John 11:3
Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπέστειλαν
sent
G649
ἀπέστειλαν
sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
1 of 12
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
οὖν
Therefore
G3767
οὖν
Therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 12
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 12
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 12
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
λέγουσαι
saying
G3004
λέγουσαι
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 12
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἴδε
G1492
ἴδε
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
9 of 12
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὃν
he whom
G3739
ὃν
he whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 12
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
John 11:5Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.Psalms 16:3But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.John 13:23Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.John 11:36Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!John 11:11These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.2 Timothy 4:20Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
Historical Context
The sisters likely sent messengers the two-mile journey from Bethany to wherever Jesus was ministering, possibly in Perea across the Jordan. First-century Jewish culture valued indirect, respectful requests to teachers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the sisters' message model the balance between boldness and submission in prayer?
- What does this verse teach about the relationship between God's love and our suffering?
- In what ways can we cultivate this kind of intimate yet reverent address to Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The sisters' message demonstrates profound faith: they address Jesus as 'Lord,' express confidence in His care ('he whom thou lovest'), yet avoid presumption by not demanding His presence. Their request is implicit, trusting Christ's wisdom and timing. This balance of reverence, intimacy, and submission models proper prayer. The emphasis on Jesus' love for Lazarus reveals that suffering comes even to those whom Christ loves, challenging prosperity theology.