John 11:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} Jesus {G2424} loved {G25} Martha {G3136}, and {G2532} her {G846} sister {G79}, and {G2532} Lazarus {G2976}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua loved Marta and her sister and El‘azar;

Berean Standard Bible

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 11:5 serves as a crucial parenthetical statement, immediately preceding the dramatic narrative of Lazarus's death and resurrection, affirming Jesus' profound and personal affection for Martha, her sister Mary, and their brother Lazarus. This declaration of love sets the emotional and theological stage for the events that follow, highlighting that Jesus' actions, including His apparent delay in responding to their distress, are rooted not in indifference but in a deeper, purposeful divine love designed to reveal God's glory and Jesus' own identity as the Resurrection and the Life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Raising of Lazarus"), directly after Mary and Martha have sent word to Jesus about Lazarus's illness, stating, "Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick" ([John 11:3](/john/11-3 "John 11:3 - Mary and Martha's Plea")). The preceding verse, [John 11:4](/john/11-4 "John 11:4 - Jesus' Purpose for Lazarus's Illness"), records Jesus' enigmatic response that "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby." John 11:5 then immediately reassures the reader of Jesus' deep personal bond with the family, making His subsequent two-day delay in coming to Bethany ([John 11:6](/john/11-6 "John 11:6 - Jesus' Delay in Bethany")) all the more striking and purposeful. It underscores that the impending miracle is not arbitrary but arises from a context of genuine relationship, inviting the reader to trust in Jesus' love even when His ways are mysterious.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, a place Jesus frequently visited and where He had close friends. In ancient Jewish culture, family and close friendships were foundational, providing a strong network of support and loyalty. Illness and death were profoundly impactful events, often accompanied by public mourning and a strong sense of community. The act of sending a messenger to Jesus, a respected teacher and healer, was a common and expected practice for those seeking help. Jesus' presence in a home, particularly with women like Martha and Mary, also speaks to His counter-cultural approach, valuing individuals beyond societal norms. His relationship with this family reflects the deep personal connections He forged during His earthly ministry, demonstrating His humanity and accessibility.
* **Key Themes:** John 11:5 contributes significantly to several key themes within [John's Gospel](/john/1 "The Gospel of John - Introduction"). First, it emphasizes [Jesus' profound humanity](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of Jesus"), showcasing His capacity for deep, personal love and friendship, making Him relatable and compassionate. Second, it highlights the theme of [divine love and purpose](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World"). The fact that Jesus loved them deeply, yet allowed Lazarus to die, introduces the paradox that God's love does not always prevent suffering but often permits it for a higher, redemptive purpose—in this case, to manifest God's glory and Jesus' power over death ([John 11:40](/john/11-40 "John 11:40 - The Glory of God Revealed")). This teaches that God's love operates on a profound, often mysterious, plan beyond immediate human understanding. Finally, this verse serves as the [relational foundation for the miracle](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Lazarus Raised"). The extraordinary act of raising Lazarus from the dead is not a detached demonstration of power but an intervention born out of genuine care and affection, underscoring the personal nature of God's interaction with humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Now (Greek, _dé'_):** This particle, often unexpressed in English, functions here as a continuative or adversative. In this context, it serves to transition the narrative, drawing attention to a crucial piece of information. It signals a slight shift in focus from the message sent to Jesus to Jesus' internal disposition towards the family, setting the stage for understanding His subsequent actions (or inaction) in light of His deep affection.
* **Jesus (Greek, _Iēsoûs'_):** Derived from the Hebrew "Jehoshua" (meaning "the Lord saves"), this name identifies the central figure of the Gospel. Here, it underscores that the one who "loved" this family is the Son of God, the Messiah, whose actions, even those seemingly contradictory, are imbued with divine purpose and authority. The personal name emphasizes His tangible presence and relationship with humanity.
* **loved (Greek, _agapáō'_):** This verb signifies a deep, unconditional, and self-sacrificial love. It is distinct from _philéō_, which denotes brotherly affection or fondness. The use of _agapáō_ here is highly significant, as it is the same divine love that God has for the world ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Profound Love")). It highlights that Jesus' affection for Martha, Mary, and Lazarus was not merely human friendship but a profound, divine quality of love that transcends ordinary human attachment, speaking to His very nature and the depth of His commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now Jesus loved Martha,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes Jesus' personal affection for Martha, the elder sister, who is often depicted as practical and concerned with hospitality ([Luke 10:40](/luke/10-40 "Luke 10:40 - Martha's Hospitality")). The use of _agapáō_ emphasizes a profound, divine love, not just a casual friendship.
* **"and her sister,"**: This phrase extends Jesus' deep love to Mary, Martha's sister, who is often portrayed as contemplative and devoted to Jesus' teaching ([Luke 10:39](/luke/10-39 "Luke 10:39 - Mary at Jesus' Feet")). Including both sisters underscores the breadth of Jesus' affection within the family unit.
* **"and Lazarus."**: The final part of the verse explicitly names Lazarus, the brother, completing the trio. This comprehensive statement of love for all three siblings solidifies the intimate bond Jesus shared with this family, making the subsequent narrative of Lazarus's illness and death, and Jesus' delayed arrival, all the more poignant and impactful for the reader.

#### Literary Devices
John 11:5 employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. **Emphasis** is achieved through the direct and declarative statement of Jesus' love for each family member, leaving no doubt about the depth of His affection. This declaration also serves as **Foreshadowing**, subtly preparing the reader for the extraordinary events to follow. The profound love described here provides the emotional impetus for Jesus' ultimate intervention, making the miracle of Lazarus's resurrection not a detached display of power but an act born from deep personal connection. There is also an element of **Irony** or **Paradox** at play: the very people Jesus loves deeply are allowed to suffer, which challenges conventional human understanding of love and immediate intervention. This paradox sets up the greater theological revelation that divine love often works through suffering to achieve a higher glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 11:5 profoundly connects Jesus' personal love for Martha, Mary, and Lazarus to the broader theological understanding of God's love and sovereignty. It reveals that divine love is not merely an abstract concept but is deeply personal and relational, extending to individuals in their specific circumstances. This verse challenges the simplistic notion that God's love always prevents suffering, demonstrating instead that even within the context of profound love, God may allow difficult circumstances to unfold for a greater, redemptive purpose—the manifestation of His glory and the strengthening of faith. It reassures believers that even when God's timing or methods seem perplexing, His underlying motive is always love, working all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Unconditional Love for the World")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good in All Things")
* [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 11:5 offers immense comfort and profound insight for believers navigating the complexities of life. It reminds us that Jesus' love for us is not generic or distant but deeply personal, intimate, and steadfast. Just as He loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, He loves each of us individually, knowing our needs, our sorrows, and our hopes. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances are painful, confusing, or involve delays. It teaches us that God's love does not always mean the absence of suffering, but rather His presence and purpose within it. Our trials, like Lazarus's illness, can be opportunities for God to display His glory and power in ways we could not imagine, ultimately deepening our faith and revealing His perfect timing. We are called to rest in the assurance of His enduring _agape_ love, knowing that He is working all things for our ultimate good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' personal love for this family challenge my assumptions about how God's love operates in my own life, especially during times of suffering or delay?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's timing and purpose, even when His actions (or inactions) are difficult to understand?**
* **How does knowing that Jesus, the Son of God, experienced deep personal friendships and emotions, make Him more relatable to me?**
* **What might it mean for God to be glorified through my challenging circumstances, similar to how He was glorified through Lazarus's illness and resurrection?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus delay going to Lazarus if He loved him so much?**

Answer: Jesus' delay, despite His deep love for Lazarus and his sisters, was not due to indifference but was a deliberate act with a profound divine purpose. As Jesus Himself stated in [John 11:4](/john/11-4 "John 11:4 - The Purpose of Lazarus's Illness"), "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby." His delay allowed Lazarus to die, setting the stage for an even greater miracle—raising him from the dead after four days ([John 11:17](/john/11-17 "John 11:17 - Lazarus Dead for Four Days")). This powerful sign served to demonstrate Jesus' ultimate authority over death and to solidify the disciples' and others' faith in Him as the Resurrection and the Life ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). It teaches us that God's love often operates on a higher, eternal timeline, allowing temporary suffering to achieve greater spiritual and redemptive outcomes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 11:5, by declaring Jesus' profound personal love for Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, beautifully foreshadows and embodies the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's love for humanity. This intimate affection for a specific family in Bethany is a microcosm of Jesus' broader, self-sacrificial _agape_ love for all people. His willingness to enter into their suffering, even allowing Lazarus to die for a greater purpose, prefigures His ultimate act of love on the cross, where He, though innocent, allowed Himself to suffer death to secure eternal life for those He loves ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). Just as He wept with Mary and Martha ([John 11:35](/john/11-35 "John 11:35 - Jesus Wept")), demonstrating His empathy, so too does He, as our High Priest, sympathize with our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus' Sympathy as High Priest")). The love expressed in [John 11:5](/john/11-5 "John 11:5 - Jesus Loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus") culminates in His resurrection, which provides the ultimate victory over death for all who believe, a victory prefigured by Lazarus's raising. Thus, Jesus' personal love for this family is a tangible demonstration of the divine love that propels the entire redemptive narrative, revealing Him as the compassionate Savior who laid down His life for His friends and for the world ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Own Love")).

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 15:9

¶ As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

John 15:13

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 11:36

Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

John 17:26

And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare [it]: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

John 16:27

For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

John 11:8

[His] disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?