Joh 11:55-57 | RWP | e4.org | Was near ( ην εγγυς ). See for the same phrase. This last passover was the time of destiny for Jesus. Before the passover to purify themselves ( προ του πασχα ινα αγνισωσιν εαυτους ). Purpose clause with ινα and the first aorist active subjunctive of αγνιζω , old verb from αγνος (pure), ceremonial purification here, of course. All this took time. These came "from the country" ( εκ της χωρας ), from all over Palestine, from all parts of the world, in fact. John shifts the scene to Jerusalem just before the passover with no record of the way that Jesus came to Jerusalem from Ephraim. The Synoptic Gospels tell this last journey up through Samaria into Galilee to join the great caravan that crossed over into Perea and came down on the eastern side of the Jordan opposite Jericho and then marched up the mountain road to Bethany and Bethphage just beside Jerusalem. This story is found in ; ; . John simply assumes the Synoptic narrative and gives the picture of things in and around Jerusalem just before the passover ( , ).

‏ John 11:55-57

Was near ( ην εγγυς ). See 2:13 for the same phrase. This last passover was the time of destiny for Jesus.

Before the passover to purify themselves ( προ του πασχα ινα αγνισωσιν εαυτους ). Purpose clause with ινα and the first aorist active subjunctive of αγνιζω, old verb from αγνος (pure), ceremonial purification here, of course. All this took time. These came "from the country" ( εκ της χωρας ), from all over Palestine, from all parts of the world, in fact. John shifts the scene to Jerusalem just before the passover with no record of the way that Jesus came to Jerusalem from Ephraim. The Synoptic Gospels tell this last journey up through Samaria into Galilee to join the great caravan that crossed over into Perea and came down on the eastern side of the Jordan opposite Jericho and then marched up the mountain road to Bethany and Bethphage just beside Jerusalem. This story is found in Lu 17:11-19:28; Mr 10:1-52; Mt 19:1-20:34. John simply assumes the Synoptic narrative and gives the picture of things in and around Jerusalem just before the passover (11:56, 57).

They sought therefore for Jesus ( εζητουν ουν τον Ιησουν ). Imperfect active of ζητεω and common ουν of which John is so fond. They were seeking Jesus six months before at the feast of tabernacles (7:11), but now they really mean to kill him.

As they stood in the temple ( εν τω ιερω εστηκοτες ). Perfect active participle (intransitive) of ιστημ, a graphic picture of the various groups of leaders in Jerusalem and from other lands, "the knots of people in the Temple precincts" (Bernard). They had done this at the tabernacles (7:11-13), but now there is new excitement due to the recent raising of Lazarus and to the public order for the arrest of Jesus.

That he will not come to the feast? ( οτ ου μη ελθη εις την εορτην; ). The form of the question (indirect discourse after δοκειτε ) assumes strongly that Jesus will not ( ου μη, double negative with second aorist active ελθη from ερχομα ) dare to come this time for the reason given in verse 57.

The chief priests and the Pharisees ( ο αρχιερεις κα ο Φαρισαιο ). The Sanhedrin.

Had given commandment ( δεδωκεισαν εντολας ). Past perfect active of διδωμ.

That he should shew it ( ινα μηνυση ). Sub-final ινα with first aorist active subjunctive of μηνυω, old verb to disclose, to report formally (Ac 23:30).

If any man knew ( εαν τις γνω ). Third-class condition with εαν and second aorist active subjunctive of γινωσκω.

Where he was ( που εστιν ). Indirect question with interrogative adverb and present indicative εστιν retained like γνω and μηνυση after the secondary tense δεδωκεισαν.

That they might take him ( οπως πιασωσιν αυτον ). Purpose clause with οπως instead of ινα and first aorist active subjunctive of πιαζω so often used before (7:44, etc.).