John 11:3

Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

Therefore {G3767} his sisters {G79} sent {G649} unto {G4314} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Lord {G2962}, behold {G2396}, he whom {G3739} thou lovest {G5368} is sick {G770}.

So the sisters sent a message to Yeshua, “Lord, the man you love is sick.”

So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one You love is sick.”

The sisters therefore sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

John 11:3 introduces a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative, setting the stage for one of Jesus Christ's most profound miracles. The verse recounts the urgent message sent to Jesus by Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, who resided in Bethany. Their plea is simple yet deeply evocative: "Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick."

Context

This verse immediately precedes the famous account of Lazarus's death and resurrection. Jesus had a particularly close relationship with this family in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem. The sisters' message, delivered through messengers, wasn't a demand but a heartfelt appeal rooted in their understanding of Jesus' deep affection for their brother. It highlights the human experience of distress and the natural inclination to turn to one who possesses both power and love. This plea foreshadows the extraordinary demonstration of God's glory through sickness and death that is about to unfold.

Key Themes

  • The Love of Christ: The central phrase, "he whom thou lovest," speaks volumes about Jesus' personal and profound affection for Lazarus. This was not a general love for humanity, but a specific, intimate bond that the sisters clearly recognized and appealed to. This deep love is a recurring theme in John's Gospel, emphasizing Jesus' relational nature with His disciples and friends.
  • Human Need and Divine Compassion: The sisters' message articulates a universal human experience: facing sickness and helplessness. Their immediate thought is to appeal to Jesus, trusting in His compassion and ability to intervene. It underscores the accessibility of Christ to those in need.
  • Faith and Expectation: While they don't explicitly ask Jesus to come, their message implicitly conveys an expectation that He will act because of His love for Lazarus. This act of sending for Him, despite His being some distance away, demonstrates their faith in His power and willingness to help.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word used for "lovest" in this verse is phileō (φιλέω), which signifies a strong affection, friendship, or fondness. This is distinct from agape (ἀγάπη), which often denotes a divine, unconditional love. The use of phileō here emphasizes the personal, relational bond Jesus shared with Lazarus and his sisters, highlighting the deep human connection within their divine relationship. It underscores that Jesus was not just a distant miracle-worker but a compassionate friend who deeply cared for those around Him, even to the point of weeping with those who grieved.

Practical Application

John 11:3 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that we can approach Jesus with our needs, even when they seem dire, relying on His profound love and compassion. Just as Mary and Martha appealed to His love for Lazarus, we can appeal to His love for us, knowing that He cares deeply about our circumstances, our sicknesses, and our sorrows. This verse encourages us to bring our anxieties and vulnerabilities to Him, trusting that even in situations that seem hopeless, God has a purpose and a plan, often for His glory and our ultimate good. It reinforces the truth that our prayers do not need to be elaborate; a simple, heartfelt expression of need, grounded in a recognition of His character and love, is sufficient.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 11:5

    Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

  • Revelation 3:19

    As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

  • Psalms 16:3

    [But] to the saints that [are] in the earth, and [to] the excellent, in whom [is] all my delight.

  • John 11:36

    Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

  • 2 Timothy 4:20

    Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

  • John 13:23

    Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

  • 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.

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