Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

JOHN 12:1KJV
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John 12:1 (KJV)

What does John 12:1 mean?

John 12:1 describes Jesus arriving in Bethany six days before the Passover, coming to the place where Lazarus lived—the same Lazarus whom Jesus had previously raised from the dead. This verse sets the scene for the events that will soon unfold, highlighting both the timing and the significance of Jesus’ visit.

The Gospel of John is telling the story from the perspective of the narrator, not quoting Jesus or another character. The mention of “six days before the Passover” places this event just before Jesus’ final week leading up to his crucifixion. Naming Bethany and Lazarus reminds readers of the recent miracle, connecting what is about to happen with Jesus’ power over death and his relationship with this family.

The Greek behind John 12:1

  • πάσχα (pascha, G3957): This is the Greek word for “Passover,” the major Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites’ escape from Egypt. Its mention marks the importance of the timing, as Passover is closely linked to the events of Jesus’ final days.
  • ἤγειρεν (ēgeiren, G1453): This word means “raised” and refers to Jesus bringing Lazarus back from the dead. The Greek carries the sense of causing someone to stand up or rise, emphasizing the miraculous nature of what Jesus did for Lazarus.
  • Βηθανία (Bēthania, G963): This is the Greek spelling for “Bethany,” a small village near Jerusalem. Its mention locates the story geographically and ties it to earlier events in John’s Gospel.

Why John 12:1 matters

  • John 12:1 makes it clear that the following events take place just before Passover, helping readers understand the timeline leading up to Jesus’ death.
  • By reminding readers that Lazarus had been raised from the dead, the verse connects the coming events to Jesus’ authority over life and death, setting the stage for the themes of resurrection and belief.
  • The mention of Bethany and Lazarus signals that the following story will involve people who have already witnessed Jesus’ power, adding emotional and narrative depth to what happens next.

Where else these words appear

“Bethany” Greek G963 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 21:17 And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.
  • Mark 11:11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.
  • Luke 19:29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

“six” Greek G1803 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
  • Luke 13:14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
  • Acts 18:11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

“dead” Greek G2348 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 2:20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
  • John 11:21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
  • John 19:33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:

“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 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.