FocusDelay and purpose
Connection to the wholeJesus' response to Lazarus' illness leads the disciples toward Judea despite danger and prepares the revelation of His power over death.
interpretation John 11:1
KJVNow a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
Read it in context
News of Lazarus
Start reading at John 11:1 (John 11:1 to John 11:16).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus' response to Lazarus' illness leads the disciples toward Judea despite danger and prepares the revelation of His power over death.
- 11:1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
- 11:2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
- 11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
- 11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
- 11:5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
- 11:6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
- 11:7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.
- 11:8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
- 11:9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
- 11:10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
- 11:11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
- 11:12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
- 11:13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
- 11:14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
- 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
- 11:16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 11:1–11:57): Jesus speaks with His disciples, Martha, and Mary around Lazarus's death and raising. Mourners witness the event; chief priests and Pharisees later deliberate about Jesus. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? News of Lazarus. Read John 11:1 through John 11:16 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus' response to Lazarus' illness leads the disciples toward Judea despite danger and prepares the revelation of His power over death. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in News of Lazarus (John 11:1 to John 11:16). Start reading at John 11:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation
Cited: John 11:1, John 11:16, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Related passages
- was sick John 11:3,6 Gen 48:1 2 Kgs 20:1-12 Acts 9:37
- Lazarus John 11:5,11 John 12:2,9,17 Luke 16:20-25
- Bethany John 12:1 Matt 21:17 Mark 11:1
- Mary Luke 10:38-42
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 11
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
Jesus meets the mourners
John 11:17–37FocusResurrection, faith, and grief
Connection to the wholeConversations with Martha and Mary join Jesus' claim to be the resurrection and life with His entering the sorrow of the mourners.
interpretation Lazarus called forth
John 11:38–44FocusGlory and life
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus brings Jesus' earlier words into visible action before the assembled witnesses.
interpretation Belief and the death plot
John 11:45–57FocusA sign that intensifies opposition
Connection to the wholeResponses to the sign divide between belief and a council decision to put Jesus to death, bringing the passion nearer.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation Works, teaching, and division
John 5:1–10:42FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation Jesus and His disciples
John 13:1–17:26FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.