JMNT(i)
53 Therefore, from that day they deliberated and consulted together to the end that they should kill Him.
54 Jesus, therefore, was no longer walking about publicly (openly; with outspoken boldness as a citizen) among the Jews (= religious authorities), but rather, He went away from there into the country (or: region; territory) near the wilderness (desert; desolate area), into a city called Ephraim, and there He remained (or: dwelled; [other MSS: was passing time]) with His disciples.
55 Now the Passover of the Jews (of the Jewish culture and religion) was coming to be near, and many went up into Jerusalem from out of the region (country; territory), before the Passover, so that they could purify (or: perform ritual cleansing for and of) themselves.
56 Consequently, they began trying to find (or: were looking out for or continued seeking) Jesus and would periodically converse with one another, as they had been standing within the Temple courts, saying, "What do you think or suppose (or: What is you opinion)?" "Surely he is not likely to come into the festival (or: feast)!"
57 As it was, the chief (or: ranking) priests and the Pharisees (= the Sanhedrin) had given goal-oriented directions, with imparted authority, so that if anyone may come to know where He is, he should disclose (or: report) it, so that they might lay hold of and seize Him.