"Caiaphas, pr. name, the high priest from A.D. 18-36, Mt. 26:3, 57; Lk. 3:2; Jn. 11:49; 18:13f., 24, 28; Acts 4:6*"
Definition and meaning
Caiaphas, pr. name, the high priest from A.D. 18-36, Mt. 26:3, 57; Lk. 3:2; Jn. 11:49; 18:13f., 24, 28; Acts 4:6*
In the original Greek the word is written: Καϊάφας
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of kaiaphas (G2533) across the King James Bible.
Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.
Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
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.
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.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G2533 (kaiaphas) is a Greek word that means: Caiaphas, pr. name, the high priest from A.D. 18-36, Mt. 26:3, 57; Lk. 3:2; Jn. 11:49; 18:13f., 24, 28; Acts 4:6* It appears 9 times in the King James Bible.
The word kaiaphas (G2533) appears 9 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2533 is kaiaphas, a Greek word defined as: Caiaphas, pr. name, the high priest from A.D. 18-36, Mt. 26:3, 57; Lk. 3:2; Jn. 11:49; 18:13f., 24, 28; Acts 4:6*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
kaiaphas is a Greek word found in the New Testament.