Devine Scripture

John 11:45

What does John 11:45 mean?

A plain-English look at John 11:45 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 11:45 means

Many of the Jews who came to Mary and saw what Jesus did believed on Him. Witnessing the undeniable sign moved them from mourning to faith. Their belief is not abstract; it is trust in the person whose word overcame death. This response fulfills Jesus’ stated purpose that the crowd may believe He was sent by the Father. The verse highlights that signs in John’s Gospel aim at faith in Jesus’ identity, not mere amazement. For many, the path from tears to trust was short, because the glory of God shone clearly in Lazarus’s return to life.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Many therefore of the Jews, who came to Mary and beheld that which he did, believed on him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Many therefore of the Jews, who came to Mary and beheld that which he did, believed on him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then a number of the Jews who had come to Mary and had seen the things which Jesus did had belief in him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Many, therefore, of the Jews who came unto Mary, and beheld what Jesus did, believed in him;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Many therefore of the Jews, who were come to Mary and Martha and had seen the things that Jesus did, believed in him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Many therefore of the Jews who came to Mary and saw what he had done, believed on him;

Context

Immediately after Lazarus is loosed, John notes the believing response of many witnesses. This reaction shows the sign’s intended effect. However, the narrative balance will appear in the next verse, where some report the event to the Pharisees. The chapter is moving from miracle to its repercussions among the leaders, which will result in a plot against Jesus. Belief and opposition now stand side by side, revealing the sign’s divisive impact.

v.44He that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes; and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

v.45This passage

v.46But some of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them the things which Jesus had done.

Cross references

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

  • John 12:42

    Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

  • John 2:23

    Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, during the feast, many believed on his name, beholding his signs which he did.

  • John 10:41

    And many came unto him; and they said, John indeed did no sign: but all things whatsoever John spake of this man were true.

  • John 12:17

    The multitude therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from the dead, bare witness.

  • John 11:31

    The Jews then who were with her in the house, and were consoling her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up quickly and went out, followed her, supposing that she was going unto the tomb to weep there.

  • John 7:31

    But of the multitude many believed on him; and they said, When the Christ shall come, will he do more signs than those which this man hath done?

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 11:45.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary