King James Version

What Does John 11:5 Mean?

John 11:5 in the King James Version says “Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. — study this verse from John chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 11:5 · KJV


Context

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.

7

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
John carefully documents Jesus' love for all three siblings, establishing the personal nature of His relationships. The Greek 'agapao' denotes divine, covenant love, not merely emotional affection. This love makes His delay (v. 6) more mysterious, teaching that divine love operates according to perfect wisdom, not human expectations. Christ's love does not guarantee immediate relief but ultimate good.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The mention of all three family members suggests their prominence in the early church. Martha and Mary represent different temperaments both beloved by Christ, affirming diverse personalities in Christian community.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing Christ's love for this family help us interpret His delay?
  2. What does Jesus' love for people of different temperaments teach about Christian community?
  3. How can we trust God's love when His timing differs from our desires?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἠγάπα1 of 13

loved

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

δὲ2 of 13

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 13
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 13

Jesus

G2424

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

τὴν5 of 13
G3588

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

Μάρθαν6 of 13

Martha

G3136

martha, a christian woman

καὶ7 of 13

and

G2532

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

τὴν8 of 13
G3588

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

ἀδελφὴν9 of 13

sister

G79

a sister (naturally or ecclesiastically)

αὐτῆς10 of 13

her

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

καὶ11 of 13

and

G2532

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

τὸν12 of 13
G3588

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

Λάζαρον13 of 13

Lazarus

G2976

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


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 11:5 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 11:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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