When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

JOHN 11:6KJV
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John 11:6 (KJV)

What does John 11:6 mean?

John 11:6 says that when Jesus heard Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was for two more days instead of going right away. This shows that Jesus did not rush to help, even though he knew about Lazarus’s illness.

In this part of the story, Jesus is with his disciples and receives news that his friend Lazarus is very sick. Instead of leaving immediately, Jesus remains in the same place for two days. This delay is important in the larger story, as it sets up what will happen next and shows that Jesus’s actions are intentional, not accidental or careless.

The Greek behind John 11:6

  • The word ἔμεινεν (emeinen, “abode”) means “remained” or “stayed.” The Greek here emphasizes that Jesus made a deliberate choice to stay put, not just a passive delay.
  • The phrase δύο ἡμέρας (duo hēmeras, “two days”) is specific, showing this was not a vague or accidental wait but a set period.
  • The word ἔν (en, “in”) with τόπῳ (topō, “place”) highlights that Jesus did not change his location at all, reinforcing the sense of intentional waiting.

Why John 11:6 matters

  • John 11:6 clears up the idea that Jesus was unaware or unable to help; the verse shows he was fully informed and chose to wait.
  • This delay becomes a key part of the miracle that follows, as it allows Lazarus to die and be raised, rather than simply healed, which reveals more about who Jesus is.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in John’s Gospel that Jesus acts according to a divine purpose and timing, not just human expectations.

Where else these words appear

“sick” Greek G770 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
  • John 11:2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
  • 1 Corinthians 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

“place” Greek G5117 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • Luke 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
  • Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

“abode” Greek G3306 · used in 105 verses

  • Matthew 10:11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
  • John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

“two” Greek G1417 · used in 124 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Mark 9:45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
  • John 4:43 Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.