John 11:7

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

John 11:7 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Lazarus's death and resurrection, showcasing Jesus's deliberate timing and resolute purpose. After receiving urgent news of Lazarus's illness, Jesus intentionally waited two days where He was, a period of profound suspense for His disciples and for the grieving sisters, Mary and Martha.

Context

Prior to this verse, Jesus had withdrawn from Judea to the region beyond the Jordan, a place where John the Baptist had baptized. This move was a direct response to the escalating hostility from the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem, who had sought to seize Him (John 10:39). Therefore, Jesus's declaration, "Let us go into Judaea again," was a bold and potentially dangerous command. Judea was not just a geographical region; it was the heartland of religious opposition, particularly Jerusalem and its surrounding villages like Bethany, where Lazarus and his sisters lived.

Key Themes

  • Divine Timing and Purpose: Jesus's delay was not out of indifference but part of a divine plan to reveal God's glory and demonstrate His power over death (John 11:4). His decision to return to Judea signifies His unwavering commitment to His Father's will, even when it meant facing danger.
  • Courage and Obedience: This verse highlights Jesus's profound courage. He knew the risks involved in returning to a place where His life had been threatened, yet He chose to obey His Father's leading. This act foreshadows His ultimate journey to Jerusalem for the crucifixion.
  • Leadership and Discipleship: Jesus doesn't just tell His disciples to go; He says, "Let us go," inviting them to follow Him into a challenging situation. This calls for their trust and obedience, despite their concerns, as expressed in the very next verse.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "Let us go" is Agōmen (Ἄγωμεν), an imperative that conveys a strong sense of urgency and command, but also an invitation to accompany Him. It's not merely a suggestion but a decisive directive, emphasizing Jesus's authority and determination to fulfill His mission, regardless of the perceived peril in returning to Judea.

Practical Application

John 11:7 reminds believers that following Christ often involves stepping into uncomfortable or even dangerous situations. It challenges us to trust God's timing and purpose, even when circumstances seem dire or when His plan involves delays we don't understand. Jesus's example encourages us to face our fears with courage, knowing that God's glory can be revealed most powerfully in our moments of greatest need and vulnerability, just as it was in the resurrection of Lazarus.

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

  • John 10:40 (4 votes)

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

  • John 10:42 (4 votes)

    And many believed on him there.

  • Acts 20:22 (3 votes)

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

  • Acts 20:24 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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,