But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

JOHN 11:22KJV
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John 11:22 (KJV)

What does John 11:22 mean?

John 11:22 expresses Martha’s confidence that, even after her brother Lazarus has died, Jesus still has a special relationship with God and that God will grant whatever Jesus asks. Martha is saying she believes Jesus can still do something, even in this hopeless moment.

Martha is speaking to Jesus after Lazarus has been dead for four days. She has just said that if Jesus had been there earlier, her brother would not have died. Now, she adds that she still trusts Jesus’ connection with God and believes that God will respond to Jesus’ requests. This shows Martha’s faith in Jesus’ unique role and her hope, even in the face of death.

The Greek behind John 11:22

  • “ask” (αἰτέω, aiteō): This Greek word often means to request or petition, usually from someone in authority. Martha is not demanding but humbly recognizing Jesus’ ability to ask God for help.
  • “whatsoever” (ὅσα, hosa): The Greek here is broad, meaning “anything” or “whatever.” Martha is not limiting what Jesus might ask for—her statement is open-ended, showing deep trust.
  • “give” (δίδωμι, didōmi): This word means to give or grant. Martha’s words suggest she believes God will respond positively to Jesus’ requests, highlighting her faith in Jesus’ relationship with God.

Why John 11:22 matters

  • John 11:22 shows that Martha’s faith is not destroyed by her brother’s death; she still believes Jesus can act, even now. This clears up the idea that she had lost all hope.
  • The verse highlights the unique relationship between Jesus and God, as Martha trusts that God will grant whatever Jesus asks.
  • This moment sets up the conversation that follows, where Jesus reveals more about who he is and what he can do, leading to the raising of Lazarus.

Where else these words appear

“ask” Greek G154 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
  • Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
  • Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

“whatsoever” Greek G3745 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
  • Luke 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
  • Romans 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

“now” Greek G3568 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
  • Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: