John 11:39
Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
said
G3004
λέγει
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 19
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Ἄρατε
Take ye away
G142
Ἄρατε
Take ye away
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
4 of 19
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγει
said
G3004
λέγει
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 19
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
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
14 of 19
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Historical Context
Four days in Palestinian climate would indeed produce decay and odor. Martha's concern was medically and practically sound, making Jesus' command seem irrational without resurrection faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' command to remove the stone teach about human cooperation with divine power?
- What does Martha's honest practical concern teach about the coexistence of faith and doubt?
- What 'too far gone' situations in your life need resurrection faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus commands the stone's removal, requiring human cooperation in divine miracle. Martha's protest about decay (four days dead) reflects natural human concerns. Her 'Lord' address shows respect despite objection. The Greek 'ozei' (stinks) is blunt—she expects putrefaction's odor. Martha's practical concern contrasts her earlier faith confession (v. 27), revealing how confession and trust coexist with doubt. Jesus will work despite human weakness and natural decay. Nothing is too far gone for resurrection power.