John 11:29
What does John 11:29 mean?
A plain-English look at John 11:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 11:29 means
Mary responds immediately, rising quickly to go to Jesus. Her haste signals both deep affection and readiness to hear Him. In grief, she still recognizes His voice and moves toward Him. This simple act mirrors the pattern of discipleship in the Gospel: hearing the call and coming to Jesus. Her urgency will draw others after her, but her focus is on meeting the Lord. The verse highlights Mary’s sincerity and responsiveness, qualities that will soon be met by Jesus’ compassionate heart and life-giving authority in the face of her sorrow.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And she, when she heard it, arose quickly, and went unto him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And she, when she heard it, arose quickly, and went unto him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Mary, hearing this, got up quickly and went to him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862she, when she heard, riseth up quickly, and doth come to him;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752She, as soon as she heard this, riseth quickly and cometh to him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890She, when she heard [that], rises up quickly and comes to him.
Context
After Martha’s message, Mary moves swiftly toward Jesus. The narrator notes the speed of her response, and the next verse clarifies that Jesus is still outside the village where Martha met Him. The movement of Mary will be observed by the mourners, who will follow her, thinking she goes to the tomb. Thus, verse 29 helps gather the crowd to the place where Jesus is, ensuring that many will witness His emotions and His command at the tomb.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Song of Solomon 3:1
By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.
- Psalms 119:59
I thought on my ways, And turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
- Psalms 27:8
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Jehovah, will I seek.
- Proverbs 15:23
A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it!
- Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
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