The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that it wasn't just Jesus' disciples, but ordinary people who had witnessed Lazarus' resurrection, who "bore witness." This emphasizes how a truly profound, undeniable miracle wasn't hidden or only for a select few, but actively proclaimed by those who experienced it firsthand, drawing others to Jesus.
The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The crowd that had witnessed Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead were now testifying to this incredible miracle. This public testimony fueled the excitement and drew a large multitude to meet Jesus as he entered Jerusalem, prompting the Pharisees to lament their inability to stop his growing influence.
Ever seen something so incredible you just had to tell someone? That's what happened after Lazarus was raised.
Verse 17 highlights the immediate aftermath of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. The 'people' who were present didn't just witness the miracle; they became its first messengers. They 'continued to bear witness,' meaning they actively testified about what they saw.
This wasn't a quiet, private event. The news of Lazarus's resurrection spread like wildfire through Jerusalem and the surrounding areas. This public testimony was crucial because it sparked immense interest and drew crowds to Jesus, setting the stage for His triumphal entry.
Some events are so profound they change everything. The raising of Lazarus was one of those moments.
The way John describes the miracle – Jesus 'called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead' – is remarkably simple yet powerful. It underscores not just the magnitude of the event but also the ease with which Jesus accomplished it.
This wasn't just another healing; it was a display of authority over death itself. The witnesses understood this. Their testimony wasn't just about seeing a man come back to life; it was about seeing the power of the Messiah demonstrated in the most dramatic way possible. It's this divine power, made visible through the resurrection of Lazarus, that fueled the crowds' belief and excitement.
How does one miracle ignite a movement? This verse holds a clue.
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Verse 17 is a pivotal moment because it directly links the testimony of Lazarus's resurrection to the growing crowds turning towards Jesus. The witnesses' accounts were so compelling that they created a buzz, leading the multitude to come out and meet Jesus with shouts of acclamation.
This shows how supernatural events, when testified to by credible witnesses, can profoundly impact people's beliefs and actions. The ripple effect of Lazarus's return from the dead was immense, contributing significantly to the atmosphere of belief and anticipation that surrounded Jesus as He entered Jerusalem, preparing the way for the events of Passover.
Understand the original words
ochlos · Greek Noun
A group of people gathered together; in the Gospels, it often refers to the common people, sometimes portrayed as impressionable or fickle, who follow Jesus as he performs miracles or teaches.
emartyrei · Greek Verb
A person who provides testimony or evidence regarding a truth, event, or experience; in a biblical context, it is the act of testifying to what one has seen or heard regarding Jesus.
sēmeion · Greek Noun
A miracle or supernatural act performed by Jesus that serves as a pointer or indicator to his divine authority, identity, and the presence of the Kingdom of God.
The miraculous raising of Lazarus wasn't just a private event; it was a public spectacle that ignited faith and testimony, directly leading to the crowds' enthusiastic reception of Jesus in Jerusalem.
c. AD 30— this verse
Raising of Lazarus
Jesus calls his friend Lazarus out of his tomb, four days after his death, demonstrating divine power over death. This miracle deeply impacted the witnesses.
c. AD 30
Spreading News of the Miracle
The people who witnessed Lazarus' resurrection immediately began testifying about the event, spreading the news throughout Jerusalem and the surrounding areas.
c. AD 30
Growing Popularity of Jesus
The widespread testimony of Lazarus' resurrection significantly boosted Jesus' popularity, drawing large crowds who were eager to see him and acknowledge him as the Messiah.
c. AD 30
Pharisees' Growing Concern
The increasing public attention on Jesus, fueled by miracles like Lazarus' resurrection, caused alarm and anger among the religious leaders, who saw their influence diminishing.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, hailed by crowds as a king, with many recognizing the connection to the recent miracle of Lazarus' resurrection.
This passage highlights how powerful testimonies, even from the dead (like Lazarus), are crucial for people to believe. It reinforces how the witness of the Lazarus miracle was intended to move people towards faith.
John 11:45-46This verse directly precedes the one in question and explains the immediate reaction of the Jewish crowd who witnessed Lazarus' resurrection. It shows the foundation for the continued testimony mentioned in John 12:17.
Acts 4:13-14Here, Peter and John, after healing a man, are recognized by the religious leaders as having been with Jesus and are seen to be emboldened by their connection to Him. This mirrors how the witnesses of Lazarus' resurrection were empowered to testify.
John 2:23This verse describes many people believing in Jesus because of the signs He performed in Jerusalem during the Passover. It shows a pattern of Jesus' miracles drawing belief and public attention, similar to the impact of Lazarus' resurrection.
barnesJohn 12:17: "The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record."
Bare record - Testified that he had raised him, and, as was natural, spread the report through the city. This excited much attention, and the people came out in multitudes to meet one who had power to work such miracles.
bensonJohn 12:17: "The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record."
John 12:17-19 . The people, therefore — “Because the forwardness which the multitude now showed to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah was altogether extraordinary, the evangelist assigns the cause thereof. The witnesses of the resurrection of Lazarus had published the miracle far and near. As they were many in number, and persons of reputation, their report gain…
The verse highlights that it wasn't just Jesus' disciples, but ordinary people who had witnessed Lazarus' resurrection, who "bore witness." This emphasizes how a truly profound, undeniable miracle wasn't hidden or only for a select few, but actively proclaimed by those who experienced it firsthand, drawing others to Jesus.
The crowd that had witnessed Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead were now testifying to this incredible miracle. This public testimony fueled the excitement and drew a large multitude to meet Jesus as he entered Jerusalem, prompting the Pharisees to lament their inability to stop his growing influence.
The crowd that had witnessed Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead were now testifying to this incredible miracle. This public testimony fueled the excitement and drew a large multitude to meet Jesus as he entered Jerusalem, prompting the Pharisees to lament their inability to stop his growing influence.
"The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign." — The verse highlights that it wasn't just Jesus' disciples, but ordinary people who had witnessed Lazarus' resurrection, who "bore witness." This emphasizes how a truly profound, undeniable miracle wa…
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Last reviewed October 2026