Charles Ellicott Commentary John 11:56

"They sought therefore for Jesus, and spake one with another, as they stood in the temple, What think ye? That he will not come to the feast?" — John 11:56 (ASV)

Then sought they for Jesus, and spake . . .—The words imply a continuance of seeking and speaking. They describe the scene as it took place day after day as they stood in the Temple courts. They had heard rumours of recent events in the various parts from which they had come. Many of them had seen and heard Him at earlier feasts at Jerusalem, and they wonder whether He will come to the Passover, or whether the decree of the Jews will deter Him.

What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?—The words contain two questions: What do you think? That He will not come to the feast? He has not been seen in any of the caravans, and the place of His retirement is not known to them. They ask the question of one another; but the tone of doubt is prevalent.