Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text subtly introduces Mary before Martha and Lazarus, emphasizing her significance as the one who would later anoint Jesus, a prelude to their shared destiny. This placement hints that her actions and relationship with Jesus are central to understanding this event, even before the sickness is mentioned.
Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus had recently departed Jerusalem after a tense encounter where people sought to stone Him. Now, while He's in a safer location across the Jordan River, news arrives that His dear friend Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, is gravely ill. This message from his beloved friends, who implicitly trust Jesus' love for them, sets the stage for one of the most profound miracles in Scripture.
We all have friends and family we care deeply about. What does it mean when someone we love is hurting, and what do we do?
The opening verse introduces us to Lazarus, a man who is 'ill'. This isn't just a casual mention; it immediately places him within a context of relationship. John tells us he's from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. This detail isn't just geographical; it establishes Lazarus as part of a close-knit family circle, a circle that Jesus Himself loved.
Why does the Bible take time to describe the place and the people? Sometimes, the setting tells us as much as the action.
The mention of 'Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha' isn't just about location. It points to a place that became significant because of the people who lived there and their relationship with Jesus.
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Understand the original words
astheneō · Greek Verb
A general term for human sickness or physical infirmity; in the Bible, it is often linked to the consequence of the fall, yet here it serves as a platform for demonstrating divine power and glory.
This event occurred just before Passover, a critical time as Jesus' growing popularity, particularly after raising Lazarus from the dead, solidified the religious authorities' decision to eliminate him.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ministry Near Bethany
Jesus was ministering in Judea, having previously left Jerusalem after a confrontation with Jewish leaders. He was staying across the Jordan River, a region known for his baptism of followers.
c. AD 30 (Winter)— this verse
Lazarus Falls Ill
Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus who lived in Bethany (near Jerusalem), became critically ill. His sisters, Mary and Martha, sent word to Jesus.
c. AD 30 (Winter)
Jesus Delays His Arrival
Despite hearing of Lazarus's illness, Jesus intentionally remained where he was for two more days. He stated that the sickness was 'not to death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby.'
c. AD 30 (Winter)
Lazarus Dies and is Buried
By the time Jesus decided to travel to Bethany, Lazarus had died. He had been sick for some time and was buried in a tomb, with many Jews coming to comfort his grieving sisters.
c. AD 30 (Winter)
Jesus Arrives at Bethany
Jesus arrived in Bethany and met Martha, who expressed her grief and faith. He then met Mary and the mourners, sharing in their sorrow and demonstrating his profound love.
c. AD 30 (Winter)
The Raising of Lazarus
Jesus commanded that the stone be removed from Lazarus's tomb. After prayer, he called Lazarus forth, and he came out alive, still wrapped in burial cloths.
c. AD 30 (Spring)
Jewish Leaders Plot Against Jesus
The miracle of raising Lazarus caused many Jews to believe in Jesus, but it also alarmed the chief priests and Pharisees. They held a council and decided that Jesus must be put to death, fearing his growing influence.
This passage introduces Martha and Mary, showing their hospitality towards Jesus and highlighting Martha's concern with serving while Mary chose to sit and listen. It establishes the close relationship Jesus had with this family, setting the stage for Lazarus's illness.
John 12:1-8This passage describes Mary anointing Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, an event that likely occurred shortly after Lazarus's resurrection. It further emphasizes the deep affection between Jesus and this family, connecting Lazarus's story to a significant act of devotion.
Romans 8:11Paul speaks of the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwelling in believers, promising life to their mortal bodies. This connects to the theme of resurrection and life that Jesus embodies, as dramatically displayed in raising Lazarus.
1 Corinthians 15:20-22This passage emphasizes that Christ's resurrection is the first fruit of those who have fallen asleep in death, assuring that all who are in Christ will be made alive. It provides a theological framework for understanding Jesus' power over death, as seen in John 11.
Psalm 23:4The imagery of walking through the valley of the shadow of death without fear because God is present resonates with Jesus' confrontation of death in raising Lazarus. It speaks to God's protective presence even in the face of mortality.
calvinJohn 11:1-10: "Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha."
- And one named Lazarus was sick. The Evangelist passes on to another narrative, which contains a miracle eminently worthy of being recorded. For not only did Christ give a remarkable proof of his Divine power in raising Lazarus, but he likewise placed before our eyes a lively image of our future resurrection. This might indeed be said to be the latest and concluding action of his lif…
henryJohn 11:1-6: "Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha."
11:1-6 It is no new thing for those whom Christ loves, to be sick; bodily distempers correct the corruption, and try the graces of God's people. He came not to preserve his people from these afflictions, but to save them from their sins, and from the wrath to come; however, it behoves us to apply to Him in behalf of our friends and relatives when sick and afflicted. Let this reconcile u…
The text subtly introduces Mary before Martha and Lazarus, emphasizing her significance as the one who would later anoint Jesus, a prelude to their shared destiny. This placement hints that her actions and relationship with Jesus are central to understanding this event, even before the sickness is mentioned.
Jesus had recently departed Jerusalem after a tense encounter where people sought to stone Him. Now, while He's in a safer location across the Jordan River, news arrives that His dear friend Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, is gravely ill. This message from his beloved friends, who implicitly trust Jesus' love for them, sets the stage for one of the most profound miracles in Scripture.
Jesus had recently departed Jerusalem after a tense encounter where people sought to stone Him. Now, while He's in a safer location across the Jordan River, news arrives that His dear friend Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, is gravely ill. This message from his beloved friends, who implicitly trust Jesus' love for them, sets the stage for one of the most profound miracles in Scripture.
"Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha." — The text subtly introduces Mary before Martha and Lazarus, emphasizing her significance as the one who would later anoint Jesus, a prelude to their shared destiny. This placement hints that her act…
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Last reviewed October 2026