John 12 2

John 12:2 kjv

There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

John 12:2 nkjv

There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him.

John 12:2 niv

Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.

John 12:2 esv

So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table.

John 12:2 nlt

A dinner was prepared in Jesus' honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him.

John 12 verses

John 12 2 Meaning

This verse describes a supper held in Bethany for Jesus, just days before His final Passover. It highlights three key figures: Jesus, as the honored guest; Martha, actively serving; and Lazarus, who, having recently been resurrected by Jesus, reclined with Him at the table. The event is a joyful expression of gratitude, fellowship, and testimony to Jesus's life-giving power in the midst of burgeoning hostility.

John 12 2 Context

This supper takes place in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, approximately six days before the Passover, marking Jesus' final journey towards His crucifixion. The immediate backdrop is Jesus's recent, powerful miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, which profoundly impacted many people, leading them to believe in Jesus, but also hardened the hearts of the religious leaders who consequently plotted to kill both Jesus and Lazarus. The dinner is therefore an occasion filled with profound thanksgiving, public testimony (due to Lazarus's presence), and fellowship, happening under the shadow of the intensifying conflict and the looming Passion Week. It showcases varied expressions of devotion towards Jesus from His closest friends.

John 12 2 Word analysis

• There (ἐκεῖ, ekei): Specifies the location. While not explicitly named in this verse, the preceding verse (John 12:1) identifies "there" as Bethany, the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. This sets the stage in a familiar, hospitable place for Jesus.
• they made Him a supper (ἐποίησαν αὐτῷ δεῖπνον, epoieēsan autō deipnon):
  • they made (ἐποίησαν, epoieēsan): Imperfect tense of "to make" or "to prepare," suggesting an ongoing or prepared act. While "they" is general, it implies the family (Mary, Martha, Lazarus) were the hosts, possibly aided by friends or the wider community.
  • Him (αὐτῷ, autō): Refers directly to Jesus, signifying He was the honored guest, the focus of this celebratory meal.
  • supper (δεῖπνον, deipnon): The main meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening. In that culture, such a meal was not merely for sustenance but was a significant social event, often involving feasting and fellowship.
• and Martha served (ἡ δὲ Μάρθα διηκόνει, hē de Martha diēkonei):
  • Martha: As seen in Luke 10:38-42, Martha's character is consistently portrayed as practical and diligent in service. Here, her service is not met with a rebuke, implying it is a proper and loving expression of devotion without distraction from the Lord's priorities.
  • served (διηκόνει, diēkonei): Imperfect tense of diakoneō, "to serve" or "to minister." This indicates continuous or repeated action, highlighting Martha's typical and devoted role in providing hospitality. Her service here is an act of love and gratitude.
• but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him (ὁ δὲ Λάζαρος εἷς ἦν τῶν ἀνακειμένων σὺν αὐτῷ, ho de Lazaros heis ēn tōn anakeimenōn syn autō):
  • Lazarus: His presence is of paramount significance. Having been dead and then raised, he is living proof of Jesus' divine power over death, serving as a silent, yet powerful, testimony to all who saw him.
  • one of those who sat at the table (εἷς ἦν τῶν ἀνακειμένων, heis ēn tōn anakeimenōn):
    • sat at the table (anakeimenōn): The word refers to "reclining" or "lying back" at the table, the customary posture for a formal or intimate banquet in Roman and Hellenistic (and increasingly Jewish) society. This signifies comfort, relaxation, and intimate fellowship, rather than simply "sitting."
  • with Him (σὺν αὐτῷ, syn autō): Emphasizes Lazarus's direct and intimate communion with Jesus. His resurrection was for fellowship, not just life itself.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "They made Him a supper": This phrase underlines the intention behind the gathering – a special, dedicated meal for Jesus. It's an act of collective devotion and hospitality, centered around honoring Him.
• "Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him": This part highlights the contrast in expressions of devotion and the central roles of Martha and Lazarus. Martha expresses her love through active service, typical of her nature. Lazarus, the recipient of Jesus' life-giving power, participates by simply being present and enjoying fellowship, symbolizing the new life received from Christ—not in strenuous effort, but in grateful presence and communion. His reclining position underscores his restored vitality and full participation in life's enjoyments.

John 12 2 Bonus section

The timing of this supper, six days before Passover, places it on the eve of Jesus's climactic week in Jerusalem. This suggests it might have been a Sabbath meal, as Jewish custom would avoid travel of such distance on the Sabbath (John 12:1 shows Jesus coming to Bethany then), implying a stay over. The choice of Bethany as the location for this meal is significant; it was a place of rest, refuge, and profound relationship for Jesus, standing in stark contrast to the increasing hostility he faced in Jerusalem just a short distance away. This scene gathers together the three prominent siblings of John's narrative—Mary, Martha, and Lazarus—each exemplifying a distinct facet of discipleship: active service (Martha), contemplative worship (Mary in John 12:3), and resurrected testimony (Lazarus).

John 12 2 Commentary

John 12:2 encapsulates a pivotal scene following Jesus's astounding miracle of raising Lazarus. The supper is not merely a social gathering but a heartfelt response to divine power and a foreshadowing of deeper spiritual truths. Martha, known for her practical service, expresses her devotion by providing for Jesus and the guests, showcasing loving stewardship. Lazarus, recently snatched from the grave, provides silent yet irrefutable proof of Jesus's authority over death by simply being present and reclining intimately at the table with Him. His physical resurrection symbolizes the spiritual new life available to all who believe in Christ – a life of fellowship and intimacy, not merely existence. This celebratory meal underscores the joy of communion with Jesus and highlights the varied ways disciples show their love, from diligent service to grateful, intimate fellowship with the One who grants life. It sets the stage for Mary's act of extravagant worship in the very next verse.