And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

JOHN 11:28KJV
Know the Bible

John 11:28 (KJV)

What does John 11:28 mean?

John 11:28 describes how Martha brings her sister Mary into the meeting with Jesus after their brother Lazarus has died. Martha tells Mary privately that Jesus has arrived and is asking for her.

The verse follows Martha’s conversation with Jesus about Lazarus. By calling Jesus “the Master,” Martha identifies him as the teacher Mary knows. Her quiet message prompts Mary to get up quickly and go to him in the next verse.

The Greek behind John 11:28

  • “secretly” — λάθρᾳ (lathra): This word carries the sense of doing something privately or without others noticing. Martha’s message is directed to Mary rather than announced to everyone gathered at the house.
  • “Master” — διδάσκαλος (didaskalos): This word means “teacher.” Martha’s title presents Jesus as someone from whom she and Mary have learned.

Why John 11:28 matters

  • Martha’s private call happens in a house where others are present. Earlier, John says that people had come to comfort Martha and Mary after their brother’s death (John 11:19).
  • The message identifies Jesus as the reason for Mary’s movement. When Mary rises and leaves, the people with her think she is going to Lazarus’s grave, but she is going to meet Jesus (John 11:31–32).
  • Martha’s words present the invitation as personal: “calleth for thee” addresses Mary. The story then shifts from Jesus’ conversation with Martha to his meeting with her sister.

Where else these words appear

“secretly” Greek G2977 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Matthew 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
  • Acts 16:37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

“come” Greek G3918 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 26:50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
  • Acts 24:19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.
  • Galatians 4:18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

“sister” Greek G79 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
  • Luke 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
  • Acts 23:16 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

“called” Greek G5455 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 20:32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
  • Luke 8:8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
  • John 4:16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.