What does John 11:6 mean?

Explanation

John 11:6 refers to an event in the Gospel of John where Jesus is informed that his friend, Lazarus, is ill. Instead of rushing to Lazarus's aid, Jesus stays where he is for two additional days.

This verse underscores a significant moment in the narrative where Jesus's actions may initially seem perplexing.

However, it is a setup for a later revelation of Jesus's divine authority over life and death. The delay is not due to indifference but is a part of a larger plan to demonstrate God's glory.

Historical Context

The verse is situated in the Gospel of John, which was likely written towards the end of the first century AD.

This gospel emphasizes Jesus's divine nature and his role as the Son of God.

At the time, Jesus and his disciples were likely beyond the Jordan River, where John the Baptist initially baptized.

Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, lived in Bethany, about two miles from Jerusalem.

This was a perilous time for Jesus, as the Jewish leaders were growing increasingly hostile towards him.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse emphasizes Jesus's omniscience and sovereign will.

The delay suggests that Jesus knew of the greater outcome and purposes beyond immediate healing.

Different theological interpretations focus on the idea of divine timing and purpose that transcends human understanding and urgency.

Some theologians assert that Jesus's intention was to strengthen the faith of the disciples, the sisters, and the witnesses by rising Lazarus from the dead and not just healing him.

Practical Applications

In the context of daily life, this verse can serve as a reminder of the value of trust in times of waiting and apparent inaction.

It suggests the importance of patience and trusting in a higher purpose or divine timing, even when immediate circumstances seem dire or when actions by others (or God) do not align with our expectations.

It speaks to the need to maintain faith even when we do not understand the reasons behind certain events or delays.

Cross-References

• John 11:4: "When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby."
• John 11:21: "Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died."
• John 11:43-44: "And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

And he that was dead came forth..."

• Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
• 2 Peter 3:8-9: "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of John 11:6 provide deeper insight:

• "Heard" (ἀκούσας, akousas): The aorist active participle form implies having received the information.
• "Sick" (ἀσθενεῖ, asthenei): Refers to weakness or infirmity, not necessarily specifying the nature of the illness.
• "Abode" (ἔμεινεν, emeinen): The verb "to remain" or "to stay," states that Jesus deliberately decided to stay without moving.
• "Two days" (δύο ἡμέρας, dyo hemeras): The specific mention of the time frame has symbolic importance, emphasizing the deliberate delay and shortness of the time frame.
• "Still" (ἔτι, eti): Means "yet" or "still," which indicates that Jesus continued in his current action of staying.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures and religions, the concepts of divine timing and mysterious purposes of the gods were common.

For example, in Greek mythology, the gods often intervened at just the right moment for dramatic effect or to serve a bigger picture.

The actions of Jesus in the Gospel of John differ from these myths in that they reflect a consistent theme of divine love and the revelation of God's character and power, rather than capricious acts of gods.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, delays in responding to a medical emergency, like sickness, usually result in negative outcomes.

However, the raising of Lazarus from the dead is a miracle, an event that falls outside the purview of scientific explanation.

It's an area where faith and science intersect, with science focusing on what is empirically observable and faith addressing the supernatural or divine actions that science does not attempt to explain.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and commentators have examined this verse with different focuses:

• Some emphasize the deliberate nature of Jesus's delay, suggesting that it highlights his divine authority and the purposeful timing of his miracles.
• Others focus on the emotional and spiritual development of the characters involved, including the disciples and Lazarus's sisters, as their faith is tested and eventually strengthened.
• Some commentators look at this passage as a demonstration of Jesus's human emotions, positing that his deep connection with Lazarus and his sisters added a relational dimension to the miracle that would follow.
• Still, others discuss the literary structure and narrative technique employed by the Gospel of John, analyzing how the delay builds dramatic tension and highlights Jesus's ultimate revelation as the resurrection and the life.