King James Version

What Does John 11:20 Mean?

John 11:20 in the King James Version says “Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. — study this verse from John chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

John 11:20 · KJV


Context

18

Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: about: that is, about two miles

19

And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary , to comfort them concerning their brother.

20

Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

21

Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

22

But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Martha's immediate response to Jesus' arrival demonstrates her active temperament, contrasting with Mary who 'sat still in the house.' Martha's action fulfills her character seen earlier (Luke 10:40). She goes to meet Jesus outside the village, perhaps for privacy or to intercept Him before the crowd. Her initiative demonstrates faith seeking Jesus, while Mary's stillness may indicate deeper grief or different temperament. Both responses are valid; Christ accepts diverse personalities.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Women in first-century Judaism had limited public roles, making Martha's bold approach to Jesus remarkable. Her action demonstrates the freedom and dignity Jesus afforded women.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do Martha and Mary's different responses teach about diverse expressions of faith?
  2. What does Martha's initiative teach about actively seeking Christ in crisis?
  3. In what ways does Jesus accept and value different temperaments in His followers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
1 of 17
G3588

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

οὖν2 of 17

Then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

Μάρθα3 of 17

Martha

G3136

martha, a christian woman

ὡς4 of 17

as soon as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἤκουσεν5 of 17

she heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ὅτι6 of 17

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

7 of 17
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς8 of 17

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἔρχεται9 of 17

was coming

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ὑπήντησεν10 of 17

went and met

G5221

to go opposite (meet) under (quietly), i.e., to encounter, fall in with

αὐτῷ·11 of 17

him

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

Μαρία12 of 17

Mary

G3137

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

δὲ13 of 17

but

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐν14 of 17

still in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ15 of 17
G3588

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

οἴκῳ16 of 17

the house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

ἐκαθέζετο17 of 17

sat

G2516

to sit down


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 11:20 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 11:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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