New Testament
John 11:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus.
Compare translations
Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
What John 11:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a clear expression of Jesus' love for three individuals: Martha, her sister Mary, and their brother Lazarus. This love is significant because it highlights the personal relationships Jesus had with people, showing that He cared deeply for them as individuals. The mention of their names indicates that Jesus was not just a distant figure but someone who engaged with people on a personal level. This love is foundational to the events that follow in the chapter, where Jesus performs a miracle by raising Lazarus from the dead. Understanding this love helps us appreciate the depth of Jesus' compassion and His willingness to enter into the struggles and sorrows of those He loves. It also sets the stage for the demonstration of His power over death, reinforcing the idea that love and divine authority are intertwined in His ministry.
How to apply John 11:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of love in our relationships. Just as Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, we are called to express love and care for those around us. Building strong, loving connections can provide support during difficult times and reflect the love of Christ in our lives.
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 11:5
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 11:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 11:5 mean?
John 11:5 highlights Jesus' love for Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, showing that He had personal relationships with them. This verse emphasizes the significance of love in Jesus' interactions and sets the stage for the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead.
How does John 11:5 relate to the miracle of Lazarus?
John 11:5 sets the emotional context for the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. By stating Jesus' love for Lazarus and his sisters, it highlights the personal stakes involved in the miracle and the depth of Jesus' compassion.
What themes are present in John 11:5?
Themes in John 11:5 include the love of Jesus, personal relationships, compassion, and the connection between love and miracles. This verse encapsulates the emotional depth of Jesus' ministry and His engagement with human experiences.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.