Devine Scripture

John 11:20

What does John 11:20 mean?

A plain-English look at John 11:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 11:20 means

When Martha hears Jesus is coming, she goes to meet Him, while Mary stays in the house. Martha’s prompt approach fits her practical, active character seen elsewhere, while Mary’s remaining seated reflects a different temperament or stage of grief. Neither action is condemned; together they show varied ways of responding to sorrow and to Jesus’ arrival. Martha’s initiative opens a deep theological conversation about resurrection and Jesus’ identity. The verse also shows that Jesus does not rush into the village; He allows the sisters to come to Him, creating space for personal engagement amid public mourning.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary still sat in the house.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary still sat in the house.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

When Martha had the news that Jesus was on the way, she went out to him, but Mary did not go from the house.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Martha, therefore, when she heard that Jesus doth come, met him, and Mary kept sitting in the house.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Martha therefore, as soon as she heard that Jesus was come, went to meet him: but Mary sat at home.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Martha then, when she heard Jesus is coming, went to meet him; but Mary sat in the house.

Context

Following the mention of many mourners, the scene splits into two encounters. Martha first goes out to meet Jesus before He enters the village, while Mary remains at home. The next verses record Martha’s lament and confession of faith, leading to Jesus’ declaration that He is the resurrection and the life. After that, Mary will be called to meet Jesus, bringing along the mourners. This sequence allows the reader to hear faith articulated, then watch faith tested and vindicated at the tomb.

v.19and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother.

v.20This passage

v.21Martha therefore said unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:17

    then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

  • Acts 10:25

    And when it came to pass that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

  • Matthew 25:6

    But at midnight there is a cry, Behold, the bridegroom! Come ye forth to meet him.

  • Acts 28:15

    And from thence the brethren, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns; whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

  • 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.

  • Matthew 25:1

    Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

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