John 11:8
What does John 11:8 mean?
A plain-English look at John 11:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 11:8 means
The disciples protest, reminding Jesus that the Jews were recently seeking to stone Him. Their words are realistic: returning to Judæa seems like walking back into a death trap. They illustrate how fear can interpret circumstances in a way that discourages obedience. Yet their concern is not mere cowardice; it is natural prudence in the face of real hostility. This tension exposes the cost of following Jesus where He leads. The verse readies us for Jesus’ reply about walking in the light, a lesson teaching them how to navigate danger by trusting the Father’s timing and provision.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The disciples say unto him, Rabbi, the Jews were but now seeking to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
KJV
King James Version · 1611His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The disciples say unto him, Rabbi, the Jews were but now seeking to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The disciples said to him, Master, the Jews were attempting only the other day to have you stoned, and are you going back there again?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862the disciples say to him, `Rabbi, now were the Jews seeking to stone thee, and again thou dost go thither!'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The disciples say to him: Rabbi, the Jews but now sought to stone thee. And goest thou thither again?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The disciples say to him, Rabbi, [even but] now the Jews sought to stone thee, and goest thou thither again?
Context
The disciples immediately respond to Jesus’ plan with a caution based on past threats. This exchange heightens the sense of risk and sets up a mini-teaching on divine timing and spiritual vision. The next two verses will use the imagery of day and night to explain why returning is not reckless when done in the Father’s appointed hour. Seeing verse 8 as an honest fear helps us appreciate Jesus’ answer as pastoral instruction rather than a dismissal of danger.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 10:39
They sought again to take him: and he went forth out of their hand.
- Matthew 16:21
From that time began Jesus to show unto his disciples, that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.
- Acts 20:24
But I hold not my life of any account as dear unto myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
- Acts 21:12
And when we heard these things, both we and they of that place besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
- Matthew 23:7
and the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called of men, Rabbi.
- John 8:59
They took up stones therefore to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.
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