John 11 16

John 11:16 kjv

Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

John 11:16 nkjv

Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him."

John 11:16 niv

Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."

John 11:16 esv

So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."

John 11:16 nlt

Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let's go, too ? and die with Jesus."

John 11 verses

John 11 16 Meaning

Thomas, called Didymus (meaning "twin"), spoke when Jesus and the other disciples wanted to go to Judea to raise Lazarus. His words express doubt about going to such a dangerous place, fearing they would be stoned. He also expresses a personal willingness to die with Jesus, demonstrating loyalty even amidst fear and misunderstanding of Jesus' intent.

John 11 16 Context

This verse occurs within the narrative of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. The disciples are aware of the intense opposition from religious leaders in Judea who have previously sought to harm Jesus. John 11:7-8 highlights this fear as they recall an instance where the Jewish authorities wanted to stone Jesus. Thomas’s statement reflects not only his personal fear and apprehension about returning to Judea, a region known for hostility towards Jesus and His followers, but also a deep, if misplaced, loyalty. He is willing to go, even to the point of death, to stay with Jesus, though he does not yet understand Jesus' divine power over life and death. This scene sets the stage for Jesus’ deliberate journey to Bethany, where the miracle of Lazarus’s resurrection will occur, further provoking the religious authorities.

John 11 16 Word Analysis

• θωμας (Thomás): From Aramaic תְּאוֹמָא (Tə’ōmā’); meaning "twin."

  • This name highlights a characteristic often associated with Thomas, though the Gospels don't specify who his twin was. It could imply a pair or duality, perhaps foreshadowing his later need for tangible evidence and his spiritual transformation.

• ο ουν (oun): A conjunction meaning "therefore" or "then."

  • Connects his statement to the preceding discussion among the disciples about going to Judea. It indicates his conclusion based on their shared fear.

• λεγομενος (legómenos): Participle meaning "being called" or "named."

  • Used here to refer to Thomas by his common epithet.

• διδυμος (dídymos): Greek word for "twin."

  • This Greek translation of his Aramaic name further reinforces the "twin" aspect.

• ειπεν (eipen): Aorist indicative of λέγω (légō), meaning "he said."

  • Simple past tense indicating his verbal utterance.

• προς (pros): Preposition indicating direction towards or unto.

  • Points to the addressee of his words: "to his fellow disciples" or "among them."

• τους (tous): Definite article, masculine accusative plural.

  • Referring to the other disciples.

• αλλους (allous): Adjective meaning "other."

  • Distinguishing Thomas from the rest of the disciples.

• μαθητας (mathētás): Accusative plural of μαθητής (mathētḗs), meaning "disciple" or "learner."

  • Refers to Jesus' followers.

• ας (as): Relative pronoun, neuter accusative plural, referring to the intended action.

  • He said this in the context of "going up."

• αγωμεν (agōmen): Present subjunctive of ἄγω (ágō), meaning "let us go" or "we may go."

  • Expresses the proposed action of journeying to Judea.

• και (kai): Conjunction meaning "and."

  • Connects different parts of his statement.

• ημεις (hēmeîs): Pronoun, nominative plural, "we."

  • Emphasizes collective action and shared responsibility/experience.

• αποθανωμεν (apothánōmen): First person plural aorist subjunctive of ἀποθνῄσκω (apothnḗiskō), meaning "let us die" or "we may die."

  • This is a strong statement of resignation and commitment, indicating willingness to face death together with Jesus. It reflects a genuine desire to remain with the Master, regardless of the cost, even if he doesn't fully grasp the implication of Jesus’ own potential death and resurrection.

• Word Group Analysis:

  • "Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples": Identifies Thomas and the immediate conversational setting.
  • "Let us also go, that we may die with him": Captures Thomas's expressed commitment and shared fate with Jesus, albeit driven by fear and a misinterpretation of Jesus' intentions. The "us" and "him" powerfully convey a sense of solidarity in the face of impending danger.

John 11 16 Bonus Section

Thomas's statement, "Let us also go, that we may die with him," reflects a very literal understanding of discipleship. While his fear of being stoned is valid given the context, his willingness to die with Jesus is a profound, albeit untrained, expression of commitment. It anticipates, in a way, the later exhortations for believers to share in Christ’s sufferings. His name, "twin," also prompts reflection: sometimes people are referred to as having a dual nature or conflicting tendencies, and Thomas often exhibits this, displaying doubt alongside profound loyalty and later, bold witness. His desire to physically die with Jesus starkly contrasts with Jesus’ plan to die for them, a key theological distinction.

John 11 16 Commentary

Thomas, nicknamed "the Twin," demonstrates a mixture of apprehension and steadfast loyalty. Upon hearing Jesus' intention to return to Judea, where dangerous opposition awaited, Thomas expresses a pragmatic fear common to the disciples, recalling the recent threats of stoning. However, his added statement, "Let us also go, that we may die with him," transcends mere fear. It signifies a commitment to face whatever comes, even death, as long as he is with Jesus. This reveals a personality prone to doubt and a need for concrete evidence (as seen later in John 20), but also a deep devotion. Thomas is not seeking to abandon Jesus; rather, he is preparing for the worst, even the ultimate sacrifice, because he cannot fathom the spiritual reality Jesus is about to enact. His words highlight the human struggle between faith and fear, and the imperfect understanding the disciples had of Jesus' divine mission and power.