Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus points Martha back to their prior conversation, emphasizing that her belief was the condition for her seeing God's glory, not just witnessing an event. This wasn't about mere observation, but about her personal faith opening her eyes to a profound revelation of divine power.
Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just commanded the stone to be removed from Lazarus' tomb, prompting Martha's hesitant reminder that Lazarus has been dead for four days and likely smells. Jesus gently chides Martha, reminding her of His earlier promise that believing would allow her to witness God's glory, which is now about to unfold in a way far beyond mere physical restoration.
Martha's heart is heavy with grief and doubt. Jesus gently reminds her of a crucial truth: faith isn't just wishing; it's the key to experiencing God's power.
Jesus' words to Martha are a gentle reminder and a profound statement about the nature of faith.
Martha saw a miracle – her brother coming back to life. But Jesus intended for her to see something far greater, a truth that extends beyond any single event.
Jesus' response to Martha has layers of meaning, pointing beyond the immediate event:
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Understand the original words
pisteusēs · Greek Verb
The active, trust-based commitment of the whole person to God’s word and His revelation in Christ, necessary for experiencing His power.
doxan · Greek Noun
The manifest presence, majesty, character, and power of God revealed to humanity, most perfectly seen in the person and works of Jesus Christ.
This encounter occurs at a pivotal moment where Martha's faith has wavered due to her brother's death, contrasting with her earlier, more confident assertions. Jesus' words highlight the crucial role of unwavering faith in experiencing God's divine power and glory, especially when facing overwhelming circumstances.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Ministry in Judea
Jesus conducts his ministry in Judea, a region with significant Jewish populations and religious leadership often in opposition to his teachings and claims. This period is marked by growing popular interest in Jesus and increasing tension with religious authorities.
Early 1st century AD
Lazarus Falls Ill
Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, falls gravely ill in Bethany. His sisters, Mary and Martha, send word to Jesus, who is ministering elsewhere, requesting his presence and aid.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Delays His Journey
Jesus intentionally delays his journey to Bethany for two days, stating that Lazarus's illness is 'for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.' This decision sets the stage for the miraculous resurrection.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Arrives in Bethany
Jesus finally arrives in Bethany, finding that Lazarus has been dead and buried for four days. He encounters the grieving sisters, Mary and Martha, and the Jewish mourners.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Weeps and Is Troubled
Jesus is deeply moved by the grief of Mary, Martha, and the mourners, and groans in spirit. He weeps, demonstrating his compassion and humanity, before approaching the tomb.
Early 1st century AD
The Resurrection of Lazarus
Jesus commands the stone to be removed from Lazarus's tomb, prays to the Father, and then calls Lazarus forth with a loud voice. Lazarus emerges alive, still wrapped in burial cloths.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus' Rebuke to Martha
In response to Martha's initial doubts and current astonishment, Jesus gently reminds her of his prior teachings, emphasizing that belief would lead her to witness God's glory, fulfilled in the miraculous resurrection of her brother.
This passage directly recalls Jesus' earlier statement to Martha, 'I am the resurrection and the life,' highlighting the theme that true belief leads to experiencing God's power beyond death.
Romans 4:20Similar to Martha's wavering faith, Abraham is presented as someone who 'did not weaken in faith' when looking at God's promises, demonstrating how steadfast belief allows us to see God's glory.
2 Chronicles 20:17This verse assures the people that they don't need to fight, but just 'stand still and see the salvation of the Lord,' mirroring how stepping back in faith allows God to display His glory.
1 Corinthians 2:14This passage explains that the 'natural person' cannot accept spiritual truths, directly contrasting with Martha's struggle to believe beyond what her senses perceived, and showing why faith is essential to seeing God's glory.
John 1:14This verse speaks of the Word becoming flesh and that believers 'have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth,' linking the manifestation of God's glory to encounters with Jesus, especially through faith.
clarkeJohn 11:40: "Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?"
If thou wouldest believe, etc. - So it appears that it is faith alone that interests the miraculous and saving power of God in behalf of men. Instead of δοξαν, the glory, one MS. reads δυναμιν, the miraculous power.
ellicottJohn 11:40: "Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?"
(40) If thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God. —He takes her back to the promise which she had heard from the messengers ( John 11:4 ), and which had led to her brightest hopes, and reminds her too of His own teaching and her own faith ( John 11:21-27 ). Her last remark had more of the human and less of the divine than was contained in her earliest…
Jesus points Martha back to their prior conversation, emphasizing that her belief was the condition for her seeing God's glory, not just witnessing an event. This wasn't about mere observation, but about her personal faith opening her eyes to a profound revelation of divine power.
Jesus has just commanded the stone to be removed from Lazarus' tomb, prompting Martha's hesitant reminder that Lazarus has been dead for four days and likely smells. Jesus gently chides Martha, reminding her of His earlier promise that believing would allow her to witness God's glory, which is now about to unfold in a way far beyond mere physical restoration.
Jesus has just commanded the stone to be removed from Lazarus' tomb, prompting Martha's hesitant reminder that Lazarus has been dead for four days and likely smells. Jesus gently chides Martha, reminding her of His earlier promise that believing would allow her to witness God's glory, which is now about to unfold in a way far beyond mere physical restoration.
"Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”" — Jesus points Martha back to their prior conversation, emphasizing that her belief was the condition for her seeing God's glory, not just witnessing an event. This wasn't about mere observation, b…
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Last reviewed October 2026