Devine Scripture

John 11:15

What does John 11:15 mean?

A plain-English look at John 11:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 11:15 means

Jesus says He is glad He was not there, for the disciples’ sake, so that they may believe; then He urges, “nevertheless let us go unto him.” His gladness is not callousness; it springs from a higher good—strengthening their faith through a greater work than a healing. The absence allowed death to do its worst, so that the glory of God in resurrection life could be unmistakable. Jesus moves toward the tomb, not away from it, because He aims to deepen trust and reveal Himself. The call to go unites purpose with action, summoning fearful disciples into a front-row seat to a faith-defining sign.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And because of you I am glad I was not there, so that you may have faith; but let us go to him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and I rejoice, for your sake, (that ye may believe,) that I was not there; but we may go to him;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I am glad, for your sakes; that I was not there, that you may believe. But, let us go to him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And I rejoice on your account that I was not there, in order that ye may believe. But let us go to him.

Context

Having declared Lazarus dead, Jesus explains the redemptive intent behind His delay: the disciples’ belief. He immediately adds a command to go to Lazarus, shifting from explanation to mission. This frames the dangerous journey as an opportunity for revelation. The next verse will record Thomas’s grim but loyal resolve to accompany Jesus, showing the disciples wrestling with fear and devotion. The narrative is now set for Jesus’ arrival in Bethany and for the public setting of the miracle.

v.14Then Jesus therefore said unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

v.15This passage

v.16Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus, said unto his fellow-disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

Cross references

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

  • John 2:11

    This beginning of his signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

  • Genesis 26:24

    And Jehovah appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake.

  • John 12:30

    Jesus answered and said, This voice hath not come for my sake, but for your sakes.

  • John 17:19

    And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.

  • John 11:35

    Jesus wept.

  • Genesis 39:5

    And it came to pass from the time that he made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that Jehovah blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of Jehovah was upon all that he had, in the house and in the field.

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