John 11:28
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπῆλθεν
she went her way
G565
ἀπῆλθεν
she went her way
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
4 of 18
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φωνεῖ
called
G5455
φωνεῖ
called
Strong's:
G5455
Word #:
6 of 18
to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation
Μαρίαν
Mary
G3137
Μαρίαν
Mary
Strong's:
G3137
Word #:
7 of 18
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῆς
G846
αὐτῆς
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πάρεστιν
is come
G3918
πάρεστιν
is come
Strong's:
G3918
Word #:
15 of 18
to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Mark 10:49And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.John 11:20Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.John 13:13Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
Historical Context
The term 'Master' (Teacher) was respectful address for rabbis. Mary and Martha's use of different titles (Martha: 'Lord,' Mary via Martha: 'Master') may reflect their different relationships or circumstances of address.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Martha's servant role in bringing Mary demonstrate spiritual maturity?
- What does the private nature of Jesus' call teach about personal relationship with Christ?
- In what ways do different spiritual gifts complement each other in serving Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Martha returns and calls Mary secretly, using the term 'Master' (Didaskalos/Teacher), showing Jesus' teaching role. The secrecy may reflect desire for private conversation or concern about the hostile Jews present. Martha's words 'he calleth for thee' suggest Jesus had made a request, though not recorded. Her role as messenger shows Martha's servant heart. The sisters' different approaches continue—Martha intercepts, then brings Mary. This demonstrates complementary gifts in Christ's service.