Devine Scripture

John 11:6

What does John 11:6 mean?

A plain-English look at John 11:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 11:6 means

Jesus’ decision to stay two more days seems counterintuitive in light of the urgent need. Yet His delay is deliberate and loving. He operates on the Father’s timetable, not on human panic. This pause ensures that Lazarus’s death is undeniable and that the ensuing sign will reveal God’s glory clearly. Waiting, in Jesus’ hands, is not neglect but strategy. He allows grief to run its course so that faith may rise to meet a greater revelation. The verse quietly insists that divine timing may contradict our instincts, while aiming at a deeper, more public display of life-giving power.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So when the news came to him that Lazarus was ill, he did not go from the place where he was for two days.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

when, therefore, he heard that he is ailing, then indeed he remained in the place in which he was two days,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he still remained in the same place two days.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

When therefore he heard, He is sick, he remained two days then in the place where he was.

Context

Following the affirmation of His love, Jesus remains where He is. This purposeful delay is the hinge on which the whole episode turns. It creates the conditions for Lazarus to die and be buried, and for a crowd to gather in mourning. The next verses will shift to Jesus’ resolve to return to Judæa despite the danger, showing that He is not delaying out of fear. Reading this verse as intentional sets up the contrast between human urgency and God’s sovereign plan.

v.5Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

v.6This passage

v.7Then after this he saith to the disciples, Let us go into Judæa again.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 44:1

    And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man’s money in his sack’s mouth.

  • Genesis 42:24

    And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and he returned to them, and spake to them, and took Simeon from among them, and bound him before their eyes.

  • Isaiah 30:18

    And therefore will Jehovah wait, that he may be gracious unto you; and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for Jehovah is a God of justice; blessed are all they that wait for him.

  • Genesis 22:14

    And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of Jehovah it shall be provided.

  • Isaiah 55:8

    For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah.

  • Genesis 43:29

    And he lifted up his eyes, and saw Benjamin his brother, his mother’s son, and said, Is this your youngest brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son.

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 11:6.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary