Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

JOHN 11:5KJV
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John 11:5 (KJV)

What does John 11:5 mean?

John 11:5 states that Jesus loved Martha, her sister (Mary), and Lazarus. This verse highlights Jesus’s personal affection and care for this particular family in Bethany.

The verse is part of the story where Jesus learns that Lazarus is sick. The writer, John, pauses to make clear that Jesus’s relationship with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus was close and genuine. This sets the stage for the events that follow, showing that Jesus’s actions toward them come from a place of real love, not indifference or distance.

The Greek behind John 11:5

  • ἠγάπα (ēgapa, transliterated as "ēgapa"): This is the Greek word for "loved," often understood as a deep, committed, and selfless kind of love. It is not just friendly affection but a love that involves genuine care and concern. Here, it stresses that Jesus’s feelings for Martha, Mary, and Lazarus were sincere and strong.
  • Μάρθαν (Marthan, "Martha"), τὴν ἀδελφὴν (tēn adelphēn, "the sister"), and Λάζαρον (Lazaron, "Lazarus"): The verse names each person individually, which underlines the personal nature of Jesus’s love for each member of the family, not just the group as a whole.

Why John 11:5 matters

  • John 11:5 clarifies that Jesus’s later actions—waiting before visiting, allowing Lazarus to die—are not due to a lack of care, but are part of a loving purpose.
  • This verse helps the reader understand that Jesus’s miracles and decisions are motivated by love, not just power or authority.
  • By naming each person, John 11:5 emphasizes that Jesus’s love is personal and specific, not just a general goodwill toward humanity.

Where else these words appear

“Martha” Greek G3136 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 10:38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
  • John 11:1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
  • John 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

“Lazarus” Greek G2976 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
  • John 11:1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
  • John 12:1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

“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.

“loved” Greek G25 · used in 109 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
  • 2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.