John 11:3
What does John 11:3 mean?
A plain-English look at John 11:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 11:3 means
The sisters send a simple, humble message: “Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.” They do not dictate terms or demand a particular outcome; they appeal to Jesus’ love and leave the matter with Him. Their faith rests less on their worthiness and more on His affection and authority. By calling Lazarus “he whom thou lovest,” they remind us that Jesus’ love is personal and active. The message implies urgency, yet trusts His wisdom. It models prayer that informs the Lord of our need, honors His care, and does not presume to control His timing or methods.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The sisters therefore sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The sisters therefore sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So the sisters sent to him, saying, Lord, your dear friend is ill.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862therefore sent the sisters unto him, saying, `Sir, lo, he whom thou dost love is ailing;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752His sisters therefore sent to him, saying: Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The sisters therefore sent to him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
Context
With the family identified, the narrative moves to their plea for help. The sisters’ message precedes Jesus’ interpretation of the sickness’ purpose. This sequence is crucial: a heartfelt request meets a sovereign response that reframes expectations. The next verse will reveal Jesus’ perspective on the illness—not an end in itself, but a means for God’s glory and the Son’s glorification. Reading this verse as a reverent petition sets the tone for the lesson in faith and timing that follows.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 11:36
The Jews therefore said, Behold how he loved him!
- Psalms 16:3
As for the saints that are in the earth, They are the excellent in whom is all my delight.
- John 11:11
These things spake he: and after this he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus is fallen asleep; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
- 2 Timothy 4:20
Erastus remained at Corinth: but Trophimus I left at Miletus sick.
- Hebrews 12:6
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, And scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
- John 13:23
There was at the table reclining in Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
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