New Testament
John 11:55
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Now the Jewish Passover was near, and many went up to Jerusalem from the countryside before the Passover to purify themselves.
Compare translations
And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.
What John 11:55 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see that the Jewish Passover festival is approaching, a significant event in the Jewish calendar that commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. Many people from the surrounding countryside travel to Jerusalem to prepare for the festival. This preparation often involves ritual purification, which is a customary practice to ensure they are spiritually clean before participating in the Passover celebrations. The act of going to Jerusalem signifies the importance of community and shared faith during this sacred time. The mention of purification highlights the Jewish emphasis on holiness and the need to be ready to observe the religious rituals associated with Passover. This verse sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the following chapters, particularly concerning Jesus' role in the Passover and the impending events of his crucifixion.
How to apply John 11:55 to your life
As we prepare for significant events in our lives, we should take time for spiritual reflection and purification. Just as the Jews prepared for Passover, we can engage in practices that help us align our hearts and minds with our faith, fostering a deeper connection with our community and God.
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: The Plot to Kill Jesus (John 11:45–57)
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 11:55
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 11:55
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 11:55 mean?
John 11:55 indicates that the Jewish Passover was approaching, prompting many people from the countryside to travel to Jerusalem for purification. This highlights the significance of the festival and the importance of being spiritually prepared for it.
What is the significance of purification in John 11:55?
Purification in John 11:55 refers to the ritual practices that Jews undertook to ensure they were spiritually clean before participating in the Passover. This reflects the emphasis on holiness and readiness for religious observance during this important time.
Why did people go to Jerusalem before Passover according to John 11:55?
People went to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves, which was a customary practice to ensure they were spiritually ready to celebrate the festival. This journey underscores the communal aspect of the observance.
How does John 11:55 relate to the themes of community and faith?
John 11:55 illustrates the communal aspect of the Passover as many individuals traveled together to Jerusalem, highlighting their shared faith and the importance of preparing collectively for a significant religious event.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.