John 11:27

KJV

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

KJV (with Strong's)

She saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, Yea {G3483}, Lord {G2962}: I {G1473} believe {G4100} that {G3754} thou {G4771} art {G1488} the Christ {G5547}, the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}, which {G3588} should come {G2064} into {G1519} the world {G2889}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”

Berean Standard Bible

“Yes, Lord,” she answered, “I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”

American Standard Version

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I have believed that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, even he that cometh into the world.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Martha responds to Jesus' profound declaration of being the resurrection and the life with an unwavering confession of faith, articulating a comprehensive understanding of His identity. Despite her deep grief over her brother Lazarus's death, she boldly affirms Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and the long-awaited one who was to come into the world, thereby encapsulating the core tenets of Christian belief and demonstrating remarkable spiritual insight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of Lazarus's death and resurrection in [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Resurrection of Lazarus"). Immediately preceding Martha's confession, Jesus has just uttered one of His most profound "I AM" statements: "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believeth thou this?" ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Martha's response in [John 11:27](/john/11-27 "John 11:27 - Martha's Confession") is a direct, emphatic affirmation to Jesus' question, demonstrating her faith not merely in His ability to perform miracles, but in His very person and divine identity. The narrative then proceeds to the iconic resurrection of Lazarus, which serves as a powerful demonstration of the truth of Martha's confession and Jesus' words.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society was deeply steeped in messianic expectation, anticipating the arrival of the "Christ" or "Messiah" (meaning "Anointed One") who would deliver Israel and establish God's kingdom. This expectation was rooted in centuries of Old Testament prophecy. The title "Son of God" also carried profound theological weight, signifying a unique, divine relationship with God, often associated with the Messiah. The phrase "which should come into the world" was a recognized messianic designation, referring to the one whose advent was prophesied and eagerly awaited. Martha, as a devout Jew, would have been familiar with these concepts, and her confession reflects a sophisticated understanding of how Jesus fulfilled these long-held hopes, even amidst the cultural norms of profound public mourning for the deceased.

* **Key Themes:** Martha's confession in [John 11:27](/john/11-27 "John 11:27 - Martha's Confession") contributes significantly to several major themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **Identity of Jesus** as central to faith, emphasizing His roles as the Christ (Messiah), the Son of God (divine nature), and the Expected One (fulfillment of prophecy). This aligns with the Gospel's overarching purpose to demonstrate that "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God" ([John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - The Purpose of John's Gospel")). Secondly, it showcases **Faith Amidst Adversity**, as Martha's unwavering belief shines through her profound grief and initial disappointment with Jesus' delay. Her faith is not contingent on immediate circumstances but rooted in who Jesus is. Lastly, it underscores the **Nature of True Belief**, portraying it not as mere intellectual assent but as a personal, transformative conviction in Jesus' divine person and mission, a theme echoed throughout the Gospel, particularly in Jesus' dialogues about belief and eternal life, such as in [John 6:40](/john/6-40 "John 6:40 - Belief and Eternal Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** This verb (G4100) signifies more than intellectual acknowledgment; it means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." Martha's declaration is not a mere statement of fact but an active entrusting of her hope and spiritual well-being to Jesus, even in the face of death. It implies a deep personal conviction and reliance.
* **Christ (Greek, _Christós'_):** The Greek term (G5547) translates to "anointed," directly corresponding to the Hebrew "Messiah." Martha's use of this title indicates her recognition of Jesus as the long-prophesied deliverer and king, the one chosen and set apart by God to fulfill His redemptive purposes. This is a profound theological affirmation of Jesus' unique role in salvation history.
* **come (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This primary verb (G2064) means "to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)." In the phrase "which should come into the world," it refers to the expected advent of the Messiah, the one whose arrival was foretold and anticipated for generations. Martha is identifying Jesus as the fulfillment of this ancient expectation, the very one sent by God into human history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She saith unto him, Yea, Lord:"** Martha's immediate and emphatic response, "Yea, Lord," indicates a profound respect and submission to Jesus' authority. The Greek particle "naí" (G3483) for "Yea" is a strong affirmation, conveying absolute certainty and agreement, moving beyond her earlier lament ("Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died," [John 11:21](/john/11-21 "John 11:21 - Martha's Initial Lament")). This shows a shift from focusing on what Jesus *could* have done to who He *is*.
* **"I believe that thou art the Christ,"** This clause is the heart of Martha's confession. Her use of "I believe" (G4100, _pisteúō_) underscores a personal, deeply held conviction. By identifying Jesus as "the Christ" (G5547, _Christós_), she explicitly acknowledges Him as the Messiah, the Anointed One prophesied in the Old Testament, recognizing His unique role as Israel's deliverer and God's chosen King.
* **"the Son of God,"** This title further elaborates on Jesus' divine identity. "Son of God" (G5207, _huiós_ and G2316, _theós_) signifies not merely a close relationship but a unique, inherent divine nature and authority, distinguishing Jesus from all other human beings. It points to His deity and His unique origin from the Father, a central theme in John's Gospel.
* **"which should come into the world."** This final phrase refers to the common Jewish messianic expectation of "the Coming One" (G2064, _érchomai_ and G2889, _kósmos_). Martha affirms that Jesus is the fulfillment of these prophecies, the one sent by God into human history to accomplish His redemptive plan. This demonstrates her understanding of Jesus' mission as universal, extending beyond Israel to the entire "world."

#### Literary Devices
Martha's statement is a powerful **Confession of Faith**, a direct and profound declaration of her belief in Jesus' identity. It functions as a dramatic **Affirmation** following Jesus' "I AM" statement, validating His claims through human testimony. The verse is rich in **Titles and Epithets**, as Martha layers three crucial messianic and divine designations upon Jesus: "Lord," "the Christ," and "the Son of God," culminating with the descriptive "which should come into the world." This accumulation of titles serves to underscore the multifaceted and comprehensive nature of Jesus' identity as understood by a faithful follower. Her confession also serves as **Foreshadowing**, anticipating the greater revelation of Jesus' power through Lazarus's resurrection and the subsequent growth of faith among those who witness it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Martha's confession in [John 11:27](/john/11-27 "John 11:27 - Martha's Confession") stands as a foundational statement of Christology, encapsulating the essential elements of Christian belief in Jesus' person and mission. It affirms His messianic identity, His divine nature, and His role as the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for humanity. This confession, uttered in a moment of profound personal grief, highlights that true faith is not merely an intellectual assent to facts but a deeply personal trust in who Jesus is, transcending circumstances. It underscores that belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, is the pathway to eternal life, as consistently presented throughout John's Gospel.

* [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession")
* [John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - Purpose of John's Gospel")
* [1 John 4:15](/1_john/4-15 "1 John 4:15 - Confessing Jesus as Son of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Martha's confession in [John 11:27](/john/11-27 "John 11:27 - Martha's Confession") offers a profound model for contemporary believers. It reminds us that authentic faith is not contingent on immediate understanding or the absence of suffering; rather, it is a deep-seated conviction in the person of Jesus Christ, even when circumstances seem bleak or God's timing is perplexing. Martha's willingness to articulate such a comprehensive theological statement amidst her profound grief challenges us to examine the depth of our own faith. Do we truly believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, who has come into the world for our salvation? Her example encourages us to voice our faith boldly, to trust in Jesus' sovereignty over life and death, and to anchor our hope in His unchanging identity, knowing that He is indeed the resurrection and the life, capable of bringing life even from the grave of our deepest sorrows.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does Martha's confession challenge or affirm your own understanding of Jesus' identity?**
* **How can we cultivate a faith like Martha's that remains steadfast even in moments of profound grief or unanswered prayers?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to confess that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world"?**
* **How can we more boldly articulate our faith in Jesus to those around us, even when it feels difficult or counter-cultural?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Martha calling Jesus "Lord" in this context?**

Answer: Martha's use of "Lord" (Greek, _kýrios_, G2962) is highly significant. While it can be a respectful address (like "Sir"), in this theological dialogue, especially following Jesus' "I AM" statement, it carries a deeper meaning. It indicates her recognition of Jesus' authority and supremacy, acknowledging Him as Master and potentially even as divine. It sets the stage for her subsequent, more explicit confessions of Him as "the Christ" and "the Son of God," demonstrating a progression in her understanding and acceptance of His true nature and power over life and death, even before the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus in [John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Lazarus Raised from the Dead").

**How does Martha's confession compare to Peter's confession in the Gospels?**

Answer: Martha's confession in [John 11:27](/john/11-27 "John 11:27 - Martha's Confession") bears striking similarity to Peter's confession in [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession of Christ"), where Peter declares, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Both confessions are pivotal moments where a disciple articulates a profound understanding of Jesus' true identity. While Peter's confession leads to Jesus' declaration about building His church, Martha's confession immediately precedes the resurrection of Lazarus, serving as a testament to her faith that enables her to witness Jesus' glory. Both highlight that recognizing Jesus as the Christ and Son of God is a foundational truth for discipleship, revealed not by human insight alone but by divine grace ([Matthew 16:17](/matthew/16-17 "Matthew 16:17 - Flesh and Blood Has Not Revealed This")).

**Was Martha's faith complete before Lazarus's resurrection?**

Answer: Martha's faith, as expressed in [John 11:27](/john/11-27 "John 11:27 - Martha's Confession"), was remarkably strong and theologically sound, demonstrating a deep conviction in Jesus' identity as the Christ and Son of God. However, it was also a faith that was still growing and being refined. Her earlier statement, "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died" ([John 11:21](/john/11-21 "John 11:21 - Martha's Initial Lament")), and her hesitation about opening the tomb ("Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days," [John 11:39](/john/11-39 "John 11:39 - Martha's Hesitation at the Tomb")), indicate that while she believed in Jesus' power and identity, she still struggled with the full implications of His power over death in the present moment. The resurrection of Lazarus served to deepen and solidify her faith, moving it from a theological understanding to a tangible experience of Jesus' power as "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Martha's confession in [John 11:27](/john/11-27 "John 11:27 - Martha's Confession") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the raising of Lazarus, but in the broader redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Her declaration that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world" points directly to the very purpose of His incarnation and mission. As "the Christ," Jesus fulfilled all Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, culminating in His atoning death on the cross and victorious resurrection, thereby establishing His eternal kingdom and bringing salvation to all who believe ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief for Salvation")). His identity as "the Son of God" underscores His divine authority and unique ability to conquer sin and death, offering eternal life to those who trust in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and the Gift of His Son")). Furthermore, as the one "who should come into the world," Jesus is revealed as the divine agent sent by the Father to reconcile humanity to Himself, not just for a specific time or people, but for all creation ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ's Reconciling Work")). Thus, Martha's profound confession, born out of grief, prophetically articulates the very truths that would be fully revealed and eternally secured through Christ's finished work on the cross and His glorious ascension, making Him the Lord of all, to whom every knee shall bow ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")).

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

Matthew 16:16

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

John 6:69

And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

John 6:14

Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

Malachi 3:1

¶ Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

1 John 5:1

¶ Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

John 9:36

He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?

John 9:38

And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.