Devine Scripture

John 11:1

What does John 11:1 mean?

A plain-English look at John 11:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 11:1 means

The chapter opens with a specific case of human suffering: Lazarus is sick. He is identified not only by his name but by his place—Bethany—and by his family—Mary and Martha. This grounds the story in a real household known to Jesus and to others. The verse invites us to see that God’s work often meets us in ordinary homes and friendships. The mention of Mary and Martha recalls their different temperaments and their previous hospitality to Jesus, suggesting a long-standing relationship. The stage is set: a real illness in a real village will become the arena where Jesus displays who He is and what His presence means in the face of death.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister Martha.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister Martha.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now a certain man named Lazarus was ill; he was of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And there was a certain one ailing, Lazarus, from Bethany, of the village of Mary and Martha her sister--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now there was a certain man sick, named Lazarus, of Bethania, of the town of Mary and of Martha her sister.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now there was a certain [man] sick, Lazarus of Bethany, of the village of Mary and Martha her sister.

Context

Verse 1 introduces the people and place crucial to the narrative: Lazarus, Mary, Martha, and Bethany. This is the setup before any message is sent or any miracle is done. The details establish both the personal closeness to Jesus and the public location near Jerusalem. The next verses will add an anticipatory note about Mary’s devotion and then report the sisters’ appeal to Jesus for help. Understanding this relational groundwork helps the reader grasp why the coming events draw many witnesses and stir strong responses of faith and opposition.

v.1This passage

v.2And it was that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 12:1

    Jesus therefore six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus raised from the dead.

  • Luke 10:38

    Now as they went on their way, he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

  • John 11:5

    Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

  • John 11:11

    These things spake he: and after this he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus is fallen asleep; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

  • John 12:17

    The multitude therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from the dead, bare witness.

  • Matthew 21:17

    And he left them, and went forth out of the city to Bethany, and lodged there.

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