And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

JOHN 11:15KJV
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John 11:15 (KJV)

What does John 11:15 mean?

John 11:15 shows Jesus telling his disciples that he is glad he was not present when Lazarus died, because this absence will help them believe. Jesus then says they should go to Lazarus together.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples after Lazarus has died. The disciples are confused about why Jesus did not go sooner to help Lazarus. Jesus explains that his delay was intentional, so that his followers would have a stronger reason to trust in him when they see what happens next. This sets the stage for the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead.

The Greek behind John 11:15

  • "glad" (χαίρω, chairō): This word means to rejoice or be glad. Jesus is not happy about Lazarus’s death itself, but about the opportunity for his disciples to grow in faith.
  • "to the intent" (ἵνα, hina): This Greek word introduces purpose or result. Jesus’s absence had a specific purpose: so that the disciples might believe more deeply.
  • "believe" (πιστεύω, pisteuō): This means to trust or have faith. The focus here is on the disciples’ faith being strengthened by witnessing what Jesus is about to do.

Why John 11:15 matters

  • John 11:15 helps clear up the misunderstanding that Jesus was indifferent or powerless in the face of Lazarus’s illness; instead, his actions were purposeful.
  • The verse highlights the importance of faith and shows that Jesus sometimes allows difficult situations so that people can see his power more clearly.
  • This statement prepares the reader for the miracle to come, emphasizing that the events are meant to reveal something important about who Jesus is.

Where else these words appear

“was” Greek G2252 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
  • John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
  • Acts 22:19 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:

“glad” Greek G5463 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

“go” Greek G71 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 10:18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
  • Luke 23:32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
  • Acts 17:15 And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

“there” Greek G1563 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Mark 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
  • John 6:3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.