John 11:7

KJV

Then after that saith he to [his] disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1899} after {G3326} that {G5124} saith he {G3004} to his disciples {G3101}, Let us go {G71} into {G1519} Judaea {G2449} again {G3825}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then, after this, he said to the talmidim, “Let’s go back to Y’hudah.”

Berean Standard Bible

and then He said to the disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”

American Standard Version

Then after this he saith to the disciples, Let us go into Judæa again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 11:7 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus's ministry, where, after a deliberate two-day delay following news of Lazarus's illness, He announces His intention to return to Judea. This declaration, made to His apprehensive disciples, underscores Jesus's unwavering resolve to fulfill His divine mission, even when it means re-entering a region fraught with danger and intense opposition from Jewish authorities who had previously sought His life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of Lazarus's illness, death, and resurrection, which serves as the climax of Jesus's public ministry before His final journey to Jerusalem. Prior to this, Jesus had withdrawn to the region beyond the Jordan, specifically Bethany beyond the Jordan (cf. [John 1:28](/john/1-28 "John 1:28 - John the Baptist's Ministry")), to escape the escalating hostility from the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, who had attempted to seize Him (cf. [John 10:39](/john/10-39 "John 10:39 - Attempts to Seize Jesus")). The news of Lazarus's illness reaches Jesus, yet He intentionally delays His departure for two days (cf. [John 11:6](/john/11-6 "John 11:6 - Jesus Delays")). Thus, Jesus's statement to return to Judea is a direct and courageous reversal of His previous withdrawal, setting the stage for the climactic demonstration of His power over death and His ultimate confrontation with the authorities in Jerusalem.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Judea, particularly Jerusalem and its surrounding villages like Bethany where Lazarus lived (cf. [John 11:1](/john/11-1 "John 11:1 - Lazarus, Mary, and Martha")), was the epicenter of Jewish religious and political power. It was the seat of the Sanhedrin and the stronghold of the Pharisees and Sadducees, many of whom viewed Jesus as a dangerous blasphemer and a threat to their authority and the existing order. The geographical proximity of Bethany to Jerusalem (approximately two miles, cf. [John 11:18](/john/11-18 "John 11:18 - Bethany's Proximity to Jerusalem")) meant that any return to the area would immediately place Jesus back into the heart of the conflict. The Jewish authorities had already made attempts on His life (cf. [John 8:59](/john/8-59 "John 8:59 - Attempts to Stone Jesus"); [John 10:31](/john/10-31 "John 10:31 - Attempts to Stone Jesus Again")), making Jesus's decision to return a highly perilous one, understood by both Jesus and His disciples within the context of these life-threatening tensions.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Timing and Purpose**, emphasizing that Jesus's actions are not dictated by human urgency but by God's sovereign plan, even when that plan involves a delay that seems counterintuitive to human understanding (cf. [John 11:4](/john/11-4 "John 11:4 - The Purpose of Lazarus's Illness")). Secondly, it showcases Jesus's profound **Courage and Obedience** to His Father's will, as He deliberately chooses to re-enter a dangerous territory, foreshadowing His ultimate journey to [Jerusalem](/john/12 "John 12 - Jesus's Entry into Jerusalem") for the crucifixion. Thirdly, the interaction with His disciples underscores the theme of **Leadership and Discipleship**, as Jesus calls them to follow Him into a challenging situation, testing their faith and prompting their understandable apprehension (cf. [John 11:8](/john/11-8 "John 11:8 - Disciples' Concern")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith he (Greek, _légō'_):** From G3004, this verb implies a systematic or set discourse, conveying a decisive and authoritative declaration rather than a casual remark. When Jesus "saith," it carries the weight of divine intention and deliberate communication, emphasizing His control over the situation and the intentionality of His command to return to Judea.
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** From G3101, this term denotes a "learner" or "pupil." It highlights the relationship between Jesus as the Master and those who follow Him, emphasizing their role as recipients of His teaching and commands. In this context, it underscores their position as those called to obey, even when the path is dangerous, and to witness the unfolding of God's glory.
* **Judaea (Greek, _Ioudaía'_):** From G2449, referring to the region of Palestine. Beyond its geographical meaning, "Judaea" here carries significant symbolic weight as the heartland of opposition to Jesus. His decision to return "into Judaea again" signals a direct confrontation with the very forces that sought His life, making the destination itself a key element of the narrative's tension and purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then after that saith he to his disciples":** This clause establishes the timing and the speaker. The phrase "Then after that" (G1899 _épeita_ and G3326 _metá_ G5124 _toûto_) explicitly points to the two-day delay mentioned in [John 11:6](/john/11-6 "John 11:6 - Jesus's Delay"). Jesus's authoritative declaration to His "disciples" underscores His leadership and their subordinate, though often apprehensive, role in His mission. It sets the scene for a direct command that will challenge their understanding and courage.
* **"Let us go into Judaea again.":** This is Jesus's direct command and the core of the verse. The imperative "Let us go" (G71 _ágō_) is an invitation to accompany Him, but also a firm directive. The destination, "Judaea," is significant due to the previous attempts on His life there. The word "again" (G3825 _pálin_) is crucial, highlighting that this is a return to a place of known danger, emphasizing the deliberate and courageous nature of Jesus's decision. It is a purposeful re-entry into hostile territory.

#### Literary Devices
John 11:7 employs several powerful literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is evident, as the disciples express their fear and confusion in the following verse ([John 11:8](/john/11-8 "John 11:8 - Disciples' Apprehension")), not fully grasping the divine purpose behind Jesus's delay and His return. They see only the physical danger, while Jesus sees the opportunity for God's glory to be revealed (cf. [John 11:4](/john/11-4 "John 11:4 - The Purpose of Lazarus's Illness")). The verse also uses **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus's resolute decision to return to the dangerous heartland of Judea anticipates His ultimate journey to Jerusalem, where He will face His crucifixion. This act of courage in the face of certain peril is a microcosm of His ultimate sacrifice. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is present in the destination itself: "Judaea" represents not just a geographical region but the stronghold of opposition and the place where Jesus's divine authority will be most fiercely challenged and ultimately vindicated.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 11:7 profoundly illustrates Jesus's unwavering commitment to His divine mission and His Father's will, even when it leads Him into direct confrontation with danger and death. His decision to return to Judea, despite the known threats, is a powerful testament to His courage and obedience, revealing that His ultimate purpose transcends human safety or comfort. This act is not reckless but strategically timed to bring about a greater revelation of God's glory through the resurrection of Lazarus, demonstrating Jesus's authority over life and death. It teaches us that God's plans often unfold in ways that challenge our logic and comfort, requiring radical trust and obedience.

* [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus's Resolve to Go to Jerusalem") - Jesus "set His face to go to Jerusalem," demonstrating similar resolve in the face of impending suffering.
* [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death") - Christ's ultimate obedience, even to death on a cross, mirrors Jesus's willingness to face danger in Judea.
* [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith") - Jesus, "for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross," a perfect parallel to His purposeful return to danger.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 11:7 challenges believers to consider the nature of their own discipleship. Jesus's command, "Let us go," is an invitation to follow Him not just in comfort but also into challenging, uncomfortable, or even dangerous territories. It calls us to trust God's timing and purpose, even when His plans involve delays or actions that defy our understanding or seem to put us at risk. Just as Jesus's return to Judea was essential for the revelation of God's glory through Lazarus's resurrection (cf. [John 11:44](/john/11-44 "John 11:44 - The Resurrection of Lazarus")), so too might our obedience in difficult circumstances be precisely where God intends to display His power and faithfulness. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of courageous obedience, knowing that true following of Christ often means stepping out of our comfort zones and into situations where our faith is truly tested, always relying on His sovereign wisdom and unwavering presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Judeas" (places or situations of known difficulty or opposition) might Jesus be calling me to enter or re-enter in my life?**
* **How does Jesus's deliberate timing in this passage challenge my own desire for immediate solutions or understanding in difficult circumstances?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate greater courage and trust in God's plan, even when it seems counterintuitive or dangerous?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus choose to return to Judaea despite the danger?**

Answer: Jesus chose to return to Judea despite the significant danger because it was essential for the fulfillment of His divine mission and the revelation of God's glory. His purpose was not merely to heal Lazarus, but to demonstrate His ultimate authority over death, thereby strengthening the faith of His disciples and providing a powerful testimony to His identity as the Son of God and the Resurrection and the Life (cf. [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). His return to the very heart of opposition also foreshadowed His ultimate journey to [Jerusalem](/john/12 "John 12 - Jesus's Entry into Jerusalem") for the crucifixion, demonstrating His unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even unto death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 11:7, with Jesus's resolute decision to return to dangerous Judea, powerfully foreshadows His ultimate journey to the cross, serving as a profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Just as He deliberately walked back into the region where His life was threatened, knowing it was necessary for the Father's glory to be revealed through Lazarus's resurrection, so too did He purposefully set His face toward Jerusalem, the ultimate "Judea" of His earthly ministry, to accomplish the greater resurrection. His willingness to face hostility and death for the sake of His mission prefigures His perfect obedience as the Lamb of God, who willingly laid down His life (cf. [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")) to take away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1:29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). This act of courageous return underscores that Christ's entire life was a purposeful movement towards the cross, demonstrating His divine love and redemptive purpose to conquer sin and death, culminating in His own glorious resurrection (cf. [Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9 - Christ's Resurrection")).

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 10:40

And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.

John 10:42

And many believed on him there.

Acts 20:22

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

Acts 20:24

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 15:36

¶ And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, [and see] how they do.

Luke 9:51

¶ And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,