John 12:11

KJV

Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because {G3754} that by reason {G1223} of him {G846} many {G4183} of the Jews {G2453} went away {G5217}, and {G2532} believed {G4100} on {G1519} Jesus {G2424}.

Complete Jewish Bible

since it was because of him that large numbers of the Judeans were leaving their leaders and putting their trust in Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

for on account of him many of the Jews were deserting them and believing in Jesus.

American Standard Version

because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 12:11 succinctly captures the profound impact of Jesus's raising of Lazarus from the dead, just days before the Passover. This monumental miracle served as an undeniable sign, compelling a significant number of Jewish people to abandon their previous skepticism or neutrality and place their faith in Jesus as the Messiah. The verse highlights the direct, transformative power of divine action in drawing individuals to belief, while simultaneously setting the stage for intensified opposition from the religious authorities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic event of Lazarus's resurrection in Bethany, detailed in [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Resurrection of Lazarus"). The narrative flow establishes the resurrection as the catalyst for the widespread belief described here. The preceding verses in [John 12](/john/12 "John 12 - Jesus Anointed at Bethany") describe Mary anointing Jesus and the gathering crowds, many of whom came specifically to see Lazarus, the man raised from the dead. The chief priests' plot to kill Lazarus, mentioned in [John 12:10](/john/12-10 "John 12:10 - Plot Against Lazarus"), directly precedes this verse, underscoring the escalating tension and the dangerous consequences of openly believing in Jesus. The subsequent verses will detail Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, further demonstrating His public acclaim and the religious leaders' growing alarm.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, just before the Passover festival. This was a time when Jerusalem would be teeming with pilgrims, making any public display of divine power, like Lazarus's resurrection, highly visible and impactful. The term "Jews" (G2453, _Ioudaîos_) in this context refers broadly to the people of Judea, particularly those who had come to witness the aftermath of the miracle. For many Jews, the expectation of a Messiah was deeply ingrained, though their understanding often centered on a political deliverer. Jesus's miracles, especially one as profound as raising someone dead for four days, challenged their preconceived notions and forced a decision. The religious authorities, primarily the chief priests and Pharisees, viewed Jesus's growing popularity and miraculous claims as a direct threat to their authority, their interpretation of the Law, and their precarious relationship with Roman rule, fearing a popular uprising that could lead to Roman intervention ([John 11:48](/john/11-48 "John 11:48 - Sanhedrin's Fear")).
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in John's Gospel. Firstly, it emphasizes **The Power of Signs and Miracles** as evidence of Jesus's divine identity and mission. The resurrection of Lazarus was the ultimate "sign" (σημεῖον, _sēmeion_) in John's Gospel, designed to elicit faith, as Jesus Himself stated in [John 11:4](/john/11-4 "John 11:4 - Lazarus's Illness for God's Glory"). Secondly, it highlights the central theme of **Belief in Jesus** (πίστις, _pistis_). This belief is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative commitment to Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, leading to eternal life ([John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - Purpose of John's Gospel")). Thirdly, the verse subtly underscores the **Division and Response** that Jesus's ministry consistently provoked. While some hardened their hearts and plotted His death, others, like those mentioned here, responded with genuine faith, demonstrating the two distinct paths presented by Jesus's presence. Finally, it foreshadows **The Cost of Discipleship**, as the very act that drew many to faith also intensified the religious leaders' resolve to eliminate both Jesus and Lazarus ([John 12:10](/john/12-10 "John 12:10 - Plot Against Lazarus")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **went away (Greek, _hypágō'_):** From G5217, meaning "to lead (oneself) under, i.e. withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively." In this context, it signifies a decisive turning away or separation from their previous allegiance, perhaps from the influence of the skeptical religious establishment or their own prior unbelief. It implies a conscious act of disassociation from the prevailing opposition to Jesus.
* **Jews (Greek, _Ioudaîos'_):** From G2453, meaning "Judæan, i.e. belonging to Jehudah." This term, often used in John's Gospel to refer to the religious authorities or those hostile to Jesus, here refers to a significant segment of the general Jewish populace who, by witnessing the miracle, were moved to faith. It highlights that belief was not limited to a select few but extended even to those from the heartland of Judaism.
* **believed (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From G4100, meaning "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." This is a pivotal term in John's Gospel, signifying a deep, personal trust and commitment to Jesus, recognizing His divine authority and embracing His claims. It is more than intellectual acknowledgment; it is a surrender of one's spiritual destiny to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because that by reason of him":** This clause establishes the direct cause for the subsequent actions. The "him" refers to Lazarus, whose resurrection was the undeniable, visible miracle. The phrase "by reason of him" (G1223, _diá_) emphasizes that Lazarus's living presence, after being dead, was the channel or means through which God's power was displayed, leading to the conversion of many.
* **"many of the Jews":** This identifies the subjects of the action. The term "many" (G4183, _polýs_) indicates a significant, numerous group, not just a few isolated individuals. This demonstrates the broad impact of Jesus's miracle, reaching beyond His immediate disciples to a wider segment of the Jewish populace, particularly those who had come to Bethany.
* **"went away":** This describes a crucial action of these Jewish people. As analyzed above, "went away" (G5217, _hypágō_) implies a departure or separation. In this context, it means they distanced themselves from the prevailing unbelief or the influence of the skeptical religious leaders, choosing instead to align themselves with Jesus. It suggests a decisive break from their former position or associations.
* **"and believed on Jesus":** This is the ultimate outcome and the core message of the verse. Their "going away" was not aimless but directed towards faith. "Believed on" (G1519, _eis_, indicating the point reached or entered) signifies a profound trust and commitment to Jesus (G2424, _Iēsoûs_), moving from skepticism or neutrality to conviction and personal allegiance. This belief was a direct response to the powerful sign they had witnessed.

#### Literary Devices
John's Gospel frequently employs **Irony**, and this verse contains a subtle yet profound example. The very act that confirms Jesus's divine authority and draws many to faith – the resurrection of Lazarus – is also the catalyst for the religious leaders' intensified plot to kill both Jesus and Lazarus ([John 12:10](/john/12-10 "John 12:10 - Plot Against Lazarus")). This highlights the **Contrast** between belief and unbelief, and the hardening of hearts even in the face of undeniable evidence. Lazarus, once a symbol of death's dominion, becomes a living **Symbolism** of Jesus's power over death and a powerful testament to His identity, drawing people to life in Him. The narrative structure also demonstrates **Cause and Effect**, where the miracle (cause) directly leads to widespread belief (effect), underscoring the purpose of Jesus's signs.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 12:11 powerfully illustrates the nature of divine revelation and the human response to it. God, through Jesus, performs undeniable acts of power and love, not merely to impress, but to draw humanity into a relationship of faith. The resurrection of Lazarus was a profound demonstration of Jesus's authority over life and death, an authority belonging to God alone. For the "many of the Jews" who believed, this miracle served as a clear sign, prompting them to move from observation to conviction, from curiosity to commitment. Their belief was a turning point, signifying a shift in allegiance and a recognition of Jesus as the promised Messiah. This act of faith, however, also highlights the spiritual battle, as the same evidence that leads some to salvation hardens others in their unbelief and opposition.

* [John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - Purpose of John's Gospel")
* [Acts 2:41](/acts/2-41 "Acts 2:41 - Many Believe at Pentecost")
* [Matthew 10:32-33](/matthew/10-32-33 "Matthew 10:32-33 - Acknowledging Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's transformative power is meant to elicit a response of faith. Just as Lazarus's resurrection was an undeniable testimony, our own lives, when transformed by Christ, can become living witnesses that draw others to Him. The "going away" of the Jews implies a decisive turning from previous allegiances or societal pressures to embrace Jesus. In our own lives, believing in Jesus often requires a similar "going away" – a departure from the world's values, popular opinions, or even the comfort of familiar but spiritually unfulfilling paths. True faith is not passive; it is an active, decisive turning towards Christ, recognizing His supreme authority and embracing His call, regardless of the potential cost or the opposition it might invite. It challenges us to consider if our faith is merely intellectual assent or a transformative, life-altering commitment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Lazarus moment" in your life or in the lives of others has most powerfully demonstrated God's reality and drawn you closer to faith?**
* **In what ways might "going away" from societal norms or personal comforts be necessary for you to fully "believe on Jesus" and follow Him today?**
* **How can your transformed life serve as a compelling testimony that leads others to believe, even in the face of skepticism or opposition?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that "many of the Jews went away" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "went away" (Greek, _hypágō_) here signifies a departure or separation, not necessarily a physical relocation but a spiritual and relational one. In the context of John 12:11, it means that many Jewish people, upon witnessing the undeniable miracle of Lazarus's resurrection, distanced themselves from the prevailing unbelief, the influence of the skeptical religious leaders, or their own previous neutrality. They chose to separate from the dominant narrative of opposition to Jesus and instead aligned themselves with Him, placing their faith in Him as the Messiah. This was a decisive turning point for them, indicating a shift in allegiance.

**What kind of "belief" is described in John 12:11?**

Answer: The "belief" (Greek, _pisteúō_) described in John 12:11 is more than mere intellectual assent to facts about Jesus. It signifies a profound, personal trust and commitment to Him. It means entrusting one's spiritual well-being to Christ, recognizing His divine authority, and embracing His claims as the Son of God and Savior. This belief was a direct, transformative response to the powerful sign of Lazarus's resurrection, leading these individuals to commit their lives to Jesus, as highlighted throughout [John's Gospel](/john "The Gospel According to John"), particularly in passages like [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 12:11, while describing a historical event, points profoundly to the broader Christ-centered narrative of salvation. The resurrection of Lazarus, which served as the catalyst for many to believe, was a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus's own ultimate victory over death. Jesus, the one who called Lazarus from the tomb, is Himself "the Resurrection and the Life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). The belief of these Jews in Jesus, the one who performs such a life-giving miracle, anticipates the universal call to believe in the resurrected Christ. Their "going away" from unbelief and "believing on Jesus" is a microcosm of the greater spiritual turning that all humanity is invited to experience – turning from sin and death to life and light through faith in the crucified and risen Savior. The ultimate purpose of all signs and miracles, as John states, is that people "may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" ([John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - Purpose of John's Gospel")). Thus, the faith of the Jews in John 12:11 finds its complete fulfillment in the saving faith offered to all who confess Jesus as Lord and believe in His resurrection ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief")).

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 11:45

¶ Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

John 12:18

For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.

James 3:14

But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

James 3:16

For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work.

Acts 13:45

But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

John 7:31

And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this [man] hath done?

John 15:18

¶ If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.