When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

JOHN 11:4KJV
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John 11:4 (KJV)

What does John 11:4 mean?

John 11:4 records Jesus responding to news about Lazarus’s illness by saying that the sickness will not end in death, but will serve to show God’s greatness and bring honor to the Son of God. Jesus is assuring those around him that there is a deeper purpose behind Lazarus’s suffering.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples after hearing that his friend Lazarus is very sick. Rather than expressing worry, Jesus explains that what is happening is not just about physical death, but about revealing God’s glory. The verse sets the stage for the miracle that follows and shows Jesus’s awareness of a bigger plan at work.

The Greek behind John 11:4

  • The word for “sickness” is νόσος (nosos), which means an illness or disease. Here, it points to Lazarus’s physical condition but also hints at a situation that seems hopeless.
  • The phrase “not unto death” uses θάνατος (thanatos), meaning death, and the construction suggests that death is not the final outcome or purpose of this event.
  • The word for “glory” is δόξα (doxa), which often means honor, splendor, or the visible display of God’s greatness. Jesus is saying that what happens will make God’s greatness clear to people.
  • “Glorified” comes from δοξάζω (doxazō), meaning to give honor or to reveal greatness. Jesus connects his own honor with what is about to happen to Lazarus.

Why John 11:4 matters

  • John 11:4 helps clear up the idea that suffering or death always has a negative or final meaning; Jesus points to a greater purpose beyond what is immediately seen.
  • The verse highlights that Jesus is not surprised or caught off guard by Lazarus’s illness; he sees it as part of a plan to reveal who he is.
  • This statement prepares readers for the miracle of raising Lazarus, showing that Jesus’s actions are meant to reveal God’s power and his own identity as the Son of God.

Where else these words appear

“sickness” Greek G769 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 8:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
  • Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

“glorified” Greek G1392 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
  • John 12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
  • Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

“death” Greek G2288 · used in 106 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Romans 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
  • Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

“for” Greek G5228 · used in 144 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Romans 16:4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
  • Ephesians 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.