John 11:1

¶ Now a certain [man] was sick, [named] Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

Now {G1161} a certain {G5100} man was {G2258} sick {G770}, named Lazarus {G2976}, of {G575} Bethany {G963},{G1537} the town {G2968} of Mary {G3137} and {G2532} her {G846} sister {G79} Martha {G3136}.

There was a man who had fallen sick. His name was El‘azar, and he came from Beit-Anyah, the village where Miryam and her sister Marta lived.

At this time a man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.

Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister Martha.

Commentary

John 11:1 introduces one of the most pivotal narratives in the Gospel of John, setting the stage for Jesus' most dramatic public miracle prior to His own resurrection. This verse immediately establishes the characters and location central to the upcoming events.

Context

The verse begins by identifying the key figures: a man named Lazarus, who is sick, and his sisters, Mary and Martha. Their home is specified as Bethany, a village located just two miles east of Jerusalem, making it easily accessible and significant for the events that follow. This family was well-known to Jesus, as evidenced by previous accounts where He visited their home, particularly Luke 10:38-42, which highlights Mary's devotion and Martha's hospitality. Their close relationship with Jesus underscores the personal nature of the impending crisis and miracle.

Key Themes

  • Introduction to Crisis: The immediate declaration that "a certain man was sick" instantly introduces a situation of distress, creating anticipation for how Jesus will respond. This sickness is not merely a detail but the catalyst for a profound display of divine power.
  • Personal Connection: The naming of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha highlights Jesus' deep and affectionate friendship with this family. This was not a random individual, but a beloved friend, making the subsequent events intensely personal for Jesus and His disciples. This deep connection is explicitly stated in John 11:5, "Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus."
  • Bethany's Significance: More than just a geographical marker, Bethany is established as the home of these important figures, tying the upcoming miracle directly to a specific community and setting the scene for a public demonstration of Jesus' authority over life and death.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word for "sick" here is asthenōn (ἀσθενῶν), which literally means "without strength" or "feeble." It describes a state of weakness or illness, accurately portraying Lazarus' condition as it begins to deteriorate. This term sets the stage for the progressive nature of his illness, leading to his death and the subsequent intervention by Jesus.

Practical Application

John 11:1 serves as a powerful reminder that even those deeply connected to Jesus and walking closely with Him are not immune to suffering and trials, including sickness. The initial state of Lazarus' illness, far from being a sign of divine displeasure, becomes the very platform through which God's glory is revealed, as Jesus states later in John 11:4: "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby." This verse encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign plan even amidst difficulties, knowing that He can use any circumstance for His ultimate purposes and glory.

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Cross-References

  • John 12:17 (9 votes)

    The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.

  • Luke 10:38 (9 votes)

    ¶ Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

  • Luke 10:42 (9 votes)

    But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

  • 2 Kings 20:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

  • 2 Kings 20:12 (5 votes)

    ¶ At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.

  • John 11:11 (5 votes)

    These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

  • John 12:9 (5 votes)

    Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.