John 11:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 11:1 serves as the crucial narrative gateway to one of Jesus' most profound and impactful miracles, the raising of Lazarus. This verse efficiently introduces the central characters—Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha—and their home in Bethany, immediately establishing a personal connection between Jesus and this family. By stating that Lazarus was "sick," the verse instantly sets the stage for a crisis that will unfold into a powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority over life and death, revealing His glory and solidifying His identity as the Resurrection and the Life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' intense confrontation with the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, where He declared His divine identity as the Good Shepherd and faced attempts to stone Him ([John 10:31](/john/10-31 "John 10:31 - Attempts to Stone Jesus")). Jesus had then withdrawn across the Jordan River, where John the Baptist had first ministered ([John 10:40](/john/10-40 "John 10:40 - Jesus Withdraws Across the Jordan")). The news of Lazarus's sickness, therefore, calls Jesus back into the volatile region of Judea, directly into the path of His adversaries, highlighting His unwavering commitment to His divine mission and His friends, even in the face of mortal danger. The narrative of Lazarus's sickness, death, and resurrection then directly precedes Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem ([John 12:12-19](/john/12-12-19 "John 12:12-19 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry")), serving as a pivotal event that escalates the conflict leading to His crucifixion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Bethany, identified as the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, was a small village located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, approximately two miles (about 3 kilometers) east of Jerusalem. Its close proximity to the capital city meant it was a common stopping point for pilgrims traveling to and from Jerusalem, and it was a place Jesus frequently visited and found respite ([Luke 19:29](/luke/19-29 "Luke 19:29 - Jesus Approaches Bethany")). The family of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha appears to have been well-known to Jesus, suggesting a deep personal bond that transcends typical teacher-disciple relationships. Mary is famously remembered for sitting at Jesus' feet to learn ([Luke 10:39](/luke/10-39 "Luke 10:39 - Mary Sits at Jesus' Feet")), and Martha for her hospitality and concern for service ([Luke 10:40](/luke/10-40 "Luke 10:40 - Martha's Hospitality")). This personal connection makes the impending tragedy of Lazarus's sickness and death particularly poignant and sets the stage for a miracle born out of love and compassion, not just divine power.
* **Key Themes:** John 11:1 introduces several crucial themes that permeate the chapter and the Gospel of John as a whole. Firstly, it highlights the **reality of human suffering and death**, even for those beloved by God. Lazarus's sickness is not a sign of divine disfavor but a catalyst for a greater purpose. Secondly, the verse underscores the **personal nature of Jesus' relationships**; His deep love for this family ([John 11:5](/john/11-5 "John 11:5 - Jesus' Love for the Family")) makes their distress His own. Thirdly, it sets up the theme of **divine timing and purpose**, as Jesus deliberately delays His arrival so that God's glory might be revealed through a greater miracle ([John 11:4](/john/11-4 "John 11:4 - The Purpose of Lazarus' Sickness")). Finally, the entire narrative of Lazarus's resurrection serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' identity as the **"Resurrection and the Life"** ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), foreshadowing His own victory over death and offering hope for all who believe.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sick (Greek, _asthenéō'_):** From G770, this word literally means "to be feeble" or "without strength." It describes a state of physical weakness, illness, or impotence. In the context of Lazarus, it accurately portrays his deteriorating condition, which leads to his death. This term emphasizes the grave reality of his illness, setting the stage for the magnitude of Jesus' intervention.
* **Lazarus (Greek, _Lázaros'_):** From G2976, this name is of Hebrew origin, likely meaning "God has helped" or "God is my helper" (from Eleazar). The irony and profound significance of his name become apparent in the narrative, as he is indeed the one whom God, through Jesus, helps in the most dramatic way possible—by raising him from the dead. His name foreshadows the divine intervention that is about to occur.
* **Bethany (Greek, _Bēthanía'_):** From G963, this place name is of Chaldee origin, meaning "date-house" or "house of figs." It identifies the specific village where Lazarus and his sisters resided. More than just a geographical marker, Bethany becomes the stage for Jesus' most public and undeniable demonstration of His power over death, a miracle that would reverberate throughout Jerusalem and ultimately contribute to the religious leaders' decision to crucify Him.
#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Now a certain [man] was sick,"**: This opening clause immediately introduces the central problem—sickness—and the anonymous "certain man," whose identity is quickly revealed. The "Now" (G1161, _dé_) serves as a transition, linking this new narrative to the preceding events and signaling a shift in focus. The use of "sick" (G770, _asthenéō_) conveys a state of serious illness, not just a minor ailment, setting the stage for a significant crisis.
* **"[named] Lazarus,"**: The identity of the sick man is specified as Lazarus, a name laden with meaning ("God has helped"). This immediate identification establishes a personal connection for the reader, especially given the family's known relationship with Jesus from other Gospel accounts. It humanizes the impending tragedy and makes it relatable.
* **"of Bethany,"**: This phrase pinpoints the geographical location of Lazarus's home. Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, is not merely a backdrop but a significant setting for Jesus' ministry and a place of personal refuge for Him. Its proximity to Jerusalem ensures that the events unfolding there would have immediate and widespread implications.
* **"the town of Mary and her sister Martha."**: This final clause firmly establishes the familial context and reinforces the personal connection to Jesus. By identifying Bethany as "the town of Mary and her sister Martha," the narrative immediately brings to mind their established relationship with Jesus, deepening the emotional weight of Lazarus's sickness. It emphasizes that this is not a random individual, but a beloved friend of Jesus and his well-known family.
#### Literary Devices
John 11:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to set the narrative's tone and direction. **Foreshadowing** is evident in the simple declaration of Lazarus's sickness, which immediately hints at a coming crisis and a need for divine intervention. This initial state of distress sets up the dramatic events that will follow, particularly Jesus' delay and the eventual resurrection. The verse also utilizes **Character Introduction** by naming Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, immediately establishing the key players in the unfolding drama and leveraging the audience's prior knowledge of this family's relationship with Jesus. Furthermore, the precise identification of **Setting** in "Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha" grounds the narrative in a specific, recognizable location, adding realism and significance to the events. Finally, there's a subtle **Irony** in Lazarus's name, meaning "God has helped," as he is in dire need of help, and his very sickness will become the means through which God's ultimate help—resurrection—is powerfully demonstrated.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 11:1 immediately plunges us into the profound theological tension between human suffering and divine sovereignty. The sickness of Lazarus, a man Jesus deeply loved, challenges our assumptions about God's protection over His own. Yet, this vulnerability becomes the very canvas upon which God's glory is painted, demonstrating that even in our deepest trials, God has a redemptive purpose that transcends immediate comfort. This narrative powerfully asserts Jesus' authority not just as a healer, but as the Lord over life and death, revealing His divine nature and foreshadowing His own resurrection. It teaches us that God often permits difficult circumstances not as punishment, but as opportunities for greater revelation of His power and love, ultimately for His glory and our spiritual growth.

* [John 9:3](/john/9-3 "John 9:3 - Sickness for God's Glory")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")
* [Philippians 1:20](/ philippians/1-20 "Philippians 1:20 - Christ Magnified in Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 11:1 reminds us that even those closest to Jesus are not exempt from the pains and trials of this fallen world, including sickness and death. Lazarus, a beloved friend of Jesus, falls ill, setting in motion a series of events that will profoundly test the faith of his sisters and reveal the glory of God. For us, this verse offers a powerful invitation to trust God's sovereign hand even when circumstances seem dire or when His timing seems delayed. It challenges us to look beyond immediate suffering to discern God's greater purposes, knowing that He can use our weaknesses and trials to display His strength and magnify His name. Our response to adversity, like Martha and Mary's, should be to turn to Jesus, bringing our needs and our questions to Him, confident that He cares deeply and acts according to His perfect will, which always aims for His glory and our ultimate good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically react when you or someone you love experiences sickness or suffering?**
* **In what ways might God be using a current difficulty in your life to reveal His glory or deepen your faith?**
* **How does knowing Jesus' deep love for Lazarus, Mary, and Martha encourage you in your own relationship with Him during times of trouble?**

### FAQ
**Who was Lazarus, and why is he significant?**
Answer: Lazarus was a man from Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, and the brother of Mary and Martha. He is significant because he was a close friend of Jesus, and his sickness, death, and subsequent resurrection by Jesus are the central events of John chapter 11. This miracle is Jesus' most dramatic public display of power over death before His own crucifixion and resurrection, serving as a powerful sign of His divine identity as [the Resurrection and the Life](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life").

**Why is Bethany mentioned specifically in this verse?**
Answer: Bethany is significant because it was the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, a family with whom Jesus shared a deep personal bond. Its proximity to Jerusalem (about two miles away) made it a well-known location and a frequent stopping point for Jesus. By setting the miracle in Bethany, the narrative ensures that the event would be witnessed by many, including those traveling to and from Jerusalem, amplifying its impact and contributing to the growing tension between Jesus and the religious authorities. It also highlights Jesus' willingness to return to a dangerous area for the sake of His friends, despite the threats to His life, as seen in [John 11:7-8](/john/11-7-8 "John 11:7-8 - Jesus Returns to Judea").

**Did Jesus allow Lazarus to get sick and die on purpose?**
Answer: Yes, the Gospel of John indicates that Jesus intentionally delayed His arrival, allowing Lazarus to die, for a specific divine purpose. As Jesus Himself stated in [John 11:4](/john/11-4 "John 11:4 - The Purpose of Lazarus' Sickness"), "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby." Jesus' delay was not due to indifference but was part of a sovereign plan to perform an even greater miracle—raising Lazarus after he had been dead for four days—thereby providing an undeniable testimony to His power over death and His identity as the Son of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 11:1, by introducing Lazarus's sickness, sets the stage for a profound Christ-centered fulfillment that resonates throughout the New Testament. Lazarus's death and subsequent resurrection by Jesus serve as a powerful microcosm of the greater spiritual reality that Jesus came to accomplish. When Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), He is not merely promising a future event but embodying it in His very person. Lazarus's physical resurrection foreshadows Jesus' own triumph over death, which is the cornerstone of Christian faith ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). More deeply, it points to the spiritual resurrection offered to all who believe in Him, transforming those who are spiritually dead in their sins into new life in Christ ([Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Alive in Christ")). The miracle in Bethany is a tangible demonstration of Jesus' authority to give life, both physical and eternal, confirming His divine claims and offering a living hope that transcends the grave for all who put their trust in the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 12:17

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

¶ 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

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

2 Kings 20:1

¶ 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

¶ 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

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

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.