King James Version

What Does John 11:27 Mean?

John 11:27 in the King James Version says “She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. — study this verse from John chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

John 11:27 · KJV


Context

25

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

26

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

27

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

28

And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

29

As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Martha's confession ranks among Scripture's greatest Christological affirmations, paralleling Peter's at Caesarea Philippi (Matt 16:16). She confesses Jesus as 'the Christ' (Messiah), 'the Son of God' (deity), and the one prophesied who 'should come into the world' (John 6:14). This threefold confession demonstrates full-orbed faith in Jesus' identity. Her confession comes before the miracle, showing faith precedes sight. This validates Jesus' teaching that spiritual birth precedes spiritual sight (3:3).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

A woman's theological confession was unusual in first-century Judaism where formal religious education was male-dominated. Jesus' acceptance of Martha's confession affirms women's spiritual discernment and faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Martha's confession demonstrate that true faith precedes miraculous proof?
  2. What does the threefold nature of her confession teach about complete faith in Christ?
  3. In what ways does your confession of Christ go beyond intellectual assent to personal conviction?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
λέγει1 of 20

She saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ2 of 20

unto 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

Ναί3 of 20

Yea

G3483

yes

κύριε4 of 20

Lord

G2962

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

ἐγὼ5 of 20

I

G1473

i, me

πεπίστευκα6 of 20

believe

G4100

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 ch

ὅτι7 of 20

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

σὺ8 of 20

thou

G4771

thou

εἶ9 of 20

art

G1488

thou art

τὸν10 of 20

which

G3588

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

Χριστὸς11 of 20

the Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

τὸν12 of 20

which

G3588

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

υἱὸς13 of 20

the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τὸν14 of 20

which

G3588

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

θεοῦ15 of 20

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τὸν16 of 20

which

G3588

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

εἰς17 of 20

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν18 of 20

which

G3588

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

κόσμον19 of 20

the world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

ἐρχόμενος20 of 20

should come

G2064

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


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 11:27 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 11:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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