John 11:4

When Jesus heard [that], he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

When {G1161} Jesus {G2424} heard {G191} that, he said {G2036}, This {G3778} sickness {G769} is {G2076} not {G3756} unto {G4314} death {G2288}, but {G235} for {G5228} the glory {G1391} of God {G2316}, that {G2443} the Son {G5207} of God {G2316} might be glorified {G1392} thereby {G1223}{G846}.

On hearing it, he said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may receive glory through it.”

When Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

But when Jesus heard it, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby.

Commentary

John 11:4 presents Jesus’ profound declaration regarding the sickness of Lazarus, setting the stage for one of the most significant miracles in the Gospels. This verse immediately reveals a divine purpose behind what appears to be a tragic situation.

Context of John 11:4

This statement by Jesus comes after He receives news that His dear friend Lazarus of Bethany, brother to Mary and Martha, is gravely ill. The sisters had sent a message to Jesus, stating, "Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick." The expectation was likely that Jesus would immediately come and heal Lazarus, as He had done for many others. However, Jesus' response here redirects their focus, and ours, from the immediate crisis to a greater spiritual truth and the unfolding of God's plan. This incident is crucial in the Gospel of John, leading directly to the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead.

Key Themes

  • Divine Purpose in Suffering: Jesus declares that Lazarus's sickness is "not unto death," meaning its ultimate outcome is not merely physical demise, but rather a profound revelation of God's power and glory. This teaches that even in suffering and difficult circumstances, God has a sovereign purpose beyond what we immediately perceive. It foreshadows how God can use our trials for His greater good, aligning with principles seen in Romans 8:28.
  • The Glory of God: The primary purpose of Lazarus's sickness is explicitly stated to be "for the glory of God." In biblical terms, the glory of God (Greek: doxa tou theou) refers to the manifestation of His inherent splendor, majesty, and power. This event would powerfully display God's attributes to all who witnessed or heard of it, drawing attention to His divine nature and ultimate authority over life and death.
  • The Glorification of the Son of God: The verse adds, "that the Son of God might be glorified thereby." This highlights Jesus' identity as the Son of God and His unique relationship with the Father. The miracle of raising Lazarus would serve as undeniable proof of Jesus' divine power and authority, confirming His claims and revealing His glory, much like His first miracle at Cana did (John 2:11). It underscores His role as the resurrection and the life.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "glory" (doxa) signifies splendor, renown, or majesty. When applied to God, it refers to the visible manifestation of His character and attributes. The verb "glorified" (doxasthē) means to be honored, magnified, or to have one's true nature revealed. In this context, it speaks to the powerful and public display of Jesus’ divine power and identity, validating His claims and drawing others to acknowledge Him as God's Son.

Practical Application

John 11:4 offers profound comfort and insight for believers facing sickness, loss, or any form of suffering today. It reminds us that:

  • God Has a Purpose: Even when circumstances seem dire, God is at work, often for a purpose far grander than our immediate understanding. Our trials can be opportunities for God to reveal His glory in our lives.
  • Focus on God's Glory: Our ultimate aim, even in affliction, should be to see God glorified. When we endure with faith, or when God intervenes miraculously, it points others to His power and goodness.
  • Jesus is Glorified: Through His actions, Jesus continually demonstrates His authority over all things, including death. This verse strengthens our faith in Him as the sovereign Lord who brings life out of apparent defeat.
This verse encourages us to look beyond immediate outcomes and trust in God's ultimate plan, knowing that He can use any situation to bring Himself glory and reveal the power of His Son.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 11:40

    Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

  • John 9:3

    Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

  • 1 Peter 4:14

    If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

  • John 5:23

    That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

  • John 17:5

    And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

  • John 13:31

    ¶ Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

  • John 13:32

    If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.
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