Devine Scripture

John 11:27

What does John 11:27 mean?

A plain-English look at John 11:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 11:27 means

Martha answers with a clear confession: “Yea, Lord: I have believed that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, even he that cometh into the world.” She affirms Jesus as Messiah and divine Son, the One anticipated to enter the world with God’s saving authority. Her faith is not merely in a miracle but in His identity. This confession aligns with the Gospel’s purpose: to bring readers to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Martha’s words prepare her to witness the sign as confirmation of who He is and to interpret her brother’s rising as a revelation of the Son’s glory.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I have believed that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, even he that cometh into the world.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I have believed that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, even he that cometh into the world.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

She said to him, Yes, Lord: my faith is that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

believest thou this?' she saith to him, `Yes, sir, I have believed that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming to the world.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

She saith to him: Yea, Lord, I have believed that thou art Christ, the Son of the living God, who art come into this world.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

She says to him, Yea, Lord; I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son ofGod, who should come into the world.

Context

Jesus’ direct question elicits a robust confession from Martha. With her faith anchored in His identity, the dialogue reaches its theological apex. The next verses shift the focus to Mary, whom Martha summons to meet Jesus. This transition brings the larger crowd along, ensuring many witnesses at the tomb. Martha’s confession now becomes the lens through which the coming act of raising Lazarus is to be understood: a sign validating Jesus’ claims.

v.26and whosoever liveth and believeth on me shall never die. Believest thou this?

v.27This passage

v.28And when she had said this, she went away, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Teacher is here, and calleth thee.

Cross references

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

  • John 9:36

    He answered and said, And who is he, Lord, that I may believe on him?

  • Matthew 16:16

    And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

  • John 6:14

    When therefore the people saw the sign which he did, they said, This is of a truth the prophet that cometh into the world.

  • John 20:28

    Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

  • 1 John 5:20

    And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

  • Luke 7:19

    And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to the Lord, saying, Art thou he that cometh, or look we for another?

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