John 11:37
And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?
Original Language Analysis
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 20
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 20
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
οὗτος
this man
G3778
οὗτος
this man
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
8 of 20
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνοίξας
opened
G455
ἀνοίξας
opened
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
10 of 20
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοὺς
the eyes
G3788
ὀφθαλμοὺς
the eyes
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
12 of 20
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τυφλοῦ
of the blind
G5185
τυφλοῦ
of the blind
Strong's:
G5185
Word #:
14 of 20
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
ποιῆσαι
have caused
G4160
ποιῆσαι
have caused
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
15 of 20
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὗτος
this man
G3778
οὗτος
this man
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
18 of 20
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
Historical Context
The reference to the blind man healed in Jerusalem (9:1-41) suggests these questioners witnessed or knew of that miracle. Their question reflects Jewish messianic expectations of healing and deliverance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does our preference for prevention over redemption limit our understanding of God's ways?
- What does this question teach about human inability to comprehend God's greater purposes?
- In what ways is resurrection greater than prevention in your current struggles?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Some observers question why Jesus, who opened blind eyes (chapter 9), didn't prevent Lazarus' death. Their logic is sound but limited—they assume prevention superior to resurrection. This reveals human tendency to prefer avoiding suffering over witnessing greater redemption through it. Their question anticipates Jesus' greater answer: not merely preventing death but conquering it. This parallels God's redemptive pattern—not preventing the Fall but redeeming through the Cross.