Devine Scripture

John 11:21

What does John 11:21 mean?

A plain-English look at John 11:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 11:21 means

Martha’s first words blend faith and grief: if Jesus had been there, her brother would not have died. She believes in His power to heal, yet she speaks from pain over His absence. This is not a bitter accusation but a lament shaped by trust. She sees clearly what Jesus could have done, even if she cannot yet imagine what He will do. Martha’s statement honors Jesus’ authority while exposing her heart’s ache. It becomes the doorway to a deeper revelation of who He is, beyond healer—Lord over life and death.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if you had been here my brother would not be dead.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Martha, therefore, said unto Jesus, `Sir, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Martha therefore said to Jesus: Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Martha therefore said to Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died;

Context

Martha confronts Jesus with a sorrowful confession of faith: His presence would have prevented the death. This opens the theological dialogue that defines the middle of the chapter. The next verse will show her continued confidence that God hears Jesus, and Jesus will soon promise Lazarus’s rising. The conversation will culminate in His great “I am” statement and her confession of Him as the Christ, the Son of God. Martha’s words set the path toward that climactic exchange.

v.20Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary still sat in the house.

v.21This passage

v.22And even now I know that, whatsoever thou shalt ask of God, God will give thee.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 8:49

    While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Teacher.

  • John 11:32

    Mary therefore, when she came where Jesus was, and saw him, fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

  • Psalms 78:41

    And they turned again and tempted God, And provoked the Holy One of Israel.

  • Luke 7:13

    And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

  • John 11:37

    But some of them said, Could not this man, who opened the eyes of him that was blind, have caused that this man also should not die?

  • Psalms 78:19

    Yea, they spake against God; They said, Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore John 11

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 11.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to John 11:21.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary