John 11:6

When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

When {G5613} he had heard {G191} therefore {G3767} that {G3754} he was sick {G770}, he abode {G3306} two {G1417} days {G2250} still {G5119}{G3303} in {G1722} the same place {G5117} where {G3739} he was {G2258}.

so when he heard he was sick, first he stayed where he was two more days;

So on hearing that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was for two days,

When therefore he heard that he was sick, he abode at that time two days in the place where he was.

Commentary

John 11:6 describes a seemingly counter-intuitive action by Jesus following urgent news. Upon hearing that His beloved friend Lazarus was gravely ill, Jesus did not immediately rush to his side. Instead, He remained in the place He was for an additional two days. This verse introduces a crucial element of divine timing and purpose within one of the most significant miracles recorded in the Gospels – the resurrection of Lazarus.

Context

This verse is set just after Jesus receives word from Martha and Mary, Lazarus's sisters, that their brother is sick (John 11:3). Jesus was likely in the region of Perea, "beyond Jordan," where He had been ministering (John 10:40). The message from Bethany implied urgency, as it stated, "Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick." Given Jesus's miraculous healing power, an immediate departure would be expected by human standards. However, Jesus's delay was not indifference but part of a greater divine purpose, as He had already declared that this sickness was not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Timing: Jesus's deliberate delay underscores the theme that God's timing is perfect, even when it doesn't align with human expectations or urgency. His actions are always purposeful and orchestrated for a higher outcome.
  • God's Glory: The primary reason for the delay was to allow Lazarus to die, setting the stage for a more profound miracle—a resurrection from the dead—which would bring immense glory to God and confirm Jesus's identity as the Son of God.
  • Faith Tested: The period of waiting would undoubtedly test the faith of Martha, Mary, and the disciples, forcing them to rely on God's sovereignty rather than their own understanding or desires.
  • Jesus's Sovereignty: This verse highlights Jesus's absolute control and authority over circumstances, even life and death. He is not compelled by human emergency but acts according to His divine will and plan.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "abode" is ἔμεινεν (emeinen), from the root μένω (menō), which means "to remain," "to stay," or "to abide." Its use here emphasizes a deliberate, intentional decision by Jesus to continue dwelling in that specific place for two more days. It was not a passive inaction but a purposeful waiting, highlighting His sovereignty over the situation.

Practical Application

John 11:6 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. When we face crises or urgent prayers that seem to go unanswered, or when God's response appears delayed, this verse reminds us:

  • Trust God's Timing: Just as Jesus had a perfect plan for Lazarus, God has a perfect plan for our lives. His delays are not denials, but often preparations for a greater revelation of His power and glory.
  • Look Beyond the Immediate: What seems like a setback or an unanswered prayer from a human perspective may be part of a larger divine strategy designed to bring about a greater good or a more powerful testimony.
  • Endurance in Waiting: Our faith is often refined in the waiting periods. These times can strengthen our dependence on God and deepen our understanding of His character. This pivotal delay served to amplify the eventual miracle, demonstrating Jesus' power over death and setting the stage for His declaration, "I am the resurrection, and the life."
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

  • Isaiah 30:18

    ¶ And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD [is] a God of judgment: blessed [are] all they that wait for him.

  • Isaiah 55:8

    For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

  • Isaiah 55:9

    For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

  • Genesis 45:1

    ¶ Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.

  • Genesis 45:5

    Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

  • Genesis 42:24

    And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes.

  • Genesis 22:14

    And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said [to] this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.
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