11:57a

But: The word But introduces a parenthetical comment with some background information. Some English translations do not translate this word. And NET Bible Bible and God’s Word put this verse in parentheses. Introduce this parenthetical information in a way that is natural in your language.

the chief priests and Pharisees: This phrase refers to the highest Jewish leaders’ council. See how you translated this phrase in 11:47a.

had given orders: This phrase refers to the fact that these leaders had given a general command to all the people.

11:57b

anyone who knew where He was: The word anyone is indefinite. It refers to any person who might happen to know or find out where Jesus was. Here are other ways to translate this expression:

whoever knew where Jesus was (God’s Word)
-or-
if anyone found out where Jesus was (New International Version)

must report it: This phrase means “should tell them.” Any person who knew where Jesus was should report that information to the Jewish leaders. This was the command given by the Jewish leaders. For example:

should tell them (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
must inform them (New Jerusalem Bible)

General Comment on 11:57b

In some languages it may be natural to reorder the information in 11:57b. For example:

told the people to let them know if any of them saw Jesus (Contemporary English Version)

11:57c

so that: This phrase introduces the Jewish leaders’ purpose in giving their command. They wanted to know where Jesus was in order to arrest him.

they could arrest Him: This clause refers to the fact that the Jewish leaders planned to persuade the Romans to arrest Jesus. They were not planning to arrest him themselves, so in some languages it may be natural to make this clear:

so that they might ⌊persuade the Romans to⌋ arrest him

General Comment on 11:57a–c

In some languages it may be natural to translate the Jewish leaders’ command as direct speech. For example:

a The leading priests and the Pharisees had commanded the people, b “If any of you knows where Jesus is, tell us.” c They gave this command in the hope of arresting Jesus.

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