Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.
Now {G1161} Jesus {G2424} was {G2064} not yet {G3768} come {G2064} into {G1519} the town {G2968}, but {G235} was {G2258} in {G1722} that place {G5117} where {G3699} Martha {G3136} met {G5221} him {G846}.
Yeshua had not yet come into the village but was still where Marta had met him;
Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met Him.
(Now Jesus was not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha met him.)
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John 11:20
Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat [still] in the house.
John 11:30 provides a concise detail within the dramatic narrative of Lazarus's death and resurrection, emphasizing Jesus's deliberate actions and the unfolding events in Bethany.
Context of John 11:30
This verse is situated immediately before Mary, Lazarus's other sister, goes out to meet Jesus. Earlier in the chapter, Jesus had received news of Lazarus's illness but purposefully delayed His journey to Bethany, a village near Jerusalem. Martha had already gone out to meet Him, expressing her grief and faith in His ability to have prevented her brother's death (John 11:20). Jesus, having a profound conversation with Martha, remained just outside the village, awaiting Mary's arrival.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "town" here is kōmē (κώμη), which refers to a village or a small, unfortified town. This term differentiates it from a larger city (polis). Jesus's decision to stay outside the kōmē of Bethany underscores a strategic choice of location for His initial interactions with the sisters and the subsequent dramatic events.
Practical Application
John 11:30 reminds us that God is sovereign over time and place. Just as Jesus waited at a specific spot for Martha and Mary, He often meets us in unexpected "places" or moments, orchestrating circumstances for His perfect will to unfold. This verse encourages patience and trust in God's timing, even when His actions don't immediately align with our expectations. It highlights the value of individual encounters with Jesus, emphasizing that He is personal and attentive to our specific needs and griefs.