3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."

Other Translations of John 11:3

King James Version

3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

English Standard Version

3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, "Lord, he whom you love is ill."

The Message

3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Master, the one you love so very much is sick."

New King James Version

3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, "Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick."

New Living Translation

3 So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, "Lord, your dear friend is very sick."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 11:3

Commentary on John 11:1-6

(Read John 11:1-6)

It is no new thing for those whom Christ loves, to be sick; bodily distempers correct the corruption, and try the graces of God's people. He came not to preserve his people from these afflictions, but to save them from their sins, and from the wrath to come; however, it behoves us to apply to Him in behalf of our friends and relatives when sick and afflicted. Let this reconcile us to the darkest dealings of Providence, that they are all for the glory of God: sickness, loss, disappointment, are so; and if God be glorified, we ought to be satisfied. Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. The families are greatly favoured in which love and peace abound; but those are most happy whom Jesus loves, and by whom he is beloved. Alas, that this should seldom be the case with every person, even in small families. God has gracious intentions, even when he seems to delay. When the work of deliverance, temporal or spiritual, public or personal, is delayed, it does but stay for the right time.

36 Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"

Other Translations of John 11:36

King James Version

36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

English Standard Version

36 So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"

The Message

36 The Jews said, "Look how deeply he loved him."

New King James Version

36 Then the Jews said, "See how He loved him!"

New Living Translation

36 The people who were standing nearby said, "See how much he loved him!"

Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 11:36

Commentary on John 11:33-46

(Read John 11:33-46)

Christ's tender sympathy with these afflicted friends, appeared by the troubles of his spirit. In all the afflictions of believers he is afflicted. His concern for them was shown by his kind inquiry after the remains of his deceased friend. Being found in fashion as a man, he acts in the way and manner of the sons of men. It was shown by his tears. He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. Tears of compassion resemble those of Christ. But Christ never approved that sensibility of which many are proud, while they weep at mere tales of distress, but are hardened to real woe. He sets us an example to withdraw from scenes of giddy mirth, that we may comfort the afflicted. And we have not a High Priest who cannot be touched with a feeling of our infirmities. It is a good step toward raising a soul to spiritual life, when the stone is taken away, when prejudices are removed, and got over, and way is made for the word to enter the heart. If we take Christ's word, and rely on his power and faithfulness, we shall see the glory of God, and be happy in the sight. Our Lord Jesus has taught us, by his own example, to call God Father, in prayer, and to draw nigh to him as children to a father, with humble reverence, yet with holy boldness. He openly made this address to God, with uplifted eyes and loud voice, that they might be convinced the Father had sent him as his beloved Son into the world. He could have raised Lazarus by the silent exertion of his power and will, and the unseen working of the Spirit of life; but he did it by a loud call. This was a figure of the gospel call, by which dead souls are brought out of the grave of sin: and of the sound of the archangel's trumpet at the last day, with which all that sleep in the dust shall be awakened, and summoned before the great tribunal. The grave of sin and this world, is no place for those whom Christ has quickened; they must come forth. Lazarus was thoroughly revived, and returned not only to life, but to health. The sinner cannot quicken his own soul, but he is to use the means of grace; the believer cannot sanctify himself, but he is to lay aside every weight and hinderance. We cannot convert our relatives and friends, but we should instruct, warn, and invite them.