John 11:30
What does John 11:30 mean?
A plain-English look at John 11:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 11:30 means
John notes that Jesus has not yet entered the village but remains where He met Martha. This detail indicates Jesus’ deliberate pacing. He allows encounters to unfold on the outskirts, perhaps to engage the sisters personally before the crowd’s expectations press in. The information also explains the upcoming movement of people from the house to Jesus. Staying outside positions Him to direct the scene, drawing Mary and the mourners into a place where His words and actions will be plainly seen and heard without the constraints of the crowded home.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000(Now Jesus was not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha met him.)
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901(Now Jesus was not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha met him.)
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now Jesus had not at this time come into the town, but was still in the place where Martha had seen him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was in the place where Martha met him;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For Jesus was not yet come into the town: but he was still in that place where Martha had met him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was in the place where Martha came to meet him.
Context
Placed after Mary’s quick rise, this note about Jesus’ location clarifies why the mourners will soon follow her out. The scene is being set so that many witnesses will be gathered around Jesus rather than at the tomb initially. The next verse will show the consolers following, assuming Mary goes to weep at the grave. These logistical details serve the narrative purpose of assembling an audience for Jesus’ compassionate response and for the miracle itself.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 11:20
Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary still sat in the house.
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.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Resurrection
The resurrection is a foundational truth of Christian faith, offering hope for eternal life and victory over death through Jesus Christ.
Topic
Bible Verses About Sadness
Sadness is a universal human experience, often leading us to seek comfort and understanding in God's Word.
Topic
Bible Verses About What Happens After Death
The Bible offers comfort and clarity regarding what happens after death, pointing to God's ultimate plan for humanity.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.