John 12:11
What does John 12:11 mean?
A plain-English look at John 12:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 12:11 means
Lazarus’s very existence is evangelistic. Because of him, many Jews are leaving their former stance and believing in Jesus. The sign has done its intended work—pointing beyond itself to the Son who is the resurrection and the life. The leaders’ fear is thus explained: faith is spreading at the grassroots. This verse highlights how the Lord uses undeniable works to draw people, even as others grow more entrenched in unbelief. Belief and rejection run side by side as the Passover nears, and the presence of one man raised from death becomes a dividing line for many.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For because of him a great number of the Jews went away and had belief in Jesus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because on account of him many of the Jews were going away, and were believing in Jesus.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Because many of the Jews, by reason of him, went away and believed in Jesus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890because many of the Jews went away on his account and believed on Jesus.
Context
John provides the motive for the chief priests’ plan against Lazarus: his testimony leads many to faith. With that explanation, the narrative turns to the next day’s events—Jesus’ approach to Jerusalem amid a festival crowd. The belief spurred by the Lazarus sign helps explain the size and fervor of the welcoming multitude. It also increases the frustration of the authorities, setting up their pessimistic comment after the triumphal entry that “the world” is going after Jesus.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 11:45
Many therefore of the Jews, who came to Mary and beheld that which he did, believed on him.
- 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?
- Acts 13:45
But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul, and blasphemed.
- John 12:18
For this cause also the multitude went and met him, for that they heard that he had done this sign.
- John 15:18
If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before it hated you.
- James 3:14
But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth.
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