John 11:4 kjv
When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
John 11:4 nkjv
When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it."
John 11:4 niv
When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."
John 11:4 esv
But when Jesus heard it he said, "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it."
John 11:4 nlt
But when Jesus heard about it he said, "Lazarus's sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this."
John 11 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| John 9:3 | Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents nor his parents sinned...but that the works of God might be displayed in him. | To show God's works and glory. |
| Luke 13:31-33 | Jesus' foreknowledge of Herod's plot and his affirmation of his mission. | God's plan and glory. |
| Romans 8:28 | And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him... | God working all things for good. |
| 1 Corinthians 1:27 | But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. | God's purposes through the weak. |
| 1 Corinthians 10:31 | So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. | Doing all for God's glory. |
| 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 | He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble... | God's comfort for God's glory. |
| 2 Corinthians 12:9 | But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." | God's power perfected in weakness. |
| Ephesians 3:10 | His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. | God's wisdom revealed. |
| Philippians 2:11 | and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. | Christ's glory leads to God's glory. |
| Revelation 1:8 | "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." | God's eternal sovereignty. |
| Isaiah 43:7 | everyone called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I have formed—indeed, whom I have made." | God creating for His glory. |
| Exodus 4:10-12 | Moses' hesitancy and God's promise to provide for his speech. | God enabling and providing. |
| Psalm 115:1 | Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, because of your loving-kindness, because of your truth. | Giving glory to God's name. |
| John 11:40 | Then Jesus told her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" | Belief leading to seeing God's glory. |
| John 13:31 | When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. | Son of Man glorified in Him. |
| John 14:13 | And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. | Father glorified in the Son. |
| John 15:8 | This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. | Bearing fruit for the Father's glory. |
| John 17:4 | I have glorified you on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. | Glorifying God by completing His work. |
| Genesis 50:20 | You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. | God's turning evil into good. |
| Matthew 5:16 | In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. | Good deeds for God's glory. |
John 11 verses
John 11 4 Meaning
When Jesus heard this, he said, "This sickness will not end in death. It is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."
This statement reveals Jesus' foreknowledge and his ultimate purpose behind allowing Lazarus' illness. It assures Martha that Lazarus' condition, though serious, is not terminal in the eternal sense and will ultimately serve a divine purpose.
John 11 4 Context
Jesus is on the east side of the Jordan River when he hears that his friend Lazarus is sick. Martha and Mary, Lazarus' sisters, send word to Jesus. This encounter happens after Jesus had been speaking about being the light of the world and a prophet named John had testified about Jesus. Jesus chooses to remain where he is for two more days before heading to Bethany, Lazarus' home. This decision is deliberate, knowing Lazarus' condition and the greater purpose of his impending resurrection. Martha, upon hearing Jesus is approaching, goes out to meet him, expressing her faith and sorrow.
John 11 4 Word Analysis
When: Indicates the timing of Jesus' reception of the news.
Jesus: The subject of the sentence, emphasizing His divine nature and actions.
Heard: Refers to the auditory reception of information.
this: Refers to the message concerning Lazarus' illness.
When Jesus heard this: The simple act of receiving news.
He said: The act of speaking, revealing His will and knowledge.
This sickness: Identifies the specific ailment affecting Lazarus.
will not end: A prophetic declaration about the ultimate outcome.
in death: Clarifies the immediate and finality of the illness's apparent consequence.
It is: Points to the sickness or its outcome.
for God's glory: States the divine purpose or objective behind the event. The phrase "eis doxan tou theou" (εἰς δόξαν τοῦ θεοῦ) in Greek signifies "unto the glory of God" or "for the glory of God," highlighting that God's reputation and honor are the ultimate beneficiaries.
so that: Indicates a causal or purpose relationship.
God's Son: Identifies Jesus with His divine parentage and authority. "Ho hyios tou theou" (ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ) is a key christological title.
may be glorified: Expresses the action that will honor or magnify God's Son. The verb "doxasē" (δοξάσῃ) is in the subjunctive mood, indicating a purpose or a potential outcome.
through it: Refers to the sickness and its resolution.
Words group - "This sickness will not end in death": A powerful assurance that bypasses the immediate perceived outcome, focusing on the eventual outcome intended by God. It's not a denial of physical suffering but a re-framing of its ultimate destination and significance.
Words group - "for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified": This emphasizes the divine centrality of the event. The glorification of the Son is intrinsically linked to, and the means by which, God's own glory is displayed. It highlights the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son, where the Son's actions ultimately serve to magnify the Father.
John 11 4 Bonus Section
This verse provides a crucial insight into Jesus' methodology: He often operates according to a divine timetable and for a higher purpose, even if it means allowing suffering or delay. The concept of God's glory is central to John's Gospel, appearing multiple times in connection with Jesus' miracles and ministry. This sickness, therefore, becomes a divine opportunity for Jesus to display His unique relationship with the Father and His power over the most formidable enemy – death itself. The emphasis on God's glory anticipates future events where Jesus would consistently link His suffering and death to the glorification of God.
John 11 4 Commentary
Jesus’ words here are not about the absence of physical suffering but about the ultimate triumph over death and the demonstration of God’s power and purpose. Martha’s faith is being tested and refined; Jesus wants her to see beyond the immediate grief and despair to the divine plan unfolding. The resurrection of Lazarus would be a profound miracle, a clear sign pointing to Jesus’ own identity and authority over death, thereby glorifying both the Father and the Son. This verse encourages believers to trust God’s purposes even in the midst of difficult circumstances, knowing that these can be used to reveal His glory.