"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."
Biblical Name · Aramaic Origin
Caiaphas Meaning in the Bible
Caiaphas
boy
Caiaphas means "Rock; Depression; Searcher", a boy's name of Aramaic origin. Caiaphas appears in the King James Bible, and John 11:49-50 is the passage most often tied to it. Caiaphas unwittingly prophesied the Gospel — that one should die for many. His story shows that God can speak truth even through those who oppose Him, and that human schemes ultimately serve divine purposes.
Is Caiaphas in the Bible?
Yes — Caiaphas appears in the King James Bible, including John 11:49-50.
Pronunciation:/KY-uh-fus/
OriginAramaic
MeaningRock; Depression; Searcher
What does Caiaphas mean?
Caiaphas is a boy name of Aramaic origin meaning "Rock; Depression; Searcher". Caiaphas means "rock" or "searcher" in Aramaic. He served as the Jewish high priest during the ministry, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus — making him one of the most consequential figures in the Passion narrative.
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What does Caiaphas mean in the Bible?
Caiaphas means "Rock; Depression; Searcher" and is a name of Aramaic origin. Below is what Scripture and Christian tradition attach to that meaning.
Caiaphas means "rock" or "searcher" in Aramaic. He served as the Jewish high priest during the ministry, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus — making him one of the most consequential figures in the Passion narrative.
Caiaphas was the son-in-law of Annas, the former high priest who continued to wield significant political influence. Together, they led the priestly establishment that opposed Jesus. Caiaphas presided over the Sanhedrin trial where false witnesses testified against Jesus and where the high priest tore his robes at Jesus' claim of divinity.
Remarkably, John's Gospel records Caiaphas making an unwitting prophecy: "It is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not." John notes that Caiaphas "prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation" — his political calculation was, in God's sovereignty, a declaration of redemptive truth.
In 1990, archaeologists discovered an ornate ossuary (bone box) inscribed "Yehosef bar Qayafa" (Joseph son of Caiaphas) in Jerusalem, providing remarkable physical evidence for this biblical figure.
Where does Caiaphas appear in the Bible (KJV)?
Caiaphas is connected to 1 key passage in the King James Bible, beginning with John 11:49-50. Each verse is quoted in full below.
"Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses?"
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Which books of the Bible mention Caiaphas?
Caiaphas is mentioned across 4 books of the Bible. Follow any book below to read it in the KJV.
What is the spiritual meaning of Caiaphas?
Caiaphas unwittingly prophesied the Gospel — that one should die for many. His story shows that God can speak truth even through those who oppose Him, and that human schemes ultimately serve divine purposes.
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What names are related to Caiaphas?
Names like Caiaphas
Other Aramaic biblical names that share the spirit of "Rock; Depression; Searcher" — discovered by matching meaning category and origin.
Names that pair well with Caiaphas
Sibling sets, middle-name combinations, and complementary pairings chosen for matching origin, meaning, and similar syllable weight.
Martha
girl
"Lady; Mistress of the house"
Caiaphas & Martha
Martha
girl
"Lady or mistress"
Caiaphas & Martha
Magdala
girl
"Tower; Elevated; Great"
Caiaphas & Magdala
Miriam
girl
"Beloved; Bitter; Rebellious (Moses' sister)"
Caiaphas & Miriam
Tabitha
girl
"Gazelle"
Caiaphas & Tabitha
Tabitha
girl
"Gazelle"
Caiaphas & Tabitha
Share the meaning of Caiaphas
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Caiaphas name meaning: frequently asked questions
Yes — Caiaphas appears in the King James Bible, including John 11:49-50.
Caiaphas means "Rock; Depression; Searcher." It is an Aramaic name. The King James Bible uses it in John 11:49-50, so the meaning is carried by a real person in Scripture.
Aramaic. Caiaphas comes into English from Aramaic and carries the sense "Rock; Depression; Searcher." It appears in the King James Bible, including John 11:49-50.
Common questions about the name Caiaphas
Can I download a free King James Bible PDF to study the name Caiaphas?
Yes. The complete King James Bible is available as a free PDF download — all 66 books, 1,189 chapters, ready to read offline or print. No sign-up required.
Where can I read the full biblical context for Caiaphas?
You can read every verse where Caiaphas appears in the King James Bible by downloading the free KJV PDF or reading online. The download page also includes a bookmarked Book of Psalms KJV PDF for easy reference.