Who Was Caiaphas in the Bible — Meaning Explained
Caiaphas was the Jewish high priest who presided over the council that condemned Jesus and handed Him over to Pilate to be crucified.
Caiaphas was the Jewish high priest who presided over the council that condemned Jesus and handed Him over to Pilate to be crucified.
"And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not." — John 11:49-51 (KJV)
What "Who Was Caiaphas in the Bible?" Actually Means
Caiaphas served as high priest from about AD 18 to AD 36, appointed by the Roman authorities. He was the son-in-law of Annas, the previous high priest, and the two wielded enormous religious and political power in Jerusalem. When Jesus' ministry threatened that power, Caiaphas declared with chilling pragmatism, 'It is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people' (John 11:50) — unknowingly prophesying the substitutionary death of Christ. He presided over the night trial in which Jesus was condemned for blasphemy after affirming that He was the Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 26:63-66). Caiaphas then delivered Jesus to Pilate. He later opposed the apostles in Acts 4. His name is a sobering reminder that religious office without faith in Christ leads only to ruin.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
John 11:49-51
"And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not."
Matthew 26:65
"Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses?"
Acts 4:6
"And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
People & Characters
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
People & Characters
Who Was Moses?
People & Characters
Caiaphas in the Bible
The Scheming High Priest
Bible Characters Quiz
Patriarchs, prophets, kings, and disciples — how well do you know them?
Bible Verses About Dealing with Difficult People
10 curated KJV verses
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.