The verse highlights that people were drawn to Jesus not only for who he was, but specifically to see the undeniable proof of his power – Lazarus, raised from the dead. This shows how even a powerful miracle became a spectacle, revealing a complex mix of genuine curiosity and a desire to witness the extraordinary.
When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus arrives in Bethany, news of his presence spreads, drawing a large crowd of Jews from Jerusalem. They are motivated not only by a desire to see Jesus but also by immense curiosity about Lazarus, the man Jesus had dramatically raised from the dead, a miracle that had gained widespread attention. This event immediately precedes Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and highlights the growing fame of Jesus and the potent impact of his miracles, which both attracts crowds and provokes the fierce opposition of the religious leaders.
When the crowds flocked to Bethany, their eyes weren't solely fixed on Jesus. What else drew them in, and what does that tell us about human curiosity and faith?
The verse highlights a fascinating mix of motivations for the crowds gathering. While Jesus was the main attraction, a significant draw was Lazarus himself.
A Dual Attraction
This wasn't just about seeing Jesus; it was about witnessing the tangible evidence of his power. The crowds came not only to see the miracle-worker but to gaze upon the result of the miracle – a man who had literally cheated death.
The chief priests heard about the crowds flocking to see Lazarus. Their reaction wasn't awe, but fear and a desperate plan. What does their response reveal?
The reaction of the religious leaders to the growing buzz around Jesus and Lazarus is a stark contrast to the public's curiosity.
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An Escalating Threat
Understand the original words
ochlos · Greek Noun
A large group or gathering of people; in the Gospels, this often refers to the common people who follow Jesus and are frequently contrasted with the religious leadership.
Ioudaios · Greek Noun/Adjective
Individuals belonging to the chosen people of Israel; in John, this term is often used to designate those who are spiritually or politically opposed to Jesus' ministry.
egeirō · Greek Verb
To be restored to life after death; a miraculous act that demonstrates God’s sovereign power over death and serves as a sign of the messianic age.
archiereus · Greek Noun
The leaders of the Jewish temple hierarchy; they held significant political and religious authority and were the primary instigators in the plot to execute Jesus.
Ioudaioi · Greek Noun
Refers to the Jewish people as an ethnic or religious group, often used in John's Gospel to represent those who are either struggling to understand Jesus' identity or are in opposition to His ministry.
pisteuontes · Greek Verb
A fundamental spiritual response to the Gospel, involving personal trust, reliance, and commitment to Jesus Christ as the Savior and Son of God, leading to eternal life.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead
Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in Bethany, an event that deeply impacts many and solidifies religious opposition to Jesus.
c. AD 30, shortly before Passover
Jesus arrives in Bethany
Jesus comes to Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, staying at the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.
c. AD 30, Saturday before Passover
Supper at the house of Simon the Leper
Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, an act that draws attention and prompts criticism from Judas.
c. AD 30, Sunday before Passover
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem riding a donkey, acclaimed by crowds waving palm branches and shouting 'Hosanna,' fulfilling prophecy.
c. AD 30, early in Passover week
Chief Priests plot against Jesus and Lazarus
The chief priests hear about the growing crowds drawn to Jesus and Lazarus, and plot to kill both to suppress belief in Jesus.
This passage directly precedes John 12:9 and explains that many of the Jews who had been with Mary and Martha came to believe in Jesus after witnessing the resurrection of Lazarus, setting the stage for the crowds' curiosity in chapter 12.
Matthew 21:8-11This passage describes the crowds welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem with palm branches and cries of 'Hosanna,' highlighting the public attention Jesus was receiving, which would have further fueled the desire to see the man He raised from the dead.
Acts 4:1-2This passage shows the chief priests and elders, along with their associates, being greatly disturbed by the preaching and teaching about Jesus and the resurrection of a man (referring to Lazarus), demonstrating their continued opposition to the evidence of Jesus' power.
Luke 16:19-31The parable of the rich man and Lazarus illustrates the profound impact of a miraculous resurrection on belief, showing that even if people don't believe someone raised from the dead, the event itself is a powerful testament to divine power.
vincentJohn 12:9: "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."
Much people (ὄχλος πολὺς)The best texts insert the article, which converts the expression into the current phrase, the common people. So Rev.Knew (ἔγνω)Rev., more correctly, learned. They came to know.
calvinJohn 12:9-15: "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."
- Then a great multitude of the Jews knew that he was there, and came, not on account of Jesus only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. 10. Now the chief priests consulted, that they might put Lazarus also to death; 11. For many of the Jews on his account went away, and beli…
The verse highlights that people were drawn to Jesus not only for who he was, but specifically to see the undeniable proof of his power – Lazarus, raised from the dead. This shows how even a powerful miracle became a spectacle, revealing a complex mix of genuine curiosity and a desire to witness the extraordinary.
As Jesus arrives in Bethany, news of his presence spreads, drawing a large crowd of Jews from Jerusalem. They are motivated not only by a desire to see Jesus but also by immense curiosity about Lazarus, the man Jesus had dramatically raised from the dead, a miracle that had gained widespread attention. This event immediately precedes Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and highlights the growing fame of Jesus and the potent impact of his miracles, which both attracts crowds and provokes the fierce opposition of the religious leaders.
As Jesus arrives in Bethany, news of his presence spreads, drawing a large crowd of Jews from Jerusalem. They are motivated not only by a desire to see Jesus but also by immense curiosity about Lazarus, the man Jesus had dramatically raised from the dead, a miracle that had gained widespread attention. This event immediately precedes Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and highlights the growing fame of Jesus and the potent impact of his miracles, which both attracts crowds and provokes the fierce opposition of the religious leaders.
"When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on acc…" — The verse highlights that people were drawn to Jesus not only for who he was, but specifically to see the undeniable proof of his power – Lazarus, raised from the dead. This shows how even a powerf…
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Last reviewed October 2026
