New Testament
John 12:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead continued to testify about it.
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The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
What John 12:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a group of people who witnessed a miraculous event: Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. These individuals were not just passive observers; they actively shared their experiences and testimonies about what they had seen. Their continued testimony highlights the impact of Jesus' miracles on those who witnessed them. It emphasizes the importance of sharing personal experiences of faith and the transformative power of Jesus. The act of testifying serves to strengthen the faith of others and spread the message of Jesus' divine authority. This verse illustrates how powerful testimonies can inspire belief and encourage others to seek a relationship with Christ. The crowd's actions remind us that witnessing God's work in our lives compels us to share those experiences with others, fostering a community of faith and encouragement.
How to apply John 12:17 to your life
We should share our personal experiences of faith and the ways God has worked in our lives. By doing so, we can encourage others and strengthen their belief. Testimonies can be powerful tools for spreading hope and inspiring faith in our communities.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Triumphal Entry (John 12:12–19)
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Jesus

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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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 12:17 mean?
John 12:17 describes a crowd of people who witnessed Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. They were not only witnesses but also actively shared their experiences, highlighting the significance of personal testimonies in spreading faith.
What is the significance of the crowd in John 12:17?
The crowd in John 12:17 represents those who experienced a miracle and felt compelled to share their testimony. Their actions emphasize the importance of witnessing and sharing personal experiences of faith to inspire others.
What does 'bare record' mean in John 12:17?
In John 12:17, 'bare record' means that the people openly testified or gave witness to what they had seen regarding Jesus' miracle of raising Lazarus. It indicates their active role in sharing their experiences.
How does John 12:17 relate to sharing faith?
John 12:17 illustrates the importance of sharing personal testimonies of faith. The crowd's willingness to testify about Jesus' miracle encourages others to share their experiences, fostering a community of belief and support.
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