John 11:57 (GNV)

Passage

Now both the high Priestes and the Pharises had giuen a commandement, that if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.

Nearby Context

John 11:55 And the Iewes Passeouer was at hande, and many went out of the countrey vp to Hierusalem before the Passeouer, to purifie themselues.

John 11:56 Then sought they for Iesus, and spake among themselues, as they stoode in the Temple, What thinke ye, that he cometh not to the feast?

John 11:57 Now both the high Priestes and the Pharises had giuen a commandement, that if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "both", "high", "priestes", "pharises", "giuen", "commandement", "knew", and "where". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "both" and "high", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The prior verse says "Then sought they for Iesus and spake...", giving immediate footing for "both" and "high". In John context, the local focus is the identity of Jesus, new birth, eternal life, and belief and unbelief.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "both" and "high" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.