King James Version

What Does John 12:9 Mean?

John 12:9 in the King James Version says “Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might se... — study this verse from John chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

John 12:9 · KJV


Context

7

Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

8

For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

9

Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

10

But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;

11

Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
News of Jesus' presence draws crowds coming not only for Him but to see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. Lazarus becomes a walking testimony, his resurrection creating ongoing evangelistic impact. The crowd's dual interest—Jesus and His greatest sign—demonstrates how God's works authenticate His word. However, curiosity doesn't equal conversion. The crowds' desire to 'see' suggests spectacle-seeking, not necessarily faith-seeking. This prepares for the Triumphal Entry's crowds who later cry 'Crucify Him,' showing fickle popular enthusiasm.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

News traveled rapidly in first-century Judea, especially during festival seasons when pilgrims gathered. Lazarus' resurrection occurred weeks earlier, giving news time to spread widely.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Lazarus' ongoing testimony demonstrate that transformed lives authenticate the Gospel?
  2. What's the difference between curiosity about Jesus and commitment to Him?
  3. In what ways can initial enthusiasm fail to produce lasting faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
Ἔγνω1 of 27

knew

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

οὖν2 of 27

therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ὄχλος3 of 27

people

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

πολὺς4 of 27

Much

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἐκ5 of 27

from

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν6 of 27
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίων7 of 27

the Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ὅτι8 of 27

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐκεῖ9 of 27

there

G1563

there; by extension, thither

ἐστιν10 of 27

he was

G2076

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

καὶ11 of 27

also

G2532

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

ἦλθον12 of 27

they came

G2064

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

οὐ13 of 27

not

G3756

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

διὰ14 of 27

for

G1223

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

τὸν15 of 27
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦν16 of 27

Jesus

G2424

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

μόνον17 of 27

sake only

G3440

merely

ἀλλ'18 of 27

but

G235

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

ἵνα19 of 27

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καὶ20 of 27

also

G2532

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

τὸν21 of 27
G3588

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

Λάζαρον22 of 27

Lazarus

G2976

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

ἴδωσιν23 of 27

they might see

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὃν24 of 27

whom

G3739

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

ἤγειρεν25 of 27

he had raised

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

ἐκ26 of 27

from

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

νεκρῶν27 of 27

the dead

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)


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 12:9 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 12:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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