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.