John 12:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} Jesus {G2424} six {G1803} days {G2250} before {G4253} the passover {G3957} came {G2064} to {G1519} Bethany {G963}, where {G3699} Lazarus {G2976} was {G2258} which {G3588} had been dead {G2348}, whom {G3739} he raised {G1453} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Six days before Pesach, Yeshua came to Beit-Anyah, where El‘azar lived, the man Yeshua had raised from the dead;

Berean Standard Bible

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, the hometown of Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.

American Standard Version

Jesus therefore six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus raised from the dead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 12:1 serves as a critical chronological and geographical marker, situating Jesus in Bethany, a mere six days before the pivotal Passover feast in Jerusalem. This verse immediately highlights the recent, profound miracle of Lazarus's resurrection, establishing a direct connection between Jesus's demonstrated power over death and the impending events of his passion, which would culminate in his own death and resurrection. It sets the stage for the final, climactic week of Jesus's earthly ministry, underscoring the escalating tension and the divine purpose unfolding.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic events of [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Resurrection of Lazarus"), where Jesus miraculously raises Lazarus from the dead. The resurrection of Lazarus was a public and undeniable display of Jesus's divine power, which profoundly impacted many, leading them to believe in Him. However, it also intensified the opposition from the Jewish religious authorities, who, in response to this miracle, decided to put Jesus to death ([John 11:53](/john/11-53 "John 11:53 - The Sanhedrin's Plot")). Thus, John 12:1 marks the beginning of the final week leading up to Jesus's crucifixion, transitioning from the miraculous demonstration of life to the deliberate movement towards His sacrificial death. The mention of Lazarus's presence serves as a living testimony to Jesus's power, a powerful, undeniable fact that looms large over the ensuing narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Bethany was a small village located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, approximately two miles (3 km) east of Jerusalem. It was a familiar and beloved retreat for Jesus, particularly due to His close friendship with Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. The timing, "six days before the Passover," is highly significant. Passover (Pesach) was one of the most important annual Jewish festivals, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt and God's deliverance of His people. Pilgrims from all over the Jewish world would converge on Jerusalem for this feast, making the city densely populated and politically charged. The act of arriving in Bethany at this precise time underscores Jesus's intentional movement towards Jerusalem for the Passover, knowing full well what awaited Him there. The presence of Lazarus, recently raised, would have been a significant cultural talking point, drawing further attention to Jesus.
* **Key Themes:** John 12:1 contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus's Sovereignty and Divine Timing**, as He deliberately orchestrates His movements in accordance with God's perfect plan, arriving at a precise moment before the Passover to fulfill His role as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb, as foreshadowed by [John the Baptist's declaration in John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **The Power of Life Over Death**, powerfully demonstrated through Lazarus's resurrection and serving as a precursor to Jesus's own resurrection. This miracle, though a sign of life, ironically becomes the catalyst for the religious leaders' decision to seek Jesus's death ([John 11:47-53](/john/11-47-53 "John 11:47-53 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")). Finally, it underscores **The Theme of Friendship and Fellowship**, as Jesus seeks solace and companionship in Bethany with His dear friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, before facing the intense public scrutiny and ultimate sacrifice in Jerusalem.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **came (Greek, _érchomai_):** This verb signifies intentional movement or arrival. In this context, it emphasizes Jesus's deliberate and purposeful journey to Bethany. It's not a casual visit but a significant step in His final approach to Jerusalem and the fulfillment of His mission. The use of this verb highlights Jesus's agency and His active participation in the unfolding divine plan, rather than being a passive participant in events.
* **days (Greek, _hēméra_):** This word refers to a specific period of time, often a 24-hour day. The precise mention of "six days before the Passover" is crucial, providing a clear chronological marker that signals the immediate proximity of the most significant event in Jesus's earthly ministry—His passion and crucifixion. This temporal detail underscores the divine orchestration of events, leading to Jesus's sacrifice at the appointed time, aligning with the Jewish festival.
* **raised (Greek, _egeírō_):** This verb means "to waken, rouse, or lift up," particularly from sleep, disease, or death. Here, it directly refers to Jesus's miraculous act of bringing Lazarus back to life. The inclusion of this detail in the opening verse of John 12 immediately reminds the reader of Jesus's unparalleled power over death, setting a powerful backdrop for His own impending death and resurrection. It highlights the divine authority inherent in Jesus, capable of reversing the ultimate consequence of sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany":** This clause establishes the precise timing and location of Jesus's arrival. The "Then" (οὖν, _oûn_) serves as a connective, linking this event to the preceding narrative, particularly the aftermath of Lazarus's resurrection. The countdown to the Passover is initiated, marking the beginning of the final, climactic week of Jesus's earthly life. His intentional journey to Bethany, a place of refuge and friendship, is noted.
* **"where Lazarus was which had been dead":** This part of the verse identifies Bethany not just as a geographical location but as the site of a profound miracle. The presence of Lazarus, who "had been dead," immediately brings to mind the recent, undeniable display of Jesus's power over death. This detail serves as a tangible, living testimony to Jesus's divine authority, providing a stark contrast to the death that awaits Him.
* **"whom he raised from the dead":** This final phrase explicitly reiterates the miracle of Lazarus's resurrection, emphasizing Jesus's direct agency in bringing him back to life. It reinforces the central theme of Jesus as the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), and simultaneously highlights the very act that galvanized the religious leaders' opposition, setting the stage for the events of the Passion Week.

#### Literary Devices
John 12:1 employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the precise timing "six days before the Passover" immediately alerts the reader to the impending crucifixion of Jesus, who will be the ultimate Passover Lamb. The very presence of Lazarus, having been raised from the dead, creates a powerful **juxtaposition** between life and death. Lazarus, a living miracle, stands as a testament to Jesus's power over death, yet Jesus Himself is deliberately moving towards His own death. This creates a subtle **irony**, where the greatest display of life (Lazarus's resurrection) directly precipitates the plot against the Giver of Life. The repetition of the concept of "dead" ("had been dead," "from the dead") serves as a device of **emphasis**, underscoring the reality of Lazarus's prior state and the magnitude of Jesus's miracle, which will soon be mirrored in His own triumph over the grave.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 12:1 is saturated with profound theological significance, serving as a crucial hinge point in the Gospel narrative. It underscores Jesus's sovereign control over His destiny, as He deliberately walks towards Jerusalem and His preordained sacrifice. The precise timing "six days before the Passover" is not accidental but divinely appointed, aligning Jesus's crucifixion with the Jewish festival that commemorated deliverance through a sacrificial lamb. This highlights Jesus's identity as the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose blood would bring true and eternal deliverance from sin. The verse also emphasizes the undeniable power of Jesus over death, evidenced by Lazarus's living presence, a miracle that both drew many to faith and solidified the resolve of His enemies to kill Him. This tension between life and death, belief and unbelief, is a central theme throughout John's Gospel, culminating in Jesus's own death and resurrection.

* [Exodus 12:3-6](/exodus/12-3-6 "Exodus 12:3-6 - Instructions for the Passover Lamb")
* [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb")
* [Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9-10 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Victory Over Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 12:1 invites us to reflect on the deliberate and purposeful nature of Jesus's journey towards the cross. Even as the shadow of His impending suffering loomed large, Jesus chose to spend time in the comfort of friendship and in a place where His power over death had been so recently and visibly displayed. This reminds us that even in the face of immense trials, Jesus did not shy away from human connection or from the very places that bore witness to His divine authority. For us, this means recognizing that our journey of faith, though it may include difficult seasons, is always under the sovereign hand of God. We are called to walk in obedience, trusting in God's perfect timing and purpose, even when the path ahead seems daunting. The presence of Lazarus, a living testament to Jesus's power, serves as a powerful reminder that God's miracles are not just historical events but living realities that should strengthen our faith and embolden our witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise timing ("six days before the Passover") deepen your understanding of Jesus's intentionality and the divine plan for His sacrifice?**
* **In what ways does the presence of Lazarus, having been raised from the dead, challenge or strengthen your belief in Jesus's power over seemingly impossible situations in your own life?**
* **How can we, like Jesus, find strength and solace in faithful relationships when facing difficult or challenging seasons?**

### FAQ
**Why is Bethany specifically mentioned as the location, and what is its significance?**

Answer: Bethany was a small village located on the Mount of Olives, just two miles east of Jerusalem. It held significant personal importance for Jesus as it was the home of His dear friends, Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. Mentioning Bethany immediately connects the narrative to the recent and dramatic miracle of Lazarus's resurrection ([John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Resurrection of Lazarus")), which had caused a stir among the people and intensified the opposition from the Jewish religious leaders. Thus, Bethany represents a place of both intimate fellowship and profound divine demonstration, setting the stage for the climactic events in Jerusalem.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 12:1, with its precise timing and the presence of Lazarus, profoundly points to Jesus as the Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "six days before the Passover" explicitly positions Jesus as the true Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice would not merely commemorate a past deliverance but would secure eternal redemption for all who believe. Just as the original Passover lamb's blood protected Israel from death, Jesus's shed blood provides liberation from the bondage of sin and death ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). Furthermore, the living presence of Lazarus, whom Jesus "raised from the dead," serves as a powerful prefigurement and tangible proof of Jesus's own impending victory over death. Lazarus's resurrection foreshadows Jesus's greater resurrection, which would confirm His divine identity and secure the hope of resurrection for all believers ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ, the Firstfruits of the Resurrection")). Thus, this verse encapsulates the essence of the Gospel: Jesus, the Lord of life, willingly walks towards death to become the sacrifice that brings life everlasting, triumphing over the very power that held Lazarus captive.

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

Luke 24:50

¶ And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

John 12:20

¶ And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:

Matthew 21:17

And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

John 11:1

¶ Now a certain [man] was sick, [named] Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

John 11:55

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

Mark 14:3

And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured [it] on his head.

Mark 14:8

She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.