New Testament
John 11:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
His disciples said to him, "Rabbi, just recently the Jews were trying to stone you, and you're going back there?"
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His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
What John 11:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the disciples express concern for Jesus' safety. They remind Him that not long ago, the Jewish leaders were trying to kill Him by stoning. Their question reflects their fear and confusion about why Jesus would want to return to a place where He faced such danger. This moment highlights the tension between Jesus' mission and the risks involved. The disciples are protective and worried about the potential consequences of Jesus' actions. They see the threat to His life and are trying to understand His purpose in going back to Judea, where hostility awaited Him. This exchange illustrates the disciples' loyalty and their struggle to grasp the full scope of Jesus' mission, which included facing danger for the sake of others. It also sets the stage for the events that follow, where Jesus demonstrates His authority over life and death, ultimately revealing His divine purpose.
How to apply John 11:8 to your life
This verse encourages us to confront our fears and uncertainties with faith. Just as the disciples were concerned for Jesus, we often worry about the risks in our lives. However, we are called to trust in God's plan, even when it seems dangerous or uncertain. Stepping out in faith can lead to profound experiences and growth.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Raising Lazarus (John 11:1–44)
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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.
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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 11:8 mean?
In John 11:8, the disciples express their concern for Jesus' safety as He plans to return to Judea, where the Jewish leaders had recently tried to stone Him. Their question reveals their fear and confusion about the dangers Jesus faces in fulfilling His mission.
What is the significance of the disciples' concern in John 11:8?
The disciples' concern in John 11:8 highlights their loyalty and protective instincts towards Jesus. It also illustrates their struggle to understand His purpose, especially when it involves facing danger for the sake of others.
What does the phrase 'the Jews were trying to stone you' mean in John 11:8?
The phrase 'the Jews were trying to stone you' in John 11:8 refers to the Jewish leaders' intent to kill Jesus by stoning, which underscores the hostility He faced and the risks involved in His ministry.
How does John 11:8 relate to themes of faith and danger?
John 11:8 relates to themes of faith and danger by showing the disciples' fear in the face of potential harm. It encourages readers to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem risky or uncertain.
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