Question 1

What does John 11:18 mean?

Accepted Answer

John 11:18 explains that the village of Bethany was located close to Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs away. This detail helps the reader understand the geographical setting for the events about to unfold in the story of Lazarus. In this verse, the writer is setting the scene for Jesus’ visit to Bethany, where Lazarus, Mary, and Martha lived. The mention of the distance—about fifteen furlongs (roughly two miles)—shows how near Bethany was to Jerusalem, making it easy for people from the city to come and witness what happened. This proximity is important for understanding how news about Lazarus and Jesus’ miracle could quickly spread among many people.

Question 2

The Greek behind John 11:18

Accepted Answer

"νῆν" (nigh, transliterated as "engys"): This word means "near" or "close by." Its use here highlights just how accessible Bethany was from Jerusalem, which is significant for the crowd dynamics in the story. "πεντεκαίδεκα" (fifteen, transliterated as "pentekaideka"): This is the specific number of furlongs, showing the writer’s attention to detail and helping modern readers estimate the distance. "στάδια" (furlongs, transliterated as "stadia"): A "stadion" was a Greek measure of distance, roughly 600 feet or about 1/8 of a mile. Fifteen stadia would be about two miles, giving a concrete sense of how close the two places were.

Question 3

Why John 11:18 matters

Accepted Answer

John 11:18 clarifies that Bethany’s nearness to Jerusalem made it easy for many Jews to come and see what happened, which helps explain the large crowd present at Lazarus’s resurrection. The specific distance shows the writer’s concern for historical accuracy and helps the reader picture the setting more vividly. This detail connects the events in Bethany to the larger narrative in Jerusalem, setting the stage for the reactions and consequences that follow in the Gospel story.

John 11:18 (KJV)