John 12:9

KJV

Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

KJV (with Strong's)

Much {G4183} people {G3793} of {G1537} the Jews {G2453} therefore {G3767} knew {G1097} that {G3754} he was {G2076} there {G1563}: and {G2532} they came {G2064} not {G3756} for {G1223} Jesus {G2424}' sake only {G3440}, but {G235} that {G2443} they might see {G1492} Lazarus {G2976} also {G2532}, whom {G3739} he had raised {G1453} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A large crowd of Judeans learned that he was there; and they came not only because of Yeshua, but also so that they could see El‘azar, whom he had raised from the dead.

Berean Standard Bible

Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews learned that Jesus was there. And they came not only because of Him, but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.

American Standard Version

The common people therefore of the Jews learned that he was there: and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 12:9 vividly portrays the immense public interest surrounding Jesus in Bethany, just days before His crucifixion. A large crowd of Jews gathered, drawn not only by Jesus' presence but, significantly, by the desire to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had miraculously raised from the dead. This verse highlights the profound impact of Jesus' power over death, which served as a compelling, visible testimony, attracting widespread attention and curiosity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the Gospel of John, immediately following the intimate supper in Bethany where Mary anoints Jesus' feet ([John 12:1-8](/john/12-1-8 "John 12:1-8 - The Anointing at Bethany")). It directly precedes the triumphal entry into Jerusalem ([John 12:12-19](/john/12-12-19 "John 12:12-19 - The Triumphal Entry")), serving as a crucial bridge. The preceding chapter, [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Raising of Lazarus"), details the climactic miracle of Lazarus' resurrection, which had already caused a significant stir and led many to believe in Jesus ([John 11:45](/john/11-45 "John 11:45 - Many Believe")). Lazarus's visible presence at the supper, alive and well, was a powerful, undeniable testament to Jesus' divine authority, intensifying the public's fascination and drawing even larger crowds.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, just before the Passover festival. This was a time of heightened religious fervor and pilgrimage, as Jews from all over the Roman Empire converged on Jerusalem. The news of Jesus' miracles, especially the raising of Lazarus, would have spread rapidly among these pilgrims, creating immense anticipation and curiosity. The Jewish religious leaders, particularly the Sanhedrin, were already deeply concerned about Jesus' growing popularity and influence, fearing it would provoke a Roman crackdown ([John 11:47-48](/john/11-47-48 "John 11:47-48 - The Sanhedrin's Plot")). The public spectacle of Lazarus alive amplified their anxieties and solidified their resolve to eliminate Jesus, and even Lazarus, as a threat to their authority and the established order.
* **Key Themes:** John 12:9 contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **power and public impact of Jesus' miracles**, particularly His authority over death, which is a central demonstration of His divine identity as "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Secondly, it highlights the **escalating conflict between Jesus and the Jewish religious authorities**, as the very signs intended to bring belief instead harden the hearts of those who refuse to acknowledge Him. The presence of Lazarus served as undeniable evidence, yet it only intensified their murderous plot, as seen in [John 12:10-11](/john/12-10-11 "John 12:10-11 - Plot to Kill Lazarus"). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **human curiosity versus genuine faith**, as many came simply to "see Lazarus" rather than to believe in Jesus for who He truly was.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This verb signifies a deep, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual acquaintance. The crowd "knew" (G1097) Jesus was there because of His reputation and the recent, widely publicized miracle of Lazarus's resurrection. This knowledge implies a recognition of His presence and perhaps His power, even if their motives for coming were mixed.
* **see (Greek, _eídō'_):** This word (G1492) means to perceive, to behold, or to know by sight. The desire to "see" Lazarus indicates a curiosity driven by the extraordinary nature of his resurrection. It suggests a longing for visual confirmation of the miracle, a need to witness the tangible proof of Jesus' power. This seeing, however, does not automatically translate into saving faith.
* **raised (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb (G1453) means to waken, rouse, or lift up, specifically from death in this context. It emphasizes the active, divine power of Jesus in bringing Lazarus back to life. The crowd's motivation stemmed directly from this astonishing act, recognizing it as a unique and unparalleled demonstration of authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there:"** This clause establishes the setting and the initial reason for the gathering. The phrase "much people of the Jews" (Greek: _ochlos polys ek tōn Ioudaiōn_) indicates a large, diverse crowd, primarily Jewish, who had become aware of Jesus' presence in Bethany. Their knowledge was likely based on widespread reports of His arrival and, more significantly, the recent, highly public miracle of Lazarus's resurrection. The "therefore" links their coming to the preceding events, particularly the raising of Lazarus and the supper where he was present.
* **"and they came not for Jesus' sake only,"** This part of the verse reveals the complex motivation of the crowd. While Jesus was the central figure, their coming was not solely driven by a desire to hear His teaching, seek healing, or express devotion to Him as the Messiah. This highlights a distinction between genuine spiritual seeking and other, more superficial reasons for interest.
* **"but that they might see Lazarus also,"** This clause specifies the secondary, yet highly significant, reason for the crowd's presence. Their primary curiosity was directed towards Lazarus, the living embodiment of Jesus' power over death. They wanted to witness the man who had been dead for four days and was now alive, a tangible sign that transcended ordinary experience.
* **"whom he had raised from the dead."** This final clause provides the crucial context for Lazarus's appeal. It explicitly states the miracle that made him a spectacle. His resurrection from the dead was the undeniable proof of Jesus' extraordinary power, making Lazarus a living testimony and drawing people to Bethany in droves, eager to see the man who had defied death.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Contrast** to highlight the mixed motives of the crowd ("not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also"), distinguishing between a pure desire for Jesus and a curiosity driven by spectacle. There is also an element of **Irony**, as the very miracle intended to reveal Jesus' glory and draw people to faith ultimately intensifies the plot against His life and Lazarus's, demonstrating the hardened hearts of the religious leaders. Lazarus himself functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing both the undeniable evidence of Jesus' divine power and the living hope of resurrection for all who believe. His presence also **Foreshadows** the ultimate resurrection of Jesus, which will be the definitive sign for all humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 12:9 underscores the profound impact of Jesus' power over death, not just as a singular event, but as a public declaration of His divine authority. The resurrection of Lazarus served as an irrefutable sign, compelling even the skeptical to acknowledge Jesus' unique capabilities. However, the verse also subtly introduces a theological tension: while God uses signs and wonders to draw people, true faith must ultimately move beyond mere curiosity about the miraculous to a genuine commitment to the person of Jesus Himself. The crowds were drawn by the spectacle of Lazarus, but the ultimate purpose of such signs is to lead to belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and to receive eternal life through His name.
* [John 11:45](/john/11-45 "John 11:45 - Many Jews Believe")
* [John 12:10-11](/john/12-10-11 "John 12:10-11 - The Chief Priests Plot to Kill Lazarus")
* [John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - The Purpose of John's Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 12:9 offers a timeless lesson about the nature of faith and the power of transformed lives. Just as Lazarus's resurrection served as a living testimony, so too do the changed lives of believers today. When people witness genuine transformation—freedom from addiction, reconciliation in relationships, newfound purpose, or profound peace in suffering—they are often drawn to investigate the source of that change. This verse challenges us to consider our own motivations for seeking Jesus: Is it for what He can do for us, or for who He is? While curiosity can be a starting point, the call of the Gospel is to move beyond mere observation to a deep, abiding faith that transforms our hearts and lives. Our transformed lives, like Lazarus, can be powerful witnesses, but our ultimate goal must always be to point others to Jesus, the one who gives life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What motivates your interest in Jesus? Is it primarily curiosity about His power, or a deeper desire to know Him personally?**
* **How does your transformed life, like Lazarus's, serve as a visible testimony to Jesus' power in the world today?**
* **In what ways might we, like the crowd, be drawn to the "spectacle" of faith rather than the substance of a relationship with Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why were the "people of the Jews" so interested in Lazarus specifically?**

Answer: The people were intensely interested in Lazarus because his resurrection was an unprecedented and highly public miracle. He had been dead for four days, signifying irrefutable death and decay, yet Jesus had called him forth from the tomb ([John 11:39-44](/john/11-39-44 "John 11:39-44 - Lazarus Raised from the Dead")). This was not a mere healing, but a reversal of death itself, a powerful demonstration of divine authority that captivated the public imagination. Seeing Lazarus alive was tangible proof of Jesus' extraordinary power, making him a living, walking sign that validated Jesus' claims in a way that words alone could not.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 12:9, with its focus on Lazarus's resurrection, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment found in Jesus' own resurrection. Lazarus's return to life was a magnificent sign, but it was temporary; he would eventually die again. Jesus, however, is not merely one who raises the dead; He is "the resurrection and the life" Himself ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). His own death and resurrection, soon to occur, would be the definitive triumph over sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe. The crowds came to see Lazarus, a man raised from the dead, but the true fulfillment lies in seeing and believing in Jesus, the one who conquered death forever and promises that "because I live, you also will live" ([John 14:19](/john/14-19 "John 14:19 - Jesus' Promise of Life")). His resurrection, unlike Lazarus's, was a permanent, glorious victory, securing salvation and new life for all humanity, drawing all people to Himself as He was lifted up on the cross and then from the grave ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Predicts His Lifting Up")).

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

Acts 4:14

And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

John 11:43

And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

John 11:45

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

Acts 3:10

And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

Acts 3:11

And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.