King James Version

What Does John 11:4 Mean?

John 11:4 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from John chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 .

John 11:4 · KJV


Context

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 .

5

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

6

When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' response reveals divine omniscience—He knows Lazarus' condition and outcome before arrival. The phrase 'not unto death' is paradoxical, as Lazarus had died or would soon die. Christ means the ultimate purpose transcends physical death, pointing to resurrection and glorification. This illness would manifest God's glory and the Son's glory, demonstrating Christ's equality with the Father in glory. The 'for' indicates divine purpose in suffering, consistent with Romans 8:28.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Greek 'doxa' (glory) in John's Gospel consistently points to Christ's deity and the cross. John emphasizes signs that reveal Jesus' divine nature to counter early Gnostic heresies.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' statement challenge our understanding of suffering's ultimate purpose?
  2. In what ways does Lazarus' illness glorify both the Father and the Son?
  3. How can we maintain faith when God's promises seem paradoxical?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ἀκούσας1 of 26

heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

δὲ2 of 26

When

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 26
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 26

Jesus

G2424

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

εἶπεν5 of 26

that he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Αὕτη6 of 26

This

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

7 of 26
G3588

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

ἀσθένεια8 of 26

sickness

G769

feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty

οὐκ9 of 26

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔστιν10 of 26

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

πρὸς11 of 26

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

θάνατον12 of 26

death

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

ἀλλ'13 of 26

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὑπὲρ14 of 26

for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

τῆς15 of 26
G3588

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

δόξης16 of 26

the glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

τοῦ17 of 26
G3588

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

θεοῦ18 of 26

of God

G2316

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

ἵνα19 of 26

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

δοξασθῇ20 of 26

might be glorified

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

21 of 26
G3588

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

υἱὸς22 of 26

the Son

G5207

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

τοῦ23 of 26
G3588

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

θεοῦ24 of 26

of God

G2316

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

δι'25 of 26

thereby

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

αὐτῆς26 of 26
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


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 11:4 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 11:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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