Bible Commentary

Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 24. I know that he shall rise again ] This conviction was probably in advance of average Jewish belief on the subject. The O.T. declarations as to a resurrection are so scanty and obscure, that the Sadducees … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:24”

Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 23. shall rise again ] He uses an ambiguous expression as an exercise of her faith. Some think that these words contain no allusion to the immediate restoration of Lazarus, and that Martha ( Joh 11:24) understands them rightly. More probably Christ includes the immediate restoration … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:23”

But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give [it] thee. 22. But I know, that even now ] ‘But’ must be omitted on critical grounds; and the text should run, and now (that he is dead) I know that, &c. She believes that had Christ been there, He … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:22”

Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 21. if thou hadst been here ] Not a reproach, however gentle (she does not say ‘hadst Thou come ’), but an expression of deep regret. This thought had naturally been often in the sisters’ minds during the last … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:21”

Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat [still] in the house. 20. Then Martha ] Or, Martha, therefore. Information would be brought to her as the elder sister and (apparently) mistress of the house (Luk 10:38). She as usual takes the lead in entertaining, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:20”

And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 19. many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary ] Better, many from among the Jews had come, &c. The received text with some good authorities has ‘had come to Martha and Mary and their friends,’ but this … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:19”

Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: 18. Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem ] The ‘was’ need not imply that when S. John wrote Bethany had been destroyed, but this is the more probable meaning; especially as no other Evangelist speaks of places in the past tense, and S. John does … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:18”

Then when Jesus came, he found that he had [lain] in the grave four days already. 17. Then when Jesus came ] Better, When therefore Jesus came, not to the house, nor to Bethany, but to the vicinity ( Joh 11:20 ; Joh 11:30). In Joh 11:16 also ‘then’ should be therefore, S. John’s favourite … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:17”

Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. 16. Then said ] Therefore said. Thomas, which is called Didymus ] S. John thrice (Joh 20:24, Joh 21:2) reminds his readers that Thomas is the same as he whom Gentile Christians called Didymus. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:16”

And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. 15. I am glad ] Christ rejoices, not at his friend’s death, but at His own absence from the scene, for the disciples’ sake. Had He been there, Lazarus would not … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:15”