Definition: And one of them, [named] Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 11:49. It's a really important and slightly surprising statement about Jesus. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling these people – the Jewish leaders – that they (specifically Caiaphas, a high priest) are completely wrong about something. They're missing a fundamental part of what Jesus was teaching. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And one of them…” - This refers to a group of people listening to Jesus. “…[named] Caiaphas” – This is the key. Caiaphas was a very prominent and influential high priest in the Jewish religious system. He held significant power and was often seen as being close to Jesus, perhaps even advising him. “being the high priest that same year…” - This clarifies who he is – a leader of the religious community at the time. “…said unto them…” - Jesus is directly addressing these people. “Ye know nothing at all” – This is the core of the message. It means they don’t understand the full truth of what Jesus is saying. They're focused on superficial things and missing a crucial point about Jesus’s role in salvation. What does this mean practically? Jesus was challenging the Jewish leaders’ belief that he wasn’t fully human, or that his death wasn’t important. He was highlighting the real meaning of his sacrifice – that through his death and resurrection, we are given a new life and eternal salvation. They were clinging to outdated ideas about the nature of Jesus and his purpose. In essence, the verse is a gentle but firm rebuke to those who are misinterpreting Jesus’s teachings. It's a reminder that true understanding comes from grasping the profound truth of what Jesus offers. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of John 11? Give you a little context about Caiaphas? Discuss why this verse is significant in Christian theology?