‏ John 11:1-44

 Was sick ( ην ασθενων ). Periphrastic imperfect active of  ασθενεω, old verb (from  ασθενης,  α privative, and  σθενος, strength).

 Lazarus ( Λαζαρος ). See on Lu 16:20 for the name of another man in the parable, a shortened form of Eleazer, only other N.T. use, but in Josephus and rabbinical writings. No connexion between this Lazarus and the one in the parable.

 Of Bethany ( απο Βηθανιας ). Use of  απο as in 1:44 Philip of Bethsaida and 1:45 Joseph of Nazareth. This Bethany is about two miles (11:18) east of Jerusalem on the south-east slope of Olivet and is now called El Azariyeh, from the name Lazarus. Jesus is still apparently at the other Bethany beyond Jordan (10:40). It is doubtful if a distinction is meant here by  απο and  εκ between Bethany as the residence and some other village ( εκ της κωμης ) as the birthplace of Lazarus and the sisters.

 Of Mary and Martha ( Μαριας κα Μαρθας ). Note  Μαρθας, not  Μαρθης for the genitive. Elsewhere (Joh 11:19; Lu 10:38) Martha comes first as the mistress and hostess. The two sisters are named for further identification of Lazarus. Martha was apparently the elder sister (11:5, 19; Lu 10:38f.). "The identification of Mary with Mary Magdalene is a mere conjecture supported by no direct evidence, and opposed to the general tenor of the Gospels" (Westcott).

 And it was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair ( ην δε Μαριαμ η αλειψασα τον κυριον μυρω κα εκμαξασα τους ποδας αυτου ταις θριξιν αυτης ). This description is added to make plainer who Mary is "whose brother Lazarus was sick" ( ης ο αδελφος Λαζαρος ησθενε ). There is an evident proleptic allusion to the incident described by John in 12:1-8 just after chapter 11. As John looks back from the end of the century it was all behind him, though the anointing ( η αλειψασα, first aorist active articular participle of  αλειφω, old verb for which see Mr 6:13) took place after the events in chapter 11. The aorist participle is timeless and merely pictures the punctiliar act. The same remark applies to  εκμαξασα, old verb  εκμασσω, to wipe off or away (Isa 12:3; 13:5; Lu 7:38, 44). Note the Aramaic form  Μαριαμ as usual in John, but  Μαριας in verse 1. When John wrote, it was as Jesus had foretold (Mt 26:13), for the fame of Mary of Bethany rested on the incident of the anointing of Jesus. The effort to link Mary of Bethany with Mary Magdalene and then both names with the sinful woman of Lu 7:36-50 is gratuitous and to my mind grotesque and cruel to the memory of both Mary of Bethany and Mary Magdalene. Bernard may be taken as a specimen: "The conclusion is inevitable that John (or his editor) regarded Mary of Bethany as the same person who is described by Luke as  αμαρτωλος." This critical and artistic heresy has already been discussed in Vol. II on Luke's Gospel. Suffice it here to say that Luke introduces Mary Magdalene as an entirely new character in 8:2 and that the details in Lu 7:36-50; Joh 12:1-8 have only superficial resemblances and serious disagreements. John is not here alluding to Luke's record, but preparing for his own in chapter 12. What earthly difficulty is there in two different women under wholly different circumstances doing a similar act for utterly different purposes?

 Sent saying ( απεστειλαν λεγουσα ). First aorist active indicative of  αποστελλω and present active participle. The message was delivered by the messenger.

 Thou lovest ( φιλεις ).  Φιλεω means to love as a friend (see  φιλος in verse 11) and so warmly, while  αγαπαω (akin to  αγαμα, to admire, and  αγαθος, good) means high regard. Here both terms occur of the love of Jesus for Lazarus ( ηγαπα in verse 5). Both occur of the Father's love for the Son ( αγαπα in 3:35,  φιλε in 5:20). Hence the distinction is not always observed.

 Heard it ( ακουσας ). The messenger delivered the message of the sisters. The reply of Jesus is for him and for the apostles.

 Is not unto death ( ουκ εστιν προς θανατον ). Death in the final issue, to remain dead. Lazarus did die, but he did not remain dead. See  αμαρτια προς θανατον in 1Jo 5:16, "sin unto death" (final death).

 But for the glory of God ( αλλ' υπερ της δοξης του θεου ). In behalf of God's glory, as the sequel shows. Cf. 9:3 about the man born blind. The death of Lazarus will illustrate God's glory. In some humble sense those who suffer the loss of loved ones are entitled to some comfort from this point made by Jesus about Lazarus. In a supreme way it is true of the death of Christ which he himself calls glorification of himself and God (13:31). In 7:39 John had already used  δοξαζω of the death of Christ.

 That the Son of God may be glorified thereby ( ινα δοξασθη ο υιος του θεου δι' αυτης ). Purpose clause with  ινα and the first aorist passive subjunctive of  δοξαζω. Here Jesus calls himself "the Son of God." In 8:54 Jesus had said: "It is my Father that glorifieth me." The raising of Lazarus from the tomb will bring glory to the Son of God. See 17:1 for this idea in Christ's prayer. The raising of Lazarus will also bring to an issue his own death and all this involves the glorification of the Father (7:39; 12:16; 13:31; 14:13). The death of Lazarus brings Jesus face to face with his own death.

 Now Jesus loved ( ηγαπα δε ). Imperfect active of  αγαπαω picturing the continued love of Jesus for this noble family where he had his home so often (Lu 10:38-42; Joh 12:1-8). The sisters expected him to come at once and to heal Lazarus.

 That he was sick ( οτ ασθενε ). Present active indicative retained in indirect discourse after a secondary tense ( ηκουσεν ).

 Two days ( δυο ημερας ). Accusative of extent of time.

 In the place where he was ( εν ω ην τοπω ). Incorporation of the antecedent  τοπω into the relative clause, "in which place he was." It was long enough for Lazarus to die and seemed unlike Jesus to the sisters.

 Then after this ( επειτα μετα τουτο ).  Επειτα (only here in John) means thereafter (Lu 16:7) and it is made plainer by the addition of  μετα τουτο (cf. 2:12; 11:11), meaning after the two days had elapsed.

 Let us go into Judea again ( Αγωμεν εις την Ιουδαιαν παλιν ). Volitive (hortative) subjunctive of  αγω (intransitive use as in verses 11, 16). They had but recently escaped the rage of the Jews in Jerusalem (10:39) to this haven in Bethany beyond Jordan (10:40).

 Were but now seeking to stone thee ( νυν εζητουν σε λιθασα ). Conative imperfect of  ζητεω with reference to the event narrated in 10:39 in these very words.

 Goest thou thither again? ( παλιν υπαγεις εκει; ). Present active intransitive use of the compound  υπαγω, to withdraw ( 6:21; 8:21 ) from this safe retreat (Vincent). It seemed suicidal madness to go back now.

 In the day ( της ημερας ). Genitive of time, within the day, the twelve-hour day in contrast with night. The words of Jesus here illustrate what he had said in 9:4. It is not blind fatalism that Jesus proclaims, but the opposite of cowardice. He has full confidence in the Father s purpose about his "hour" which has not yet come. Jesus has courage to face his enemies again to do the Father's will about Lazarus.

 If a man walk in the day ( εαν τις περιπατη εν τη ημερα ). Condition of the third class, a conceived case and it applies to Jesus who walks in the full glare of noonday. See 8:12 for the contrast between walking in the light and in the dark.

 He stumbleth not ( ου προσκοπτε ). He does not cut (or bump) against this or that obstacle, for he can see.  Κοπτω is to cut and pros, against.

 But if a man walk in the night ( εαν δε τις περιπατη εν τη νυκτ ). Third condition again. It is spiritual darkness that Jesus here pictures, but the result is the same. See the same figure in 12:35 (1Jo 2:11). The ancients had poor illumination at night as indeed we did before Edison gave us electric lights. Pedestrians actually used to have little lamps fastened on the feet to light the path.

 In him ( εν αυτω ). Spiritual darkness, the worst of all (cf. Mt 6:23; Joh 8:12). Man has the capacity for light, but is not the source of light. "By the application of this principle Christianity is distinguished from Neo-Platonism" (Westcott).

 Is fallen asleep ( κεκοιμητα ). Perfect passive indicative of  κοιμαω, old verb to put to sleep. Common as a metaphor for death like our cemetery.

 I go ( πορευομα ). Futuristic use of the present tense as in 14:2.

 That I may awake him out of sleep ( ινα εξυπνισω αυτον ). Purpose clause with  ινα and the first aorist active subjunctive of  εξυπνιζω, a late compound ( εξ, υπνος, sleep) for the older  αφυπνιζω, here only in the N.T. See Job 14:12 where also it occurs along with  κοιμαομα.

 He will recover ( σωθησετα ). Future passive indicative of  σωζω used in its original sense of being or getting well (safe and sound). Conclusion of the condition of the first class ( ε κεκοιμητα ).

 Had spoken ( ειρηκε ). Past perfect of  ειπον ( ερω ). The disciples had misunderstood Christ's metaphor for death.

 That he spake ( οτ λεγε ). Present active indicative retained in indirect discourse after the secondary tense ( εδοξαν ).

 Of taking rest in sleep ( περ της κοιμησεως του υπου ). Only use of  κοιμησις (from  κοιμαω ) in the N.T., but it also was used of death (Sirach 46:19).  Hυπνου (in sleep) is objective genitive of  υπνος (sleep, Mt 1:24).

 Plainly ( παρρησια ). Adverb (see on 7:4), without metaphor as in 16:29.

 Is dead ( απεθανεν ). First aorist active indicative, "died."

 For your sakes ( δι' υμας ). That they may witness his raising from the grave.

 That I was not there ( οτ ουκ ημην εκε ). Imperfect middle  ημην of the later Greek instead of the common active  ην in indirect discourse in place of the usual present retained as in verse 13.

 To the intent ye may believe ( ινα πιστευσητε ). Purpose clause with  ινα and the ingressive aorist active subjunctive, "that ye may come to believe" (more than you do). See the same use of the ingressive aorist in  επιστευσαν (2:11) where the disciples gained in belief.

 Nevertheless let us go to him ( αλλα αγωμεν προς αυτον ). Volitive subjunctive, repeating the proposal of verse 7. He is dead, but no matter, yea all the more let us go on to him.

 Didymus ( Διδυμος ). The word means twin. Clearly Thomas had a twin brother or sister. Applied two other times to him (20:24; 21:2). The Aramaic word for Thomas means Twin and Didymus is just the Greek equivalent of Thomas. He may even in Greek circles have been called Didymus.

 His fellow disciples ( τοις συνμαθηταις ). Dative case and article use like "his." Only use of  συνμαθητες in the N.T., rare word (in Plato).

 Us also ( κα ημεις ). As well as Jesus, since he is bent on going.

 That we may die with him ( ινα αποθανωμεν μετ' αυτου ). Purpose clause with  ινα and the second aorist active subjunctive of  αποθνησκω. Die with Jesus, Thomas means. Lazarus is already dead and they will kill Jesus (verse 8). Pessimistic courage surely.

 Found ( ευρεν ). Second aorist active indicative of  ευρισκω.

 That he had been in the tomb four days already ( αυτον τεσσαρας ηδη ημερας εχοντα ). Literally, "him (accusative object of  ευρεν ) having already four days in the tomb." See 5:5 for the same idiom ( ετη εχων ) for expression of time (having 38 years). In Jewish custom burial took place on the day of death (Ac 6:6, 10).

 About fifteen furlongs off ( ως απο σταδιων δεκαπεντε ). The idiom of  απο with the ablative for distance is like the Latin a millibus passum duobus (Caesar, Bell. Gall. ii. 7), but it ( προ also, Joh 12:1) occurs already in the Doric and in the Koine often (Moulton, Proleg., p. 101; Robertson, Grammar, p. 110). See it again in 21:8; Re 14:20.

 Had come ( εληλυθεισαν ). Past perfect of  ερχομα. These Jews were probably not hostile to Jesus. There were seven days of solemn mourning (1Sa 31:13). The presence of so many indicates the prominence of the family.

 To Martha and Mary ( προς την Μαρθαν κα Μαριαμ ). Correct text, not the Textus Receptus  προς τας περ Μαρθαν κα Μαριαμ (to the women about Martha and Mary).

 To console them ( ινα παραμυθησωντα ). Purpose clause with  ινα and first aorist middle subjunctive of  παραμυθεομα, old verb ( παρα, beside,  μυθος, word), to put in a word beside, to offer consolation. Again in verse 31. See 1Th 2:11; 5:14. See Job 2:13 for these visits of consolation, often deplorable enough, though kindly meant.

 That Jesus was coming ( οτ Ιησους ερχετα ). Present middle indicative retained in indirect discourse after the secondary tense  ηκουσεν (first aorist active).

 Went and met him ( υπηντησεν αυτω ). First aorist (ingressive) active indicative of  υπανταω, old compound verb, to go to meet (Mt 8:28) with the associative instrumental case  αυτω.

 But Mary still sat in the house ( Μαριαμ δε εν τω οικω εκαθεζετο ). Imperfect middle of  καθεζομα, old verb to sit down, graphic picture of Mary, "while Mary was sitting in the house." Both Martha and Mary act true to form here as in Lu 10:38-42.

 Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died ( Κυριε, ε ης ωδε ουκ αν απεθανεν ο αδελφος μου ). Condition of the second class with  ε and the imperfect  ης (no aorist of  ειμ, to be) in the condition and  αν with the second aorist active indicative of  αποθνησκω. Mary (verse 32) uses these identical words to Jesus. Clearly they had said so to each other with wistful longing if not with a bit of reproach for his delay. But they used  ης, not  ηλθες or  εγενου. But busy, practical Martha comes to the point.

 And even now I know ( κα νυν οιδα ). Rather just, "Even now I know."  Αλλα (but) of the Textus Receptus is not genuine.

 Whatsoever thou shalt ask of God ( οσα αν αιτηση τον θεον ). Indefinite relative ( οσα, as many things as) with  αν and the first aorist middle (indirect middle, thou thyself asking) subjunctive of  αιτεω. Martha uses  αιτεω (usual word of prayer of men to God) rather than  ερωταω (usual word of Jesus praying to the Father), but in 16:23 we have  ερωταω used of prayer to Jesus and  αιτεω of prayer to God. But the distinction is not to be pressed. "As many things as thou dost ask of God."

 God will give ( δωσε σο ο θεος ). Repetition of  ο θεος for emphasis. Martha still has courageous faith in the power of God through Jesus and Jesus in verse 41 says practically what she has said here.

 Thy brother will rise again ( αναστησετα ο αδελφος σου ). Future middle (intransitive) of  ανιστημ. The words promise Martha what she has asked for, if Jesus means that.

 In the resurrection at the last day ( εν τη αναστασε εν τη εσχατη ημερα ). Did Jesus mean only that? She believed it, of course, and such comfort is often offered in case of death, but that idea did not console Martha and is not what she hinted at in verse 22.

 I am the resurrection and the life ( Εγω ειμ η αναστασις κα η ζωη ). This reply is startling enough. They are not mere doctrines about future events, but present realities in Jesus himself. "The Resurrection is one manifestation of the Life: it is involved in the Life" (Westcott). Note the article with both  αναστασις and  ζωη. Jesus had taught the future resurrection often (6:39), but here he means more, even that Lazarus is now alive.

 Though he die ( καν αποθανη ). "Even if he die," condition (concession) of third class with  κα εαν ( καν ) and the second aorist active subjunctive of  αποθνησκω (physical death, he means).

 Yet shall he live ( ζησετα ). Future middle of  ζαω (spiritual life, of course).

 Shall never die ( ου μη αποθανη εις τον αιωνα ). Strong double negative  ου μη with second aorist active subjunctive of  αποθνησκω again (but spiritual death, this time), "shall not die for ever" (eternal death).

 Believest thou this? ( πιστευεις τουτο; ) Sudden test of Martha's insight and faith with all the subtle turns of thought involved.

 Yea, Lord ( Ναι, κυριε ). Martha probably did not understand all that Jesus said and meant, but she did believe in the future resurrection, in eternal life for believers in Christ, in the power of Christ to raise even the dead here and now. She had heroic faith and makes now her own confession of faith in words that outrank those of Peter in Mt 16:16 because she makes hers with her brother dead now four days and with the hope that Jesus will raise him up now.

 I have believed ( πεπιστευκα ). Perfect active indicative of  πιστευω. It is my settled and firm faith. Peter uses this same tense in 6:69.

 That thou art the Son of God ( οτ συ ε ο Χριστος ο υιος του θεου ). The Messiah or the Christ (1:41) was to be also "the Son of God" as the Baptist said he had found Jesus to be (1:34), as Peter confessed on Hermon for the apostles (Mt 16:16), as Jesus claimed to be (Joh 11:41) and confessed on oath before Caiaphas that he was (Mt 26:63f.), and as John stated that it was his purpose to prove in his Gospel (20:31). But no one said it under more trying circumstances than Martha.

 Even he that cometh into the world ( ο εις τον κοσμον ερχομενος ). No "even" in the Greek. This was a popular way of putting the people's expectation (6:14; Mt 11:3). Jesus himself spoke of his coming into the world (9:39; 16:28; 8:37).

 Called Mary ( εφωνησεν Μαριαμ ). First aorist active indicative of  φωνεω. Out of the house and away from the crowd.

 Secretly ( λαθρα ). Old adverb from  λαθρος ( λανθανω ). To tell her the glad news.

 The Master ( ο διδασκαλος ). "The Teacher." So they loved to call him as he was (13:13).

 Is here ( παρεστιν ). "Is present."

 Calleth thee ( φωνε σε ). This rouses Mary.

 And she ( κα εκεινη ). Emphatic use of the demonstrative  εκεινος as often in John, "And that one."

 Arose quickly ( ηγερθη ). First aorist (ingressive) passive of  εγειρω and intransitive. Naturally so on the sudden impulse of joy.

 And went unto him ( κα ηρχετο προς αυτον ). Imperfect middle, possibly inchoative, started towards him, certainly picturing her as she was going.

 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town ( ουπω δε εληλυθε ο Ιησους εις την κωμην ). Explanatory parenthesis with past perfect as in verse 19. Martha had her interview while he was still coming (verse 20) and left him (went off,  απηλθεν, verse 28) to hurry to Mary with the news. Why Jesus tarried still where he had met Martha we do not know. Westcott says, "as though He would meet the sisters away from the crowd of mourners."

 Followed her ( ηκολουθησαν αυτη ). First aorist active indicative of  ακολουθεω with associative instrumental case ( αυτη ). This crowd of consolers ( παραμυθουμενο ) meant kindly enough, but did the one wrong thing for Mary wished to see Jesus alone. People with kind notions often so act. The secrecy of Martha (verse 28) was of no avail.

 Supposing that she was going unto the tomb ( δοξαντες οτ υπαγε εις το μνημειον ). First aorist active participle of  δοκεω, justifying their conduct by a wrong inference. Note retention of present tense  υπαγε in indirect discourse after the secondary tense  ηκολουθησαν.

 To weep there ( ινα κλαυση εκε ). Purpose clause with  ινα and the first aorist active subjunctive of  κλαιω, old verb to weep. Sometimes to wail or howl in oriental style of grief, but surely not that here. At any rate this supposed purpose of Mary was a real reason for this crowd

 not to go with her.

 Fell down at his feet ( επεσεν αυτου προς τους ποδας ). Second aorist active of  πιπτω, to fall. Note unusual position of  αυτου. This impulsive act like Mary. She said precisely what Martha had said to Jesus (verse 21). But she said no more, only wept (verse 33).

 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping ( Ιησους ουν ως ειδεν αυτην κλαιουσαν ). Proleptic position of "Jesus," "Jesus therefore when he saw." She was weeping at the feet of Jesus, not at the tomb.

 And the Jews also weeping ( κα τους Ιουδαιους κλαιοντας ). Mary's weeping was genuine, that of the Jews was partly perfunctory and professional and probably actual "wailing" as the verb  κλαιω can mean.  Κλαιω is joined with  αλαλαζω in Mr 5:38, with  ολολυζω in Jas 5:1, with  θορυβεω in Mr 5:39, with  πενθεω in Mr 16:10. It was an incongruous combination.

 He groaned in the spirit ( ενεβριμησατο τω πνευματ ). First aorist middle indicative of  εμβριμαομα, old verb (from  εν, and  βριμη, strength) to snort with anger like a horse. It occurs in the LXX (Da 11:30) for violent displeasure. The notion of indignation is present in the other examples of the word in the N.T. (Mr 1:43; 14:5; Mt 9:30). So it seems best to see that sense here and in verse 38. The presence of these Jews, the grief of Mary, Christ's own concern, the problem of the raising of Lazarus--all greatly agitated the spirit of Jesus (locative case  τω πνευματ ). He struggled for self-control.

 Was troubled ( εταραξεν εαυτον ). First aorist active indicative of  ταρασσω, old verb to disturb, to agitate, with the reflexive pronoun, "he agitated himself" (not passive voice, not middle). "His sympathy with the weeping sister and the wailing crowd caused this deep emotion" (Dods). Some indignation at the loud wailing would only add to the agitation of Jesus.

 Where have ye laid him? ( Που τεθεικατε αυτον; ). Perfect active indicative of  τιθημ. A simple question for information. The only other like it in John is in 6:6 where it is expressly stated that Jesus knew what he was going to do. So it was here, only he politely asked for direction to the tomb of Lazarus. The people invite him to come and see, the very language used by Philip to Nathanael (1:46). It was a natural and polite reply as they would show Jesus the way, but they had no idea of his purpose.

 Jesus wept ( εδακρυσεν ο Ιησους ). Ingressive first aorist active indicative of  δακρυω, old verb from  δακρυ or  δακρυον, a tear (Ac 20:19), only here in N.T. It never means to wail, as  κλαιω sometimes does. "Jesus burst into tears."  Κλαιω is used of Jesus in Lu 19:41. See Heb 5:7 "with strong crying and tears" ( μετα κραυγης κα δακρυων ). Apparently this was as Jesus started towards (see verse 38) the tomb. In a sense it was a reaction from the severe strain in verse 33, but chiefly it was the sheer human sympathy of his heart with Martha and Mary touched with the feeling of our common weakness (Heb 4:15). Often all that we can do is to shed tears in grief too deep for words. Jesus understood and understands. This is the shortest verse in the Bible, but no verse carries more meaning in it.

 Loved ( εφιλε ). As in verse 3 which see. Imperfect active. Even the Jews saw that Jesus loved Lazarus.

 Could not this man ( ουκ εδυνατο ουτος ). Imperfect middle of  δυναμα. They do not say  δυνατα (can, present middle indicative). But clearly the opening of the blind man's eyes (chapter 9) had made a lasting impression on some of these Jews, for it was done three months ago.

 Have caused that this man also should not die ( ποιησα ινα κα ουτος μη αποθανη ). First aorist active infinitive of  ποιεω with  ινα, like the Latin facere ut (sub-final use, Robertson, Grammar, p. 985), with the second aorist active subjunctive  αποθανη and negative  μη. These Jews share the view expressed by Martha (verse 21) and Mary (verse 32) that Jesus could have

 prevented the death of Lazarus.

 Again groaning in himself ( παλιν εμβριμωμενος εν εαυτω ). Direct reference to the use of this same word (present middle participle here) in verse 33, only with  εν εαυτω (in himself) rather than  τω πνευματ (in his spirit), practically the same idea. The speculation concerning his power stirred the depths of his nature again.

 Cometh to the tomb ( ερχετα εις το μνημειον ). Vivid historical present.

 A cave ( σπηλαιον ). Old word (from  σπεος, cavern). Cf. Mt 21:13.

 Lay against it ( επεκειτο επ' αυτω ). Imperfect middle of  επικειμα, old verb to lie upon as in 21:9 and figuratively (1Co 9:16). Note repetition of  επ with locative case. The use of a cave for burial was common (Ge 23:19). Either the body was let down through a horizontal opening (hardly so here) or put in a tomb cut in the face of the rock (if so,  επ can mean "against"). The stones were used to keep away wild animals from the bodies.

 Take ye away the stone ( αρατε τον λιθον ). First aorist active imperative of  αιρω. They could do this much without the exercise of Christ's divine power. It was a startling command to them.

 By this time he stinketh ( ηδη οζε ). Present active indicative of old verb, here only in N.T. (cf. Ex 8:14). It means to give out an odour, either good or bad.

 For he hath been dead four days ( τεταρταιος γαρ εστιν ). The Greek simply says, "For he is a fourth-day man." It is an old ordinal numeral from  τεταρτος (fourth). Herodotus (ii. 89) has  τεταρταιος γενεσθα of one four days dead as here. The word is only here in the N.T. The same idiom occurs in Ac 28:13 with  δευτεραιο (second-day men). Lightfoot (Hor. Hebr.) quotes a Jewish tradition (Beresh. Rabba) to the effect that the soul hovers around the tomb for three days hoping to return to the body, but on the fourth day leaves it. But there is no suggestion here that Martha held that notion. Her protest is a natural one in spite of her strong faith in verses 22-27.

 Said I not unto thee? ( Ουκ ειπον σοι; ). Jesus pointedly reminds Martha of his promise to raise Lazarus (verses 25f.).

 That if thou believedst ( οτ εαν πιστευσηις ). Indirect discourse with  εαν and the first aorist active subjunctive (condition of third class) retained after the secondary tense  ειπον. He had not said this very phrase,  εαν πιστευσηις, to Martha, but he did say to her:  Πιστευεις τουτο; (Believest thou this?). He meant to test Martha as to her faith already hinted at (verse 22) on this very point. Jesus had also spoken of increase of faith on the part of the disciples (verse 15).

 Thou shouldest see the glory of God ( οψη την δοξαν του θεου ). Future middle indicative of the old defective verb  οραω retained in the conclusion of this condition in indirect discourse. Jesus means the glory of God as shown in the resurrection of Lazarus as he had already said to the disciples (verse 4) and as he meant Martha to understand (verse 25) and may in fact have said to her (the report of the conversation is clearly abridged). Hence Bernard's difficulty in seeing how Martha could understand the words of Jesus about the resurrection of Lazarus here and now seems fanciful and far-fetched.

 So they took away the stone ( ηραν ουν τον λιθον ). First aorist active indicative of  αιρω, but without the explanatory gloss of the Textus Receptus "from the place where the dead was laid" (not genuine).

 I thank thee that thou heardest me ( ευχαριστω σο οτ ηκουσας μου ). See 6:11 for  ευχαριστεω. Clearly Jesus had prayed to the Father concerning the raising of Lazarus. He has the answer before he acts. "No pomp of incantation, no wrestling in prayer even; but simple words of thanksgiving, as if already Lazarus was restored" (Dods). Jesus well knew the issues involved on this occasion. If he failed, his own claims to be the Son of God (the Messiah), would be hopelessly discredited with all. If he succeeded, the rulers would be so embittered as to compass his own death.

 And I knew ( εγω δε ηιδειν ). Past perfect of  οιδα used as imperfect. This confident knowledge is no new experience with Jesus. It has "always" ( παντοτε ) been so.

 Which standeth around ( τον περιεστωτα ). Second perfect active (intransitive) articular participle of  περιιστημ. It was a picturesque and perilous scene.

 That they may believe ( ινα πιστευσωσιν ). Purpose clause with  ινα and first ingressive aorist active subjunctive of  πιστευω, "that they may come to believe."

 That thou didst send me ( οτ συ με απεστειλας ). First aorist active indicative of  αποστελλω and note position of  συ με side by side. This claim Jesus had long ago made (5:36) and had repeatedly urged (10:25, 38). Here was a supreme opportunity and Jesus opens his heart about it.

 He cried with a loud voice ( φωνη μεγαλη εκραυγασεν ). First aorist active indicative of  κραυγαζω, old and rare word from  κραυγη (Mt 25:6). See Mt 12:19. Occurs again in Joh 18:40; 19:6, 12. Only once in the LXX (Ezr 3:13) and with  φωνη μεγαλη (either locative or instrumental case makes sense) as here. For this "elevated (great) voice" see also Mt 24:31; Mr 15:34, 37; Re 1:10; 21:3. The loud voice was not for the benefit of Lazarus, but for the sake of the crowd standing around that they might see that Lazarus came forth simultaneously with the command of Jesus.

 Lazarus, come forth ( Λαζαρε, δευρο εξω ). "Hither out." No verb, only the two adverbs,  δευρο here alone in John. Lazarus heard and obeyed the summons.

 He that was dead came forth ( εξηλθεν ο τεθνηκως ). Literally, "Came out the dead man," (effective aorist active indicative and perfect active articular participle of  θνησκω ). Just as he was and at once.

 Bound hand and foot ( δεδεμενος τους ποδας κα τας χειρας ). Perfect passive participle of  δεω with the accusative loosely retained according to the common Greek idiom (Robertson, Grammar, p. 486), but literally "as to the feet and hands" (opposite order from the English). Probably the legs were bound separately.

 With grave-clothes ( κειριαις ). Or "with bands." Instrumental case of this late and rare word (in Plutarch, medical papyrus in the form  κηρια, and Pr 7:16). Only here in N.T.

 His face ( η οψις αυτου ). Old word, but  προσωπον is usual in N.T. See Re 1:16 for another instance.

 Was bound about ( περιεδεδετο ). Past perfect passive of  περιδεω, old verb to bind around, only here in N.T.

 With a napkin ( σουδαριω ). Instrumental case of  σουδαριον (Latin word sudarium from sudor, sweat). In N.T. here, 20:7; Lu 19:20; Ac 19:12. Our handkerchief.

 Loose him ( λυσατε αυτον ). First aorist active imperative of  λυω. From the various bands.

 Let him go ( αφετε αυτον υπαγειν ). Second aorist active imperative of  αφιημ and present active infinitive.