John 11:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.”

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
John 11:4 captures Jesus' profound declaration regarding Lazarus's illness, revealing that this seemingly dire situation is not for ultimate physical demise but serves a higher divine purpose: the manifestation of God's glory and the glorification of the Son of God. This statement immediately reorients the perspective on suffering, framing it as a potential stage for God's powerful intervention and the revelation of Christ's identity and authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is pivotal within the broader narrative of [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Raising of Lazarus"), which recounts the climactic miracle of Lazarus's resurrection. It follows the urgent message sent by Mary and Martha to Jesus, stating, "[Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick](/john/11-3 "John 11:3 - Mary and Martha's Plea")." Jesus' immediate response in [John 11:4](/john/11-4 "John 11:4 - Jesus' Declaration") sets the theological tone for the entire chapter, indicating that His delay and Lazarus's subsequent death are part of a divine plan. This miracle serves as the seventh and culminating "sign" in John's Gospel, powerfully demonstrating Jesus' identity as the Son of God and His authority over life and death, leading directly to the escalating opposition from the Jewish authorities that culminates in His own crucifixion, as seen in [John 11:45-53](/john/11-45-53 "John 11:45-53 - The Plot to Kill Jesus").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish culture, sickness and death were often perceived, though not always accurately, as consequences of sin ([John 9:2](/john/9-2 "John 9:2 - Disciples' Question About Blindness and Sin")). The immediate expectation of Mary and Martha, and indeed many in that culture, would have been for Jesus to heal Lazarus before death, as He had done for others. The four-day delay before Jesus arrived in Bethany ([John 11:17](/john/11-17 "John 11:17 - Jesus Arrives Four Days Later")) was significant, as Jewish tradition held that the soul lingered near the body for three days, after which decomposition began, making resurrection impossible. This cultural belief heightens the miraculous nature of Lazarus's raising, removing any doubt that he was truly dead. Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, was a frequent stopping point for Jesus, and the public nature of this miracle, so close to the religious center, would have profound implications for His ministry and the growing animosity of the Sanhedrin.
* **Key Themes:** John 11:4 introduces and reinforces several critical themes within the Gospel of John. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God over Suffering**, asserting that even in the face of grave illness and death, God has a specific, redemptive purpose. This challenges human assumptions about affliction, suggesting that trials can be divinely orchestrated opportunities for revelation. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Manifestation of God's Glory**, explicitly stating that the sickness is "for the glory of God." In John's Gospel, God's glory is often revealed through Jesus' miraculous signs and teachings, pointing to His divine nature and power ([John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - Jesus' First Sign at Cana")). Finally, it emphasizes the **Glorification of the Son of God**, directly linking the outcome to Jesus' own honor and recognition. This miracle serves as irrefutable proof of Jesus' identity as the "Resurrection and the Life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), confirming His unique relationship with the Father and His divine authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sickness (Greek, _asthéneia'_):** This term refers to feebleness or weakness, encompassing both physical malady and moral frailty. In this context, it denotes Lazarus's severe physical illness, which was leading to death. Jesus' declaration about this "sickness" immediately reframes its ultimate purpose, moving beyond its immediate physical manifestation to its divine significance.
* **Glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to seem" or "to think," _dóxa_ signifies splendor, renown, majesty, or honor. When applied to God, it speaks of the visible manifestation of His inherent attributes, His divine presence, and His power. Here, it indicates that Lazarus's illness and the subsequent miracle would serve to reveal God's inherent majesty and power to those witnessing it.
* **Glorified (Greek, _doxázō'_):** This verb, stemming from _dóxa_, means "to render glorious," "to honor," or "to magnify." It implies a public display or recognition of one's true nature or inherent worth. In this verse, it specifically refers to Jesus, the Son of God, being honored and having His divine power and identity publicly revealed through the events surrounding Lazarus's sickness and resurrection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When Jesus heard [that], he said":** This opening clause establishes Jesus' immediate and authoritative response to the news of Lazarus's grave condition. It implies a deliberate and divinely informed statement, not a spontaneous reaction, setting the tone for the unfolding events.
* **"This sickness is not unto death":** This phrase is a profound theological paradox. While Lazarus did indeed die, Jesus' statement means that death was not the *ultimate* or *final* purpose of the sickness. Rather, the sickness's *telos* (end goal) was not merely to result in Lazarus's demise, but to serve a greater, redemptive purpose beyond the immediate tragedy. It hints at a temporary nature of death in this specific instance.
* **"but for the glory of God":** This clause reveals the primary divine intention behind Lazarus's illness. The suffering and subsequent miracle would serve as a powerful manifestation of God's inherent splendor, majesty, and power. It signifies that God's character and attributes would be powerfully displayed through the events that follow.
* **"that the Son of God might be glorified thereby":** This final clause specifies the means by which God's glory would be revealed: through the glorification of Jesus Himself. The miracle of raising Lazarus would undeniably demonstrate Jesus' divine power, authority over life and death, and His unique identity as the Son of God, thereby bringing honor and recognition to Him.

#### Literary Devices
John 11:4 masterfully employs several literary devices. **Paradox** is central, as Jesus declares the sickness is "not unto death" even though Lazarus subsequently dies. This creates tension and invites the reader to look beyond the literal, immediate outcome to the deeper, divine purpose. It foreshadows the ultimate victory over death. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the extraordinary event that will follow—Lazarus's resurrection—and the profound impact it will have on revealing Jesus' identity. Furthermore, there is clear **Thematic Parallelism** between "the glory of God" and "the Son of God might be glorified thereby," emphasizing the inseparable unity of the Father and the Son in their shared purpose and divine nature. The entire statement functions as a **Prophecy**, a declaration of divine intent that will be fulfilled in the subsequent narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 11:4 offers a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty over all circumstances, including suffering and death. It teaches that even the most distressing human experiences can be woven into God's grand tapestry of redemption and revelation. The ultimate purpose of human affliction, from a divine perspective, is not always punitive or meaningless, but often serves as a stage for God to display His power, character, and redemptive plan. This verse powerfully connects to the broader biblical theme that God works all things for His glory and for the good of those who love Him, particularly in revealing the identity and authority of His Son, Jesus Christ. It reminds believers that even in moments of profound weakness or sorrow, God is at work, orchestrating events to magnify His name and His Son's.

* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")
* [Philippians 1:20](/philippians/1-20 "Philippians 1:20 - Christ Magnified in My Body")
* [1 Peter 1:6-7](/1_peter/1-6-7 "1 Peter 1:6-7 - Trials for the Proving of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 11:4 provides immense comfort and a vital shift in perspective for believers navigating the complexities of life, especially in the face of sickness, loss, or any form of suffering. It challenges us to look beyond immediate pain or apparent defeat and to trust in God's overarching, glorious purpose. When we encounter difficult circumstances, this verse encourages us to ask not merely "Why is this happening?" but "How might God be glorified through this?" It reminds us that our trials are not necessarily a sign of God's displeasure, but can be opportunities for His power and presence to be uniquely revealed, both to us and to the world around us. By fixing our gaze on the ultimate purpose—the glory of God and the glorification of Jesus—we can find strength, hope, and even joy in the midst of adversity, knowing that our sovereign God is always at work, bringing life and light out of darkness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' statement "This sickness is not unto death" challenge my immediate assumptions about suffering and its purpose?**
* **In what ways have I seen God's glory or the glorification of Jesus manifested in my own life or the lives of others through difficult circumstances?**
* **How can I cultivate a perspective that seeks God's glory even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges or losses?**
* **What does this verse teach me about trusting God's timing and His ultimate plan, even when it differs from my expectations?**

### FAQ
**Did Jesus know Lazarus would die, even though He said, "This sickness is not unto death"?**

Answer: Yes, Jesus absolutely knew Lazarus would die. His statement, "This sickness is not unto death," is a profound theological declaration about the *ultimate* purpose and outcome, not an immediate prediction of physical survival. It means that Lazarus's death would not be the final word or the ultimate goal of the sickness. Instead, the sickness and subsequent death were divinely orchestrated to serve a greater purpose: to display God's glory and to glorify Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus deliberately delayed His arrival, as recounted in [John 11:6](/john/11-6 "John 11:6 - Jesus Delays His Coming"), precisely so that Lazarus would die, setting the stage for the miraculous resurrection that would powerfully demonstrate His authority over death.

**How can sickness or suffering bring glory to God and glorify Jesus?**

Answer: Sickness and suffering can bring glory to God and glorify Jesus in several profound ways. Firstly, when God supernaturally intervenes to heal or deliver, it demonstrates His power, compassion, and sovereignty, drawing attention to Him ([John 9:3](/john/9-3 "John 9:3 - Blindness for God's Glory")). Secondly, even in the absence of physical healing, when believers endure suffering with faith, hope, and perseverance, their steadfastness points to the sustaining grace of God and the strength found in Christ, which glorifies Him ([2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Grace in Weakness")). Thirdly, as in Lazarus's case, suffering can be a direct catalyst for a powerful display of God's redemptive work, such as resurrection, which undeniably magnifies Jesus' authority as the "Resurrection and the Life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Ultimately, any situation that causes people to acknowledge God's power, character, or the divine nature of Jesus brings Him glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 11:4, in its declaration that Lazarus's sickness was "for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in Lazarus's temporary resurrection, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Lazarus's rising from the dead was a powerful sign, a foretaste of the greater victory. Jesus' own journey to the cross, His death, and His glorious resurrection are the supreme manifestation of God's glory and the ultimate glorification of the Son. The cross, though seemingly a defeat, was the very means by which God's love and justice were perfectly displayed, and through which Jesus was "glorified" by accomplishing salvation ([John 12:23-24](/john/12-23-24 "John 12:23-24 - The Hour Has Come for the Son of Man to Be Glorified")). His resurrection from the dead, three days after His burial, was the ultimate proof of His divine power and identity, validating His claims and bringing immense glory to the Father ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God with Power")). The ascension of Christ and His enthronement at the right hand of God further demonstrate His glorification ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Exalted to the Right Hand of God")), affirming that His suffering and death were not "unto death" in a final sense, but were the path to His eternal glory and the salvation of humanity ([Hebrews 2:9-10](/hebrews/2-9-10 "Hebrews 2:9-10 - Jesus Crowned with Glory and Honor")). Thus, Lazarus's sickness and resurrection serve as a powerful microcosm, pointing to the grander narrative of Christ's own journey through suffering to ultimate glory, ensuring that through Him, God is eternally glorified.

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

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.