John 11:39–44). This decision corresponds with Scripture, countering the claim that non-believers only need more evidence (Romans 1:18–20; Luke 16:31). Many of these same men were accused of "refusing" to accept the truth (John 5:39–41). Now, in response to a blatant miracle, they respond with deeper commitment to wipe that evidence away! In fact, their desperation will even extend to seeking death for the man Jesus brought back (John 12:9–11).

Prior to this, Jesus' critics have made efforts to arrest or even kill Him (John 7:44–46; 10:39). The moment described here is notable because it's an official ruling. Prior attempts have been half-hearted or arranged by a few angry leaders. This death sentence, as stated here, is now the goal of the entire religious leadership of Jerusalem. Among them are dissenters, either too afraid (John 19:38) or lacking influence to intervene (John 7:50–52). In an official sense, though, this means Jesus' fate has been sealed. The Council is only interested now in finding a way to capture Jesus away from crowds (Mark 12:12; Matthew 21:46). The "trials" He will experience after His arrest are shams: the sentence of death has been pronounced, here, long before He's even arrested.
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