Devine Scripture

John 11:5

What does John 11:5 mean?

A plain-English look at John 11:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 11:5 means

John pauses to affirm, “Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.” This explicit statement guards the reader from misinterpreting the delay that follows. Jesus’ love is not sentimental but steadfast and purposeful. It encompasses each individual—Martha, Mary, and Lazarus—showing that His heart is attentive to their distinct persons and pains. Love, in this story, will not rush to a lesser good; it waits for the moment when God’s glory and their faith will be deepened. The verse assures us that every subsequent act, including the delay, must be read through the lens of His genuine affection.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now Jesus had love in his heart for Martha and her sister and Lazarus.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus was loving Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister Mary and Lazarus.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

Context

After Jesus declares the purpose of the sickness, John insists on Jesus’ love for the family. This is a deliberate frame before the surprising choice to remain where He is. The tension between love and delay is central to the chapter’s drama. The next verse will show Him staying two days longer, which can only be rightly understood if we accept this affirmation of love. Recognizing that love motivates Jesus stabilizes the reader for the unfolding test of faith.

v.4But when Jesus heard it, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby.

v.5This passage

v.6When therefore he heard that he was sick, he abode at that time two days in the place where he was.

Cross references

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

  • John 15:9

    Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you: abide ye in my love.

  • John 17:26

    and I made known unto them thy name, and will make it known; that the love wherewith thou lovedst me may be in them, and I in them.

  • John 16:27

    for the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came forth from the Father.

  • John 11:8

    The disciples say unto him, Rabbi, the Jews were but now seeking to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?

  • John 11:36

    The Jews therefore said, Behold how he loved him!

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