John 11:55

KJV

And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the Jews {G2453}' passover {G3957} was {G2258} nigh at hand {G1451}: and {G2532} many {G4183} went {G305} out of {G1537} the country {G5561} up {G1519} to Jerusalem {G2414} before {G4253} the passover {G3957}, to {G2443} purify {G48} themselves {G1438}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Judean festival of Pesach was near, and many people went up from the country to Yerushalayim to perform the purification ceremony prior to Pesach.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the Jewish Passover was near, and many people went up from the country to Jerusalem to purify themselves before the Passover.

American Standard Version

Now the passover of the Jews was at hand: and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the passover, to purify themselves.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 11:55 sets the stage for the dramatic culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry, highlighting the approaching Jewish Passover feast. This verse describes the widespread pilgrimage of many Jews from the surrounding countryside who traveled to Jerusalem in advance of the festival to undergo ritual purification, a necessary prerequisite for their participation in the sacred Passover observances. It underscores the profound religious significance of this annual commemoration of Israel's deliverance from Egypt, unknowingly foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of the true Passover Lamb.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic event of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in Bethany, a miracle that profoundly impacted both His followers and His adversaries. The resurrection of Lazarus, detailed in [John 11:1-44](/john/11-1-44 "John 11:1-44 - The Raising of Lazarus"), served as irrefutable proof of Jesus' divine power and identity as the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life")). However, this powerful display also galvanized the Jewish religious leaders, particularly the Sanhedrin, who, fearing a Roman backlash and the loss of their authority, resolved to put Jesus to death ([John 11:47-53](/john/11-47-53 "John 11:47-53 - The Sanhedrin Plots to Kill Jesus")). Thus, [John 11:55](/john/11-55 "John 11:55 - Preparation for Passover") bridges the narrative from this pivotal miracle and the subsequent plot against Jesus to the final, fateful journey to Jerusalem for the Passover, where the divine plan of redemption would unfold.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Passover (Pesach) was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals (along with Pentecost and Tabernacles) when all Israelite males were commanded to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem ([Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - Three Annual Feasts")). It commemorated God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, marked by the tenth plague where the firstborn of Egypt were struck down, but the Israelite homes marked with lamb's blood were "passed over" ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")). Jerusalem, as the religious and political capital, would swell with hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of pilgrims during this time. The act of "purifying themselves" was a crucial ceremonial requirement. According to Mosaic Law, individuals could become ritually unclean through various means (e.g., contact with a dead body, certain bodily discharges, or specific foods). To participate in the Temple sacrifices and the Passover meal, they needed to undergo ritual cleansing, often involving immersion in a *mikveh* (ritual bath) and specific sacrifices, as prescribed in books like [Numbers 19](/numbers/19 "Numbers 19 - The Law of Purification"). This meticulous preparation underscores the deep reverence and adherence to the Law prevalent among devout Jews of the time.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Timing and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that Jesus' crucifixion was not a random event but occurred precisely at the divinely appointed time of Passover, aligning with God's redemptive plan. The approaching Passover signifies the culmination of Old Testament types and shadows in Christ, the ultimate [Passover Lamb](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover"). Secondly, it underscores the **Contrast Between Ceremonial and Spiritual Purity**. The physical purification rituals for the feast, while important under the Law, stand in stark contrast to the spiritual purification that Jesus would soon provide through His sacrifice. The people were preparing themselves externally, yet the true cleansing for sin would come through the [blood of Christ](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Cleansing Blood"), offering a deeper, lasting purity for the conscience. Lastly, the verse points to **Anticipation and Preparation**, both on the part of the Jewish people for their annual feast and, unknowingly, for the arrival of the true spiritual purification and the climactic events of salvation history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **nigh at hand (Greek, _engýs'_):** This adverb signifies proximity in both space and time. Here, it emphasizes the imminent arrival of the Passover feast, highlighting the critical timing of the events that are about to unfold. The "nigh at hand" nature of Passover creates a sense of urgency and expectation, setting the stage for Jesus' final week in Jerusalem.
* **Passover (Greek, _páscha'_):** Derived from the Hebrew *Pesach*, this term refers to the central Jewish festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. It encompasses not only the specific meal but also the entire festival period and the sacrificial lamb. Its mention here is profoundly significant, as Jesus, the Lamb of God, is about to be sacrificed during this very festival, fulfilling its ancient symbolism.
* **purify (Greek, _hagnízō'_):** This verb means "to make clean," "to consecrate," or "to ritually cleanse." In this context, it refers to the ceremonial purification required by the Mosaic Law for Jews to be ritually clean and therefore eligible to participate in the Temple services and the Passover meal. This purification was external and ritualistic, distinct from an internal, moral transformation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand":** This clause establishes the temporal setting for the subsequent narrative. The Passover, a pivotal annual festival for the Jewish people, is imminent. The use of "the Jews' passover" distinguishes it from the Christian understanding of Passover and emphasizes its significance within the Jewish religious calendar.
* **"and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover":** This describes the widespread pilgrimage. "Many" indicates a significant number of people, underscoring the national importance of the feast. They traveled "out of the country" (i.e., from various regions outside Jerusalem) and "up to Jerusalem," reflecting the city's elevated geographical position and its spiritual significance as the center of worship. Their early arrival, "before the passover," was for a specific purpose.
* **"to purify themselves":** This final phrase states the explicit reason for their early arrival. Before participating in the sacred rites of Passover, including the consumption of the Passover lamb and engaging in Temple worship, individuals who had become ritually unclean were required to undergo ceremonial purification. This involved specific rituals to restore their ritual purity according to the Law.

#### Literary Devices
John's Gospel employs several literary devices in [John 11:55](/john/11-55 "John 11:55 - Preparation for Passover"). The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as the impending Passover feast, with its ancient sacrificial rites, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus as the true Lamb of God. The meticulous preparations of the Jewish people for the ceremonial Passover inadvertently set the stage for the divine preparation of the true spiritual Passover. There is also significant **Irony** present: while the people are diligently purifying themselves externally for a ritual feast, they are largely unaware that the very source of ultimate spiritual purification, Jesus Christ, is among them and is about to offer Himself as the final, perfect sacrifice for sin. This creates a poignant contrast between human ritual and divine reality. Furthermore, the description of "many" traveling "up to Jerusalem" creates a sense of **Anticipation** and a gathering storm, building narrative tension as the story moves towards its climax.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 11:55, though seemingly a simple temporal and cultural detail, is pregnant with theological significance. It highlights God's meticulous orchestration of salvation history, ensuring that the crucifixion of Jesus, the true Lamb of God, coincides precisely with the ancient Passover festival. This divine timing underscores that Jesus' death was not an accident but the fulfillment of centuries of prophetic anticipation and sacrificial types. The Jewish people's diligent pursuit of ceremonial purity for the feast, while commendable within the framework of the Old Covenant, serves as a poignant backdrop to the infinitely superior and lasting spiritual purity offered through Christ's atoning work. Their physical journey to Jerusalem for ritual cleansing points to a deeper human longing for acceptance and holiness before God, a longing that only the perfect sacrifice of Jesus could truly satisfy.

* [Exodus 12:21-27](/exodus/12-21-27 "Instructions for the Passover")
* [Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")
* [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 11:55 invites us to ponder the nature of true purification and preparation in our spiritual lives. Just as the Jews meticulously prepared themselves for an external ritual, we are called to a deeper, internal readiness for encountering God. This verse challenges us to examine whether our pursuit of holiness is merely external or if it stems from a genuine desire for spiritual transformation through Christ. It reminds us that while the Old Covenant emphasized physical rites for ceremonial cleanness, the New Covenant, established by Jesus' blood, calls for a purification of the heart and conscience. Our "going up to Jerusalem" now is not a physical pilgrimage but a spiritual journey of drawing near to God through faith in Jesus. We are encouraged to trust in God's perfect timing in our lives, recognizing that His plans unfold with precision and purpose, even when we don't fully understand them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "purifying ourselves" mean in the context of the New Covenant, and how does it differ from the Old Testament practice mentioned in this verse?**
* **How does understanding God's precise timing in the events of Jesus' life (like the Passover) impact my trust in His timing for my own life?**
* **In what ways might I be focusing on external "purification" or religious rituals, rather than seeking true, internal cleansing through faith in Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why was it necessary for people to "purify themselves" before the Passover?**

Answer: It was necessary for people to "purify themselves" before the Passover because the Mosaic Law required ritual purity for participation in sacred feasts and Temple worship. Various activities or conditions, such as touching a dead body, certain bodily discharges, or specific skin diseases, could render a person ritually unclean ([Leviticus 11-15](/leviticus/11-15 "Leviticus 11-15 - Laws of Purity")). To partake in the Passover meal, which involved the sacrifice of a lamb and communal eating, and to enter the Temple courts, individuals had to be ceremonially clean. This purification often involved ritual washing (like immersion in a *mikveh*) and sometimes specific sacrifices, as outlined in passages like [Numbers 19](/numbers/19 "Numbers 19 - The Law of Purification"). This practice underscored the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him.

**What is the significance of the Passover being "nigh at hand" in this context?**

Answer: The significance of the Passover being "nigh at hand" in [John 11:55](/john/11-55 "John 11:55 - Preparation for Passover") is profound, emphasizing God's divine timing and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The Passover commemorated Israel's deliverance from slavery through the sacrifice of a lamb, whose blood protected them from the angel of death ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")). By having Jesus, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), crucified precisely during this festival, God orchestrated the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover symbolism. Jesus' sacrifice became the perfect, once-for-all atonement, delivering humanity from the bondage of sin and death, just as the original Passover delivered Israel from physical bondage. This timing highlights that Jesus' death was not a random event but the climactic, pre-ordained act in God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 11:55, with its focus on the approaching Passover and the ritual purification of the Jews, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself. The ancient Passover, commemorating deliverance through the blood of a lamb, was a powerful type pointing to Christ. He is the ultimate [Passover Lamb](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover"), whose sinless life and sacrificial death on the cross provide the true and lasting deliverance from sin and its penalty. The Jews' meticulous efforts to "purify themselves" before the feast, though vital under the Old Covenant, represented an external, temporary cleansing. Jesus, however, provides a spiritual and eternal purification, not through water or animal blood, but through His own precious blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). His sacrifice cleanses not merely the body for ritual participation, but the conscience from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Christ's Cleansing Blood")). Thus, the very pilgrimage and purification described in this verse, undertaken in anticipation of an earthly feast, unknowingly prepared the way for the arrival of the One who would establish a new covenant and provide the ultimate, perfect purification for all who believe, granting them access to God's presence forever ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Access to God Through 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

2 Chronicles 30:17

For [there were] many in the congregation that were not sanctified: therefore the Levites had the charge of the killing of the passovers for every one [that was] not clean, to sanctify [them] unto the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:20

And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.

Hebrews 9:13

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

Hebrews 9:14

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

John 6:4

And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.

John 12:1

¶ Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

Exodus 19:10

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,