Definition: Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage from the Gospel of John. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes Jesus’s preparation for his crucifixion. He was led to a place called “the hall of judgment” – which is essentially where God will judge people after they die. Here’s a breakdown of the key parts: “Then led them Jesus…” : Jesus wasn't just going somewhere; he was being carefully guided. “…unto the hall of judgment:” This refers to the place where God will hold all the souls of people who die, and judge them for their lives. It’s a symbolic space representing eternal consequence. “And it was early…” : This emphasizes that this event happened very soon after Jesus' arrest. It wasn’t something that happened later. “…and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled:” This is the crucial part! Jesus deliberately avoided going into the hall of judgment himself. He wanted to stay away from the consequences of death and punishment. He was protecting himself. “but that they might eat the Passover.” : This is a very powerful image. The "Passover" wasn’t just a Jewish holiday – it represented a symbolic meal shared by Jews during their liberation from slavery in Egypt. Jesus was saying, “Let’s celebrate this meal together, even though we are facing a difficult and dangerous situation.” What does it mean? This verse is often interpreted as a powerful message of hope and resilience. It suggests: Jesus knew his fate: He anticipated his death and chose to avoid the consequences of it. He’s offering us a promise: Even though we face challenges, God’s grace and love offer a path to salvation and eternal life. We're called to be courageous: Jesus is inviting us to not despair, but to continue living with faith and hope. In short, this verse is a strategic move by Jesus to protect himself while preparing for his ultimate sacrifice. Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the symbolism of Passover? Discuss the context of this passage within the Gospel?