King James Version

What Does John 11:2 Mean?

John 11:2 in the King James Version says “(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sic... — study this verse from John chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

John 11:2 · KJV


Context

1

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

2

(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

3

Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

4

When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby .


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse identifies Mary as the one who anointed Jesus, an event not yet recorded in John's narrative but described in chapter 12. The Gospel writer assumes readers' familiarity with this story, suggesting the Gospel's later composition. The mention establishes the family's devotion to Christ and foreshadows Mary's act of worship. John's retrospective reference demonstrates divine sovereignty in narrative arrangement.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written decades after the events, John's Gospel assumes knowledge of Jesus' ministry. Bethany was a village about two miles from Jerusalem, serving as Jesus' base during His final visits to the city.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does John's assumption of reader knowledge challenge us to study the whole Gospel narrative?
  2. What does Mary's later anointing reveal about the family's relationship with Jesus?
  3. How does this retrospective reference demonstrate God's sovereignty in Scripture's composition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἦν1 of 21

(It was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

δὲ2 of 21
G1161

but, and, etc

Μαρία3 of 21

that Mary

G3137

maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females

4 of 21

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀλείψασα5 of 21

anointed

G218

to oil (with perfume)

6 of 21

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύριον7 of 21

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

μύρῳ8 of 21

with ointment

G3464

"myrrh", i.e., (by implication) perfumed oil

καὶ9 of 21

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐκμάξασα10 of 21

wiped

G1591

to knead out, i.e., (by analogy) to wipe dry

11 of 21

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόδας12 of 21

feet

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

αὐτῆς13 of 21

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

14 of 21

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θριξὶν15 of 21

hair

G2359

of uncertain derivation; hair

αὐτῆς16 of 21

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἧς17 of 21

whose

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

18 of 21

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφὸς19 of 21

brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

Λάζαρος20 of 21

Lazarus

G2976

lazarus (i.e., elazar), the name of two israelites

ἠσθένει21 of 21

was sick

G770

to be feeble (in any sense)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 11:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 11:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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