John 11:5

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

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

Yeshua loved Marta and her sister and El‘azar;

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.

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

Commentary

Context

John 11:5 is a pivotal verse that subtly sets the emotional and theological stage for one of Jesus' most profound miracles: the raising of Lazarus from the dead. It follows immediately after Mary and Martha have sent word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus is sick (John 11:3). This verse assures the reader of Jesus' deep personal affection for this family in Bethany, making His subsequent delay in coming to them (which leads to Lazarus's death) all the more striking and purposeful. It underscores that Jesus' actions, even those that seem to cause distress, are rooted in a profound love and ultimately serve a greater divine plan, as hinted at in John 11:4, where Jesus states the illness is "for the glory of God."

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Personal Love and Humanity: This verse beautifully highlights Jesus' genuine human emotions and His capacity for deep, personal relationships. He was not a distant, unfeeling deity but one who cared intimately for His friends. This personal affection for Martha, Mary, and Lazarus reveals a compassionate aspect of His character, making Him relatable to humanity.
  • Divine Love and Purpose: The fact that Jesus loved them deeply, yet allowed Lazarus to die, introduces a crucial theological theme. It demonstrates that divine love does not always prevent suffering, but often allows it for a higher purpose—in this case, to manifest God's glory and Jesus' power over death (John 11:43). This teaches that God's love operates on a profound, often mysterious, plan beyond immediate human understanding.
  • Foundation for Miracle: Jesus' love for this family serves as the emotional and relational foundation for the extraordinary miracle that is about to unfold. The miracle was not performed arbitrarily but arose from a context of genuine care and relationship, emphasizing the personal nature of God's intervention.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "loved" in this verse is agapao (ἀγαπάω), which denotes a deep, unconditional, and self-sacrificial love. This is significant because it's the same kind of divine love God has for the world (John 3:16). It's distinct from phileo (φιλέω), which indicates brotherly affection or fondness, used later in the chapter when the Jews observe Jesus weeping and say, "Behold how he loved him!" (referring to Lazarus, John 11:36, where phileo is used). The use of agapao in verse 5 emphasizes the profound, divine quality of Jesus' love for this family, a love that transcends mere human friendship and speaks to His very nature.

Practical Application

John 11:5 offers profound comfort and insight for believers today. It reminds us that Jesus' love for us is personal and profound, not just general. Even when we face difficult circumstances, illness, or loss, His love for us remains steadfast. This verse encourages us to trust in God's greater plan, even when it involves pain or delays. Just as Jesus' love for Martha, Mary, and Lazarus did not prevent their suffering but ultimately led to a powerful display of God's glory and life over death, so too can our trials be used by God for a greater purpose and to reveal His power in our lives. It calls us to rest in the assurance of His enduring agape love.

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 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?
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