John 11:40

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} saith {G3004} unto her {G846}, Said I {G2036} not {G3756} unto thee {G4671}, that {G3754}, if {G1437} thou wouldest believe {G4100}, thou shouldest see {G3700} the glory {G1391} of God {G2316}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said to her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you keep trusting, you will see the glory of God?”

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus replied, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 11:40, Jesus challenges Martha's wavering faith at the tomb of her brother Lazarus, reminding her of a foundational truth: belief precedes the manifestation of God's power and glory. This pivotal statement, delivered just moments before Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, underscores the vital connection between human faith and divine action, serving as a powerful prelude to one of Jesus's most profound miracles and a visible demonstration of His authority over death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 11:40 is situated at the climax of the narrative concerning Lazarus's death and resurrection. The preceding verses detail Jesus's delayed arrival in Bethany, the sisters' expressions of grief and their shared lament, "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died" ([John 11:21](/john/11-21 "Martha's statement to Jesus") and [John 11:32](/john/11-32 "Mary's statement to Jesus")). Martha, despite her earlier profound confession of faith in Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of God" ([John 11:27](/john/11-27 "Martha's confession of faith")), expresses practical doubt when Jesus commands the stone to be removed from Lazarus's tomb, stating, "Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days" ([John 11:39](/john/11-39 "Martha's objection at the tomb")). Jesus's words in verse 40 directly address this moment of human skepticism, serving as a crucial prompt for Martha to elevate her perspective from the natural to the supernatural, preparing her for the astonishing display of God's glory that is about to unfold.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, a place Jesus often visited. Jewish burial customs of the time involved prompt burial, usually within 24 hours, and a period of intense mourning. The belief was prevalent that the soul lingered near the body for three days, but by the fourth day, decomposition would be undeniable, and any hope of resuscitation was considered impossible. Martha's comment about the stench in [John 11:39](/john/11-39 "Martha's practical concern") reflects this cultural understanding of irreversible death. Jesus's actions and words in this chapter directly confront and transcend these deeply held cultural and natural expectations, demonstrating His unique divine authority over life and death, a concept radical in the Jewish context where only God had such power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Foremost is the **sovereignty of Jesus over life and death**, dramatically illustrated by the resurrection of Lazarus. It reinforces Jesus's earlier declaration, "[I am the resurrection, and the life](/john/11-25 "Jesus declares Himself the Resurrection and the Life")" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "Jesus's declaration to Martha")), proving His claims through miraculous power. The theme of **faith and sight** is also central, as Jesus explicitly links Martha's belief to her ability to "see the glory of God." This highlights that true spiritual perception often requires a prior act of trust, moving beyond what is physically observable. Furthermore, the entire narrative, including this verse, serves to reveal **the glory of God** through the Son ([John 11:4](/john/11-4 "Jesus's statement about Lazarus's sickness and God's glory")), confirming Jesus's divine identity and mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From G4100, meaning to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ). In this context, it signifies not merely intellectual assent to a fact, but a deep, active trust in Jesus's power and word, even when circumstances seem to contradict it. Martha is called to move from a theoretical belief in Jesus's power to raise the dead at the last day to a present, active trust in His immediate ability to act.
* **see (Greek, _optánomai'_):** From G3700, to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable); differing from mere observation or casual vision. This verb implies a profound, awe-struck perception of something extraordinary. It suggests that Martha's "seeing" of God's glory would be a profound, undeniable experience, not just a casual glance.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From G1391, glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective): dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship. Here, "the glory of God" refers to the visible, manifest presence and power of God, particularly as revealed through a miraculous act. It is the radiant splendor and majesty that accompanies divine intervention, demonstrating God's inherent character and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus saith unto her, 'Said I not unto thee,'":** Jesus directly addresses Martha, recalling a previous conversation or implicit understanding. This serves as a gentle rebuke and a reminder, suggesting that the principle He is about to state was not entirely new, but perhaps forgotten or not fully grasped in her moment of grief and doubt. It highlights Jesus's consistent teaching on the relationship between faith and divine manifestation.
* **"that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?":** This is a conditional statement, a promise contingent on Martha's faith. The "if" (G1437, _eán_) introduces a condition, emphasizing that her belief is the prerequisite. The "glory of God" (G1391, _dóxa_ G2316, _theós_) refers to the visible, awe-inspiring manifestation of God's power and presence. In this immediate context, it specifically refers to the resurrection of Lazarus, which would unequivocally demonstrate Jesus's divine authority and God's power working through Him. This clause encapsulates the core theological message: faith is the lens through which one perceives God's mighty works.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Rhetorical Question** ("Said I not unto thee...?") to engage Martha directly and prompt her memory, making her reflect on previous teachings or promises. This technique is not for seeking information but for emphasis and conviction. **Conditional Clause** ("if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see") is central, establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between faith and experiencing divine manifestation. The phrase "the glory of God" functions as **Symbolism**, representing the visible, awe-inspiring power and majesty of God, which is about to be revealed through the miracle of resurrection. This glory is not merely abstract but tangible and perceivable, demonstrating God's active presence in the world through Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 11:40 stands as a foundational statement on the nature of faith and divine revelation. It teaches that while God's power is absolute, its manifestation in human experience is often contingent upon a responsive faith. This is not to say that human faith "earns" God's action, but rather that faith positions the individual to perceive and receive what God is already willing to do. The "glory of God" is not just an abstract concept but a dynamic, active display of His character and power, particularly His life-giving authority over death. This verse challenges believers to look beyond the natural and the seemingly impossible, trusting in God's supernatural capabilities.

* [Mark 9:23](/mark/9-23 "Jesus's words on the power of belief")
* [Romans 4:20-21](/romans/4-20-21 "Abraham's faith in God's power")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "The necessity of faith to please God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 11:40 serves as a profound and enduring challenge to our own faith, especially in moments of despair, doubt, or when circumstances seem insurmountable. Like Martha, we often allow our human logic and sensory input to dictate our expectations, limiting our vision of what God can do. Jesus's words invite us to shift our focus from the observable reality of death and decay to the unseen reality of God's limitless power. This doesn't mean denying the pain or difficulty of our situations, but rather choosing to believe that God's glory can break through even the darkest circumstances. It calls us to cultivate a faith that trusts in God's character and promises, even when we don't understand His timing or methods. When we dare to believe, we open ourselves to witnessing God's transformative work, not always in the way we expect, but always in a way that reveals His sovereign power and love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you struggling to believe God for the impossible, much like Martha at Lazarus's tomb?**
* **How does your understanding of "the glory of God" expand beyond miraculous intervention to include His character and presence in everyday life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper, more active faith that allows you to "see the glory of God" in your current circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What "glory of God" is Jesus referring to in John 11:40?**

Answer: In this specific context, the "glory of God" refers to the visible, undeniable manifestation of God's power and divine nature, which was immediately revealed through the resurrection of Lazarus. This miracle served as a powerful testament to Jesus's divine authority over death and His identity as the Son of God. It was the fulfillment of Jesus's earlier statement that Lazarus's sickness was "[for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby](/john/11-4 "Jesus's statement about Lazarus's sickness and God's glory")" ([John 11:4](/john/11-4 "John 11:4")). More broadly, "the glory of God" encompasses the full display of His majesty, holiness, and redemptive power throughout salvation history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 11:40 is profoundly Christ-centered, as Jesus Himself is the ultimate manifestation of God's glory. His words to Martha, "if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God," are fulfilled not just in Lazarus's resurrection, but supremely in Jesus's own death and resurrection. The raising of Lazarus was a preview, a sign pointing to the greater glory revealed in Christ's victory over death on the cross and His subsequent resurrection, which is the ultimate demonstration of God's power and glory. As the "[Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29")), Jesus's sacrifice and resurrection open the way for all who believe to experience God's glory, not merely in physical resuscitation, but in spiritual new life and eternal fellowship with Him. The glory seen at Lazarus's tomb foreshadows the even greater glory of the resurrected Christ, through whom believers are promised "[eternal life](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's love and eternal life")" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16")) and the hope of their own resurrection, echoing "[I am the resurrection, and the life](/john/11-25 "Jesus declares Himself the Resurrection and the Life")" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25")). Thus, to "see the glory of God" is ultimately to behold Christ, in whom "dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God 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

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.

Romans 4:17

¶ (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, [even] God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Romans 4:25

Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

John 11:23

Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.

John 11:26

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

Psalms 63:2

To see thy power and thy glory, so [as] I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.