New Testament
John 11:40
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?"
Compare translations
Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
What John 11:40 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, who has just died. He reminds her of the importance of faith. Jesus had previously told her that believing in Him would lead to witnessing God's glory. This statement emphasizes that faith is crucial in experiencing God's power and presence. Jesus is encouraging Martha to trust Him, even in the face of death and despair. The 'glory of God' refers to the manifestation of God's greatness and divine nature, which can be revealed through miraculous acts. By believing, Martha would not only see her brother raised from the dead but also understand the deeper truth of who Jesus is. This moment serves as a pivotal point in the narrative, showcasing Jesus' authority over life and death, and inviting others to have faith in Him as the source of hope and resurrection.
How to apply John 11:40 to your life
This verse encourages us to strengthen our faith in challenging times. When faced with difficulties or loss, we should remember that belief in Jesus can lead to experiencing God's glory in our lives. Trusting Him can transform our perspective and bring hope.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Raising Lazarus (John 11:1–44)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about John 11:40
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying John 11:40
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 11:40 mean?
In John 11:40, Jesus tells Martha that if she believes, she will see God's glory. This emphasizes the importance of faith, especially in difficult situations, and highlights that belief in Jesus can lead to witnessing God's miraculous power.
What is the significance of believing in John 11:40?
Believing, as mentioned in John 11:40, is crucial for experiencing God's glory. Jesus uses this moment to encourage Martha to trust Him, suggesting that faith opens the door to understanding and witnessing God's greatness.
What does 'glory of God' refer to in John 11:40?
The 'glory of God' in John 11:40 refers to the manifestation of God's greatness and divine nature. It signifies the miraculous acts and presence of God that can be revealed through faith.
How can John 11:40 apply to my life?
John 11:40 can inspire you to strengthen your faith during tough times. It reminds you that trusting in Jesus can lead to experiencing hope and transformation, even in the face of loss.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.