John 11 28

John 11:28 kjv

And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

John 11:28 nkjv

And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, "The Teacher has come and is calling for you."

John 11:28 niv

After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. "The Teacher is here," she said, "and is asking for you."

John 11:28 esv

When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, "The Teacher is here and is calling for you."

John 11:28 nlt

Then she returned to Mary. She called Mary aside from the mourners and told her, "The Teacher is here and wants to see you."

John 11 verses

John 11 28 Meaning

John 11:28 describes Martha's action immediately after her profound confession of faith in Jesus. She returns discreetly to her sister Mary and conveys a direct message: Jesus, "The Teacher," is present and is specifically calling for Mary. This pivotal moment sets the stage for Mary's encounter with Jesus and His subsequent miracle of raising Lazarus.

John 11 28 Context

The immediate context of John 11:28 is the death of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, in Bethany. Jesus has deliberately delayed His arrival, allowing Lazarus to die, so that "the Son of God may be glorified through it" (Jn 11:4). Upon Jesus' arrival, Martha, a woman of action, goes out to meet Him, expressing her grief and initial reproach ("Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died" - Jn 11:21). This leads to a profound theological discourse where Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life" (Jn 11:25), culminating in Martha's powerful confession of faith: "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world" (Jn 11:27). Mary, in contrast, remains indoors, engulfed in mourning with other Jewish comforters, indicative of typical cultural practices of grieving during the seven-day Shiva period. Verse 28 marks the transition where Martha, having engaged Jesus spiritually, now becomes an emissary, extending Jesus' personal invitation to her more contemplative sister.

John 11 28 Word analysis

• And when she had said this (Καὶ ταῦτα εἰποῦσα – Kai tauta eipousa):

  • Καὶ (Kai): "And," functions as a simple connective. It links Martha's prior weighty conversation and profound confession directly to her immediate next action. It signifies seamless progression from understanding to action.
  • ταῦτα (Tauta): "these things," referring to her preceding dialogue with Jesus and especially her powerful declaration of faith in Him as the Messiah (Jn 11:21-27). This phrase emphasizes that her subsequent actions are a direct response to this spiritual encounter.
  • εἰποῦσα (Eipousa): "having said," a completed action participle. Martha concluded her conversation, received understanding, and now acts based on that completed revelation.

• she went back (ἀπῆλθεν – apelthen):

  • ἀπῆλθεν (Apelthen): "she went away," or "she departed." This indicates a prompt movement away from Jesus, back towards the house where Mary was. It reflects immediate, decisive action.

• and called her sister Mary (καὶ ἐφώνησεν Μαρίαν τὴν ἀδελφὴν αὐτῆς – kai ephōnesen Marian tēn adelphēn autēs):

  • καὶ (Kai): "and," another connector, linking her return with her action of calling.
  • ἐφώνησεν (Ephōnesen): "she called, she summoned." This verb implies a clear, direct, and intentional act of summoning, not a casual invitation. Martha takes the initiative to bring Mary into contact with Jesus.
  • Μαρίαν τὴν ἀδελφὴν αὐτῆς (Marian tēn adelphēn autēs): "Mary her sister." Emphasizes their familial bond and mutual trust, which would make Mary receptive to Martha's secret communication. Martha acts as an essential intermediary, a faithful channel.

• secretly (λάθρᾳ – lathra):

  • λάθρᾳ (Lathra): "secretly, privately." This adverb highlights the manner of the communication.
  • Significance: This was likely done out of cultural respect for the ongoing mourning period, avoiding disruption or public spectacle amidst the large number of Jewish mourners. It also allows for a personal, intimate encounter between Jesus and Mary, free from the scrutinizing gaze of others. It suggests the special nature of Jesus' call to Mary, setting it apart from the general activities of the household or mourners. This discretion mirrors some instances where Jesus sought privacy for significant actions (e.g., healing Jairus' daughter).

• saying, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” (εἰποῦσα, Ὁ Διδάσκαλος πάρεστιν καὶ φωνεῖ σε – eipousa, Ho Didaskalos parestin kai phōnei se):

  • εἰποῦσα (Eipousa): "saying," introduces the direct speech.
  • Ὁ Διδάσκαλος (Ho Didaskalos): "The Teacher." The definite article "The" signifies that Jesus is the acknowledged Teacher, perhaps indicating Mary's preferred way of addressing or referring to Him, or conveying His revered status. This title evokes Mary's previous posture of sitting at Jesus' feet to learn (Lk 10:39), emphasizing His authority to instruct and guide.
  • πάρεστιν (Parestin): "is present," or "is here." A simple yet powerful statement of fact, conveying the immediate, tangible presence of Jesus as a source of hope and potential.
  • καὶ (Kai): "and," links Jesus' presence to His active intention.
  • φωνεῖ (Phōnei): "is calling, is summoning." Present tense, denoting an immediate, ongoing, or authoritative action. It is more than just "wishes to see you"; it's a specific summons from an authority figure. This "calling" parallels how Jesus called His disciples (Mk 1:17) and how God calls individuals by name throughout the Scriptures, implying a personal divine initiative and a commanded response.
  • σε (Se): "you" (singular). Directly addressed to Mary, making the call deeply personal and specific, emphasizing Jesus' direct attention to her in her grief.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "And when she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary": This phrase reveals Martha's immediate and decisive action rooted in her recent encounter with Jesus. It highlights her transformed state from lament to active service as a messenger.
  • "secretly": This single word underscores Martha's sensitivity, discretion, and understanding of the situation. It suggests both a practical consideration for the mourning crowd and a symbolic recognition of the personal, sacred nature of Jesus' summons to Mary.
  • "The Teacher is here and is calling for you.": This is the heart of the message, conveyed with urgency and authority. It clearly identifies Jesus ("The Teacher") by a respectful title, confirms His physical presence ("is here"), and specifies His authoritative command ("is calling for you"), personalizing it for Mary. It shifts the narrative focus from generalized grief to a targeted, powerful divine invitation.

John 11 28 Bonus section

• The Power of a Personal Call: The explicit "calling for you" (φωνεῖ σε) highlights Jesus' personalized ministry. Even amid a crowd, Jesus focuses on the individual, showing that His love and concern extend to each person specifically.
• Echoes of Creation: The idea of Jesus "calling" (φωνεῖ) echoes the creative and authoritative voice of God throughout the Old Testament (e.g., God calling light into existence in Gen 1:3). Here, His call extends beyond creation to personal restoration.
• Martha's Growth: This verse subtly portrays Martha's spiritual maturity. Having just confessed profound truth about Jesus, she doesn't just rest in her theological insight but immediately applies it by facilitating her sister's encounter with the Source of life and comfort. She shifts from hosting (Lk 10) to gospel-bearing.
• The Necessity of Mediators: While Jesus is the ultimate source of truth, He often uses human agents to communicate His will. Martha becomes such a messenger, reminding believers of their role in bringing others into the presence of "The Teacher."

John 11 28 Commentary

John 11:28 presents a pivotal transition driven by Martha's faith. Her dramatic confession in verse 27 immediately translates into concrete action: becoming Jesus' messenger. The description "when she had said this" stresses the immediacy of her response to spiritual truth. By returning to the house and discreetly summoning Mary, Martha displays both obedience and wisdom. The use of "secretly" (λάθρᾳ) suggests a respectful acknowledgement of the solemn mourning customs, while also underscoring the personal, intimate nature of Jesus' summons. This discretion creates space for Mary to approach Jesus without external pressures or distractions. The message itself—"The Teacher is here and is calling for you"—is profound. "The Teacher" (Ho Didaskalos) emphasizes Jesus' recognized authority and likely reflects the reverent way Mary habitually regarded Him. Crucially, Jesus "is calling" Mary, not merely inviting or requesting. This signifies His sovereign initiative and personal desire for Mary to draw near, mirroring His divine calls throughout Scripture. It demonstrates His direct engagement with Mary's individual grief, establishing the scene for her renowned posture of humble reverence before Him. The entire verse underscores that encountering Jesus transforms personal grief into active response, facilitated through faithful human messengers.