John 11:29

KJV

As soon as she heard [that], she arose quickly, and came unto him.

KJV (with Strong's)

As soon as {G5613} she {G1565} heard {G191} that, she arose {G1453} quickly {G5035}, and {G2532} came {G2064} unto {G4314} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When she heard this, she jumped up and went to him.

Berean Standard Bible

And when Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to Him.

American Standard Version

And she, when she heard it, arose quickly, and went unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 11:29 vividly portrays Mary's immediate and fervent response to the summons of Jesus, her Lord and friend, amidst the profound grief of her brother Lazarus's death. This concise verse encapsulates a powerful moment of deep faith, urgent devotion, and personal prioritization of Christ's presence, highlighting the transformative impact of His call even in the deepest sorrow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the climactic narrative of Lazarus's death and resurrection in Bethany, as detailed in [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Resurrection of Lazarus"). Jesus had purposefully delayed His arrival, allowing Lazarus to die, so that the glory of God might be revealed through His subsequent miraculous intervention ([John 11:4](/john/11-4 "John 11:4 - The Purpose of Lazarus's Illness")). Upon reaching Bethany, Jesus first engaged in a profound theological dialogue with Martha, who, despite her grief, expressed a foundational faith in Him as the Christ, the Son of God ([John 11:20-27](/john/11-20-27 "John 11:20-27 - Martha's Confession of Faith")). Following this pivotal conversation, Martha privately conveyed Jesus's specific message to her sister, Mary: "The Master is come, and calleth for thee" ([John 11:28](/john/11-28 "John 11:28 - Jesus Calls for Mary")). John 11:29 serves as the direct, unhesitating response to this personal invitation, shifting the narrative focus to Mary's immediate action.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish culture, mourning rituals for the deceased were elaborate and deeply ingrained. Families would typically observe a seven-day period of intense mourning, during which friends and relatives would visit to offer condolences and sit with the bereaved. Lazarus had been dead for four days ([John 11:17](/john/11-17 "John 11:17 - Lazarus Dead Four Days")), indicating that Mary and Martha were in the midst of this intense period of grief, surrounded by many mourners who had come to comfort them. For Mary, a woman in this cultural setting, to "arise quickly" and leave her guests upon hearing a private summons, speaks volumes about her profound respect and devotion to Jesus. Her action would have been noticeable, perhaps even unusual, given the social expectations of a mourner, underscoring the extraordinary nature of her relationship with Jesus.
* **Key Themes:** John 11:29 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Immediate Responsiveness to Christ's Call**, showcasing Mary's unhesitating obedience and eagerness to draw near to Jesus, even while consumed by sorrow. This readiness underscores the priority believers should place on the Lord's invitation, echoing the principle found in [John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - Jesus' Sheep Hear His Voice"), where Jesus states, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." The verse also emphasizes the **Personal Relationship with Jesus**, as He specifically calls for Mary, demonstrating His individual care and intimate knowledge of His followers. Despite the presence of many mourners, Jesus's call is directed at one specific individual, reinforcing the deeply personal nature of faith. Finally, Mary's actions exemplify **Faith Amidst Grief**, as her swift movement towards Jesus, the source of comfort and hope, demonstrates a profound trust that transcends her immediate pain. This trust foreshadows Jesus's declaration as the [Resurrection and the Life](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"), offering ultimate hope beyond death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō_):** This verb signifies more than merely perceiving sound; it implies an active, attentive listening that leads to understanding and often, a response. Mary's "hearing" was not passive but an internal reception of the message that prompted immediate action, indicating she fully grasped the significance of Jesus's presence and call.
* **arose (Greek, _egeírō_):** While literally meaning "to stand up," this word often carries a connotation of being roused or awakened, even from sleep or death. In this context, it suggests a decisive, perhaps even sudden, movement from her seated position of mourning, implying a spiritual and emotional awakening from her grief in response to Jesus's call.
* **came (Greek, _érchomai_):** This primary verb denotes movement towards a destination, often with purpose and intention. Mary's "coming" to Jesus was not a casual stroll but a deliberate act of drawing near to the one who held the answer to her sorrow and the power over death, signifying her seeking His presence above all else.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As soon as she heard [that]":** This opening phrase emphasizes the immediacy and lack of hesitation in Mary's response. The "that" refers to Martha's whispered message: "The Master is come, and calleth for thee" ([John 11:28](/john/11-28 "John 11:28 - Jesus Calls for Mary")). Mary's hearing was not merely auditory but an internal reception that spurred instant action, highlighting her attentiveness to Jesus's summons.
* **"she arose quickly":** This clause describes Mary's physical reaction to the news. The adverb "quickly" (Greek, _tachý_) underscores the urgency and eagerness of her movement. She didn't deliberate or delay; her deep affection and reverence for Jesus compelled an instantaneous physical response, interrupting her state of mourning and the cultural expectations of her role as a bereaved sister.
* **"and came unto him":** This final clause completes the action, specifying Mary's destination. Her immediate rising was not aimless but directed specifically "unto him"—to Jesus. This demonstrates her prioritization of His presence above all other concerns, including the many mourners surrounding her. It speaks to her profound trust that solace, hope, and perhaps even a miracle, resided in His presence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Immediacy** and **Contrast** to highlight Mary's response. The phrase "As soon as she heard" combined with "quickly" creates a sense of urgent, unhesitating action, emphasizing the power of Jesus's call. This swiftness stands in stark **contrast** to the somber, slow pace of mourning and the general atmosphere of grief that pervaded the house. Furthermore, there is subtle **Symbolism** at play: Mary's act of rising from her place of sorrow and coming to Jesus can be seen as a metaphorical representation of the believer's active response to Christ's invitation, moving from a state of despair or spiritual inactivity into His life-giving presence. The verse also serves to quicken the **Narrative Pace**, shifting from the theological discourse between Jesus and Martha to the emotional and physical action of Mary, building anticipation for the impending miracle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mary's immediate and decisive response to Jesus's call in John 11:29 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of discipleship and the believer's relationship with Christ. It exemplifies the principle that genuine faith is active and responsive, prioritizing the voice and presence of the Lord above all earthly circumstances, including profound personal sorrow. Her swift movement underscores the spiritual truth that true comfort, hope, and resolution are found not in human consolation or ritual, but in drawing near to Jesus Himself. This passage invites believers to examine their own readiness and eagerness to respond when Christ calls, whether through His Word, the promptings of the Holy Spirit, or the circumstances of life, reminding us that His invitation is always one of grace and purpose.

* [Psalm 119:60](/psalms/119-60 "Psalm 119:60 - Swift Obedience to God's Commands")
* [Luke 10:39](/luke/10-39 "Luke 10:39 - Mary Sits at Jesus' Feet")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 11:29 offers a powerful and enduring model for contemporary believers. Mary's immediate and unhesitating response to Jesus's personal call, even amidst the deepest sorrow and the presence of many mourners, challenges us to consider the priority we place on Christ's voice and presence in our own lives. In a world full of distractions, demands, and personal griefs, Mary's action reminds us that the most crucial response we can make is to turn swiftly and wholeheartedly towards Jesus. Her faith, demonstrated through her prompt obedience, teaches us that true solace, guidance, and ultimate hope are found in drawing near to Him, regardless of our circumstances. It encourages us to cultivate a heart that is always listening for His call and ready to respond with eagerness and devotion, trusting that He alone has the words of eternal life and the power to transform our deepest pains.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How readily do I respond when I sense Jesus calling me, whether through Scripture, prayer, or circumstances?**
* **What distractions or sorrows in my life might be hindering my immediate and eager response to Christ?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper, more responsive relationship with Jesus, mirroring Mary's devotion?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus specifically call for Mary, and not Martha or both sisters?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state Jesus's precise reasoning, but several factors can be inferred. Jesus had just had a profound theological discussion with Martha, where she confessed her faith in Him as the Christ ([John 11:20-27](/john/11-20-27 "John 11:20-27 - Martha's Confession")). Perhaps Jesus intended to have a similar, yet distinct, encounter with Mary, knowing her personality and how she might respond. Mary is often depicted as the more contemplative and devoted sister, as seen in [Luke 10:39](/luke/10-39 "Luke 10:39 - Mary Sits at Jesus' Feet"), where she sat at His feet, listening to His word. His personal summons to Mary highlights His individual care for each person and His desire for a unique, intimate relationship with her, preparing her for the astonishing miracle that was about to unfold. It also allowed Martha to be the messenger, further involving her in the unfolding divine drama.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mary's swift and unhesitating response to Jesus's call in John 11:29 profoundly foreshadows the believer's response to the Gospel and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's redemptive work. Just as Jesus personally called Mary out of her place of mourning to draw near to Him, so too does He call all humanity out of spiritual death and despair into His life-giving presence. His invitation is not merely to a physical encounter but to a transformative relationship, culminating in His sacrifice on the cross and triumphant resurrection. Mary's act of rising and coming to Him symbolizes the spiritual journey of faith, where we, like her, hear His voice and respond with urgency, abandoning our former ways to embrace the new life offered in Him. This echoes Jesus's broader call in [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary"), "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." He is the one who calls the dead to life ([John 5:25](/john/5-25 "John 5:25 - The Voice of the Son of God")) and invites all who hear His voice to open the door of their hearts ([Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Jesus Knocking at the Door")), promising His abiding presence and eternal life. Mary's immediate obedience to His personal summons thus serves as a beautiful microcosm of the universal call to salvation and discipleship in Christ.

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

Proverbs 15:23

¶ A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]!

Psalms 27:8

[When thou saidst], Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

Song Of Solomon 3:1

¶ By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.

Song Of Solomon 3:4

[It was] but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.

Psalms 119:59

¶ I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

Psalms 119:60

I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

Proverbs 27:17

¶ Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.