There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

JOHN 12:2KJV
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John 12:2 (KJV)

What does John 12:2 mean?

John 12:2 describes a dinner prepared for Jesus, where Martha is serving the meal and Lazarus, who had recently been raised from the dead, is sitting at the table with Jesus. This verse shows a moment of fellowship and hospitality shared between Jesus and his close friends.

The setting is a supper in Bethany, just days before Jesus’ crucifixion. The people mentioned—Martha, Lazarus, and Jesus—are all gathered in a private home, likely that of Lazarus and his sisters. The verse highlights Martha’s role in serving, Lazarus’s presence as a living witness to Jesus’ miracle, and the close relationship between Jesus and this family.

The Greek behind John 12:2

  • The word for "supper" is δεῖπνον (deipnon), which refers to the main evening meal, not just a casual snack. This emphasizes the importance and formality of the gathering.
  • The verb for "served" is διηκόνει (diēkonei), from διακονέω (diakoneō), meaning to wait on or serve. This word often carries the sense of attentive, caring service, highlighting Martha’s active hospitality.
  • The phrase "sat at the table" comes from the verb συνανέκειτο (synanekeito), which means to recline at the table with others, as was the custom at formal meals in that culture. This detail shows Lazarus sharing close fellowship with Jesus and the other guests.

Why John 12:2 matters

  • This verse sets the scene for the events that follow, including Mary’s anointing of Jesus, by showing the atmosphere of gratitude and celebration after Lazarus’s resurrection.
  • The mention of Martha serving and Lazarus reclining with Jesus draws attention to the different ways people respond to Jesus—through service, presence, and relationship.
  • The verse quietly underscores the reality of Lazarus’s resurrection: he is not just alive, but fully restored, eating and socializing, which would have been a powerful testimony to those present.

Where else these words appear

“table” Greek G4873 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
  • Mark 2:15 And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.
  • Luke 7:49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

“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 11:21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

“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.

“supper” Greek G1173 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 23:6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
  • Luke 14:17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
  • John 21:20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?