As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.

JOHN 11:29KJV
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John 11:29 (KJV)

What does John 11:29 mean?

John 11:29 describes how, as soon as Mary heard the news, she quickly got up and went to meet Jesus. The verse highlights her immediate and eager response upon receiving word that Jesus was asking for her.

In this scene, Jesus has arrived near Bethany after the death of Lazarus, and Martha has just told her sister Mary that Jesus is calling for her. Mary’s quick action shows her deep respect and longing to see Jesus, even in her grief. The verse sets up the emotional encounter between Mary and Jesus that follows, emphasizing Mary’s urgency and the significance of Jesus’ arrival.

The Greek behind John 11:29

  • ἐγερθεῖσα (egerthēisa, “arose”): This word often means to rise up or get up, sometimes with a sense of being stirred into action. Here, it shows Mary’s immediate physical response, not just a casual movement but a decisive action.
  • ταχὺ (tachu, “quickly”): This word means “quickly” or “without delay.” The Greek emphasizes that Mary did not hesitate, underlining her eagerness and the importance she placed on meeting Jesus right away.

Why John 11:29 matters

  • The verse highlights Mary’s devotion and the respect she has for Jesus, showing that even in sorrow, she responds to Him without delay.
  • John 11:29 sets the emotional tone for the following verses, preparing the reader for the deep interaction between Mary and Jesus about loss, faith, and resurrection.
  • The urgency in Mary’s response helps underscore the significance of Jesus’ presence and the hope He brings into a situation marked by grief.

Where else these words appear

“quickly” Greek G5035 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • Mark 16:8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
  • Revelation 11:14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

“arose” Greek G1453 · used in 135 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 12:26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
  • Acts 10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;