Meaning of the Name Caiaphas

An Aramaic family name or nickname of uncertain meaning; proposals include a link with a word for 'rock' or 'stone'. Other Aramaic roots have also been suggested, but none is certain. The Jewish historian Josephus gives the high priest's full name as Joseph Caiaphas, and an ossuary found in Jerusalem bearing the inscription 'Joseph son of Caiaphas' attests the name's historical use, though it does not settle its meaning.

Origin

The name Caiaphas is of Aramaic; the meaning is debated origin.

Who is Caiaphas in the Bible?

Caiaphas is the high priest in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus' trial and the son-in-law of the former high priest Annas. After the raising of Lazarus he says it is better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to perish. After Jesus' arrest he questions him in his own presence and takes a leading role in handing him over to Pilate.

The story of Caiaphas in the Bible

Caiaphas stands at the height of religious authority in the last days of Jesus. John's Gospel tells how, after Jesus raises Lazarus, the leaders gather in alarm, fearing that if the people follow Jesus, the Romans will destroy the holy place and the nation. Caiaphas, high priest that year, speaks up and says it is better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to perish. John notes that this saying was, without Caiaphas realizing it, a prophecy that Jesus would die for the nation, and indeed to gather into one the scattered children of God. Matthew tells how the chief priests and elders met in the courtyard of Caiaphas and plotted to seize Jesus by stealth and kill him. After his arrest Jesus is taken first to Annas, Caiaphas' father-in-law, and then to Caiaphas. In the night hearing the testimonies do not agree; at last Caiaphas asks Jesus whether he is the Messiah, the Son of God. At Jesus' answer he tears his robes and charges him with blasphemy. When morning comes, Jesus is handed over to Pilate. Acts names him again among the council members who question Peter and John.

Is Caiaphas mentioned in the Quran?

The name Caiaphas does not appear in the Quran. In the Bible, Caiaphas is the high priest in the Gospels who questioned Jesus.

Verses where Caiaphas appears

• 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.
• Matthew 26:57 — Those who had taken Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together.
• John 11:49 — But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all,