Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the temple courts they asked one another, “What do you think? Isn’t he coming to the festival at all?” New Living Translation They kept looking for Jesus, but as they stood around in the Temple, they said to each other, “What do you think? He won’t come for Passover, will he?” English Standard Version They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” 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?” Berean Literal Bible Therefore they were seeking Jesus and were speaking with one another standing in the temple: “What does it seem to you⁺? That He may not come to the feast?” King James Bible 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? New King James Version Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?” New American Standard Bible So they were looking for Jesus, and saying to one another as they stood in the temple area, “What do you think; that He will not come to the feast at all?” NASB 1995 So they were seeking for Jesus, and were saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think; that He will not come to the feast at all?” NASB 1977 Therefore they were seeking for Jesus, and were saying to one another, as they stood in the temple, “What do you think; that He will not come to the feast at all?” Legacy Standard Bible So they were seeking Jesus, and were saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That He will not come to the feast at all?” Amplified Bible So they were looking for Jesus as they stood in the temple [area], and saying among themselves, “What do you think? Will He not come to the feast at all?” Berean Annotated Bible They kept looking for Jesus (YHWH saves) and asking one another as they stood in the temple courts \the temple/, “What do you⁺ think? Will He come to the feast at all? Christian Standard Bible They were looking for Jesus and asking one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? He won’t come to the festival, will he? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible They were looking for Jesus and asking one another as they stood in the temple complex: “What do you think? He won’t come to the festival, will He?” 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? Contemporary English Version They looked around for Jesus. Then when they were in the temple, they asked each other, "You don't think he will come here for Passover, do you?" English Revised 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? GOD'S WORD® Translation As they stood in the temple courtyard, they looked for Jesus and asked each other, "Do you think that he'll avoid coming to the festival?" Good News Translation They were looking for Jesus, and as they gathered in the Temple, they asked one another, "What do you think? Surely he will not come to the festival, will he?" International Standard Version They kept looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the Temple, "What do you think? Surely he won't come to the festival, will he?" NET Bible Thus they were looking for Jesus, and saying to one another as they stood in the temple courts, "What do you think? That he won't come to the feast?" New Heart English Bible Then they sought for Jesus and spoke one with another, as they stood in the temple, "What do you think--that he is not coming to the feast at all?" Webster's Bible Translation Then they sought for Jesus, and spoke among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? Weymouth New Testament They therefore looked out for Jesus, and asked one another as they stood in the Temple, "What do you think? --will he come to the Festival at all?" Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThey 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?” World English Bible Then they sought for Jesus and spoke with one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that he isn’t coming to the feast at all?” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versiontherefore they were seeking Jesus and said with one another, standing in the temple, “What appears to you—that He may not come to the celebration?” Berean Literal Bible Therefore they were seeking Jesus and were speaking with one another standing in the temple: “What does it seem to you⁺? That He may not come to the feast?” Young's Literal Translation they were seeking, therefore, Jesus, and said one with another, standing in the temple, 'What doth appear to you -- that he may not come to the feast?' Smith's Literal Translation Then sought they Jesus, and said with one another, standing in the temple, What seems it to you, that he should not come to the festival. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThey sought therefore for Jesus; and they discoursed one with another, standing in the temple: What think you that he is not come to the festival day? Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, they were seeking Jesus. And they conferred with one another, while standing in the temple: “What do you think? Will he come to the feast day?” New American Bible They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?” New Revised Standard Version They were looking for Jesus and were asking one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? Surely he will not come to the festival, will he?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they were looking for Jesus, and at the temple they kept saying to one another, What do you think, will he not come to the feast? Aramaic Bible in Plain English And they were seeking for Yeshua, and they were saying to one another in The Temple, “What do you think? Will he come to the feast?” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThen they sought for Jesus, and said one to another, as they stood in the temple: What think you, that he will not come to the feast? Godbey New Testament Then they were seeking Jesus, and standing in the temple, they were saying one with another, What seems to you; that He may not come to the feast? Haweis New Testament Then they sought for Jesus, and said one to another, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? Mace New Testament when they were in the temple, they enquired for Jesus, and said to one another, do you think he will not be at the feast? Weymouth New Testament They therefore looked out for Jesus, and asked one another as they stood in the Temple, "What do you think? --will he come to the Festival at all?" Worrell New Testament They were, therefore, seeking for Jesus, and were saying one with another, while standing in the temple, "What think ye? That He will not come to the feast?" Worsley New Testament So they sought for Jesus, and said to one another in the temple, What think ye? that He will not come to the feast? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Plot to Kill Jesus…55Now the Jewish Passover was near, and many people went up from the country to Jerusalem to purify themselves before the Passover. 56 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?” 57But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where He was must report it, so that they could arrest Him.… Cross References They kept looking for Jesus Mark 1:37 and when they found Him, they said, “Everyone is looking for You!” Luke 2:44-45 Assuming He was in their company, they traveled on for a day before they began to look for Him among their relatives and friends. / When they could not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for Him. Matthew 2:8 And sending them to Bethlehem, he said: “Go and search carefully for the Child, and when you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him.” and asking one another Acts 2:12 Astounded and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” John 4:33 So the disciples asked one another, “Could someone have brought Him food?” Luke 24:15 And as they talked and deliberated, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them. as they stood in the temple courts, John 10:23 and Jesus was walking in the temple courts in Solomon’s Colonnade. Acts 5:25 Then someone came in and announced, “Look, the men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people!” Luke 2:46 Finally, after three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. “What do you think? Matthew 21:28 But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first one and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ Matthew 22:17 So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” Matthew 17:25 “Yes,” he answered. When Peter entered the house, Jesus preempted him. “What do you think, Simon?” He asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others?” Will He come to the feast at all?” John 7:11 So the Jews were looking for Him at the feast and asking, “Where is He?” John 7:8-10 Go up to the feast on your own. I am not going up to this feast, because My time has not yet come.” / Having said this, Jesus remained in Galilee. / But after His brothers had gone up to the feast, He also went—not publicly, but in secret. John 7:14 About halfway through the feast, Jesus went up to the temple courts and began to teach. John 12:9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews learned that Jesus was there. And they came not only because of Him, but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. Treasury of Scripture Then sought they for Jesus, and spoke among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think you, that he will not come to the feast? John 11:8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? 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. Jump to Previous Appear Area Feast Festival Jesus Kept Opinion Seeking Sought Standing Stood Temple Themselves ThinkJump to Next Appear Area Feast Festival Jesus Kept Opinion Seeking Sought Standing Stood Temple Themselves ThinkJohn 11 1. Jesus raises Lazarus, four days buried.45. Many Jews believe. 47. The high priests and Pharisees gather a council against Jesus. 49. Caiaphas prophesies. 54. Jesus hides himself. 55. At the Passover they enquire after him, and lay wait for him. They kept looking for Jesus The people were actively seeking Jesus, indicating His growing reputation and the anticipation surrounding His actions. This reflects the heightened tension and expectation among the Jewish people during this period. Jesus had performed many miracles, and His teachings had stirred both hope and controversy. The act of looking for Jesus also signifies the spiritual longing and curiosity about His identity and mission. and asking one another as they stood in the temple courts “What do you think? Will He come to the feast at all?” Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusCentral figure in the Gospel of John, whose actions and teachings are the focus of the account. At this point, He is being sought after by many. 2. The People The crowd in the temple courts, likely consisting of Jews who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. They are curious and perhaps anxious about Jesus' presence. 3. The Temple Courts The location where the people are gathered. This is a significant place for Jewish worship and teaching, and it is where many discussions about Jesus take place. 4. The Feast Refers to the Passover, a major Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. It is a time when many Jews would travel to Jerusalem. 5. The Pharisees and Chief Priests Though not mentioned directly in this verse, they are the religious leaders who are plotting against Jesus, creating an atmosphere of tension and anticipation. Teaching Points Anticipation and ExpectationThe people's anticipation of Jesus' arrival at the feast reflects a broader expectation of the Messiah. In our lives, we should cultivate a similar anticipation for Christ's presence and work. Public Curiosity and Division The mixed reactions to Jesus' presence remind us that the Gospel can be divisive. We should be prepared to encounter varied responses when we share our faith. The Significance of the Temple The temple courts as a place of discussion about Jesus highlight the importance of communal worship and study. We should value our church communities as places to seek and discuss Christ. The Role of Festivals and Traditions The Passover feast sets the stage for Jesus' actions. Similarly, Christian traditions and celebrations can be opportunities to reflect on and encounter Christ. Seeking Jesus in Our Lives Just as the people were actively looking for Jesus, we should continually seek Him in our daily lives, through prayer, scripture, and community. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of John 11:56?2. How does John 11:56 encourage us to seek Jesus in our daily lives? 3. What does "What do you think?" reveal about the people's expectations of Jesus? 4. How can we prepare our hearts to recognize Jesus' presence like in John 11:56? 5. How does John 11:56 connect with other instances of seeking Jesus in Scripture? 6. What practical steps can we take to actively seek Jesus in our community? 7. What does John 11:56 reveal about the anticipation of Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem? 8. How does John 11:56 reflect the public's perception of Jesus during that time? 9. Why were people in John 11:56 questioning whether Jesus would attend the Passover? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from John 11? 11. What lessons does the adulterous woman's story teach us? 12. What foods are mentioned in the Bible? 13. Did John the Baptist recognize Jesus after his baptism? Yes (John 1:32, 33) No (Matthew 11:2) 14. What does 'Neither do I condemn you' mean? What Does John 11:56 Mean They kept looking for Jesus• The crowds at Jerusalem were not casually curious; they were actively scanning every entrance and street, convinced He would appear. John 7:11 shows this same persistent search earlier in the festival cycle: “So the Jews were looking for Him at the feast and asking, ‘Where is He?’”. • Their expectation highlights the impact of His recent miracle—raising Lazarus (John 11:43-45). Word of that sign spread quickly, stirring genuine hope in some hearts (Jeremiah 29:13) and nervousness in the religious elite (John 11:48). • On a larger scale, Scripture presents humanity as seekers and Christ as the One sought (Luke 19:10). Even today, people keep looking for answers only He provides, reminding us that our hearts are restless until they find Him. and asking one another as they stood in the temple courts • The temple courts were the public square of Israel’s faith life, where discussion and debate flowed freely (Luke 2:46). That setting underlines how central Jesus had become to national conversation. • Psalm 27:4 captures the longing associated with the temple: worshipers gathered to “seek Him in His temple”. Their questions, therefore, were not merely intellectual; they carried spiritual weight. • Malachi 3:1 foretold that the Lord they were seeking would “suddenly come to His temple.” Their very location reminds readers that prophecy was on the verge of fulfillment. “What do you think? Will He come to the feast at all?” • The Passover was mandatory for Jewish males (Deuteronomy 16:16), so the question touched duty as well as danger. Jesus’ presence would affirm His obedience to the Law even while leaders plotted His death (John 11:57). • Leviticus 23:4 calls the feasts “the LORD’s appointed times.” Every previous visit Jesus made to a feast carried purpose (John 2:13; 7:14). This final Passover would reveal Him as the true Passover Lamb (John 1:29; 12:12-13). • Mark 14:1-2 notes that the chief priests wanted to seize Him “in stealth,” intensifying speculation among the crowd. Their uncertain words, “Will He come?” only heighten the dramatic tension Scripture soon resolves: He will come precisely on schedule. summary John 11:56 records a city on tiptoe, scanning for the promised Messiah. The verse paints three complementary portraits: a people urgently seeking, a sacred space resonating with anticipation, and a pointed question that sets the stage for the climactic Passover. It reminds modern readers that Jesus is both the object of human longing and the sovereign Lord who chooses the moment of His revelation. (56) Then sought they for Jesus, and spake . . .--The words imply a continuance of seeking and speaking. They describe the scene as it took place ay after day as they stood in the Temple courts. They had heard rumours of recent events in the various parts from which they had come. Many of them had seen and heard Him at earlier feasts at Jerusalem, and they wonder whether He will come to the Passover, or whether the decree of the Jews will deter Him.What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?--The words contain two questions: What think ye? That He will not come to the feast? He has not been seen in any of the caravans, and the place of His retirement is not known to them. They ask the question one of another; but the tone of doubt is prevalent. Verse 56. - They sought therefore for Jesus, and said one with another, as they stood in the temple. Their excitement augmented from day to day; they dreaded and hoped for the final conflict. Not being aware of his retreat, not caring, perhaps, to dispatch him by hired assassins, they determined in the most public way, on a great platform, to complete the deep damnation of his taking off, little forecasting their eternal infamy. They were in continual search for Jesus, and spake in excited groups when they met, asking one another eager questions when they stood in the temple. The evangelist has witnessed the scene; these are two inquiries mentioned: What think ye, generally? Think ye that he will not come to the feast? The aorist subjunctive is used here in the sense of an event in the future which when effected will be a completed act; so that the statement gives a reason for the excitement among the people.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek They kept looking forἐζήτουν (ezētoun) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2212: To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot. Jesus Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. asking ἔλεγον (elegon) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. one another ἀλλήλων (allēlōn) Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 240: One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another. [as] they stood ἑστηκότες (hestēkotes) Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. temple courts, ἱερῷ (hierō) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 2411: Neuter of hieros; a sacred place, i.e. The entire precincts of the Temple. “What Τί (Ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. do you think? δοκεῖ (dokei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1380: A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem. Will He come ἔλθῃ (elthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2064: To come, go. to εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. feast ἑορτήν (heortēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 1859: A festival, feast, periodically recurring. Of uncertain affinity; a festival. at all?” οὐ (ou) Adverb Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. Links John 11:56 NIVJohn 11:56 NLT John 11:56 ESV John 11:56 NASB John 11:56 KJV John 11:56 BibleApps.com John 11:56 Biblia Paralela John 11:56 Chinese Bible John 11:56 French Bible John 11:56 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: John 11:56 Then they sought for Jesus and spoke (Jhn Jo Jn) |
    |