Καϊάφας (Kaiaphas)
Kaiaphas
Caiaphas
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Kaiaphas identifies the Jewish high priest who presided over the trial of Jesus during the final days of his life. Mentioned in all four Gospels and once in Acts, he is a central historical figure in the Passion narrative. The sources note that his name likely means "as comely," though this etymology does not appear to reflect his role in the biblical text.
Historically, Caiaphas served as high priest from A.D. 18 to 36, appointed by the Roman governor Valerius Gratus and later removed by Vitellius. He was the father-in-law of Ananus (also spelled Annas), another prominent religious leader mentioned in Luke 3:2 and John 18:13-14. His position placed him at the center of Jewish-Roman political tensions, making his interactions with Jesus a critical moment in the Gospel accounts.
Translators consistently render this name as Caiaphas, preserving its Aramaic origin without attempting to translate its meaning. The biblical texts focus on his actions and decisions rather than his personal character or appearance. His presence in Matthew 26, John 11, and Acts 4 underscores his significance in the early Christian understanding of Jesus' arrest and trial.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Caiaphas appears in the Gospels not as a character study, but as a key figure in the events surrounding Jesus’ arrest and trial. As the high priest during this critical time, he represents the religious authority that sought to maintain order and avoid Roman intervention. His decisions highlight the tension between political survival and spiritual truth, showing how power can sometimes obscure justice.
For believers today, Caiaphas serves as a reminder of the costs of following Christ. The Gospels record his actions without softening their impact, allowing readers to see the gravity of the moment. This historical detail grounds the faith in real events, reminding us that Jesus’ sacrifice was not abstract but occurred within specific human relationships and political pressures.
Reflecting on this name helps us appreciate the courage of those who stood with Jesus despite the risks. It invites us to consider how we respond to authority and truth in our own lives, seeking wisdom and integrity even when circumstances are difficult.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Caiaphas6×
- Caiaphas,2×
- of Caiaphas1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Καϊάφα3×
- Καϊάφας2×
- Καϊάφαν2×
- Καϊάφας,1×
- Καϊάφα,1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 26:3
Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas.
This verse establishes Caiaphas as the central religious leader gathering with chief priests and elders to plot against Jesus, setting the stage for the arrest.
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John 11:49
But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all,
Here Caiaphas speaks prophetically, albeit unknowingly, suggesting that one man dying for the people is expedient, which foreshadows Jesus’ sacrificial death.
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John 18:14
Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should perish for the people.
This reference recalls Caiaphas’s earlier advice that it was better for one man to perish than for the whole nation to die, linking his political reasoning to the theological outcome.
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Acts 4:6
Annas the high priest was there, with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were relatives of the high priest.
Decades later, Caiaphas is still named among those who opposed the apostles, showing his lasting influence in the early church’s narrative of persecution and witness.