John 11:4
When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 26
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Αὕτη
This
G3778
Αὕτη
This
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
6 of 26
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀσθένεια
sickness
G769
ἀσθένεια
sickness
Strong's:
G769
Word #:
8 of 26
feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
11 of 26
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,
θάνατον
death
G2288
θάνατον
death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
12 of 26
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
13 of 26
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
14 of 26
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξης
the glory
G1391
δόξης
the glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
16 of 26
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
18 of 26
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
δοξασθῇ
might be glorified
G1392
δοξασθῇ
might be glorified
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
20 of 26
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
22 of 26
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
24 of 26
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
John 11:40Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?John 9:3Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.John 5:23That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.1 Peter 4:14If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.John 2:11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.John 17:5And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.John 9:24Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.John 8:54Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:John 17:1These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:1 Peter 4:11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Historical Context
The Greek 'doxa' (glory) in John's Gospel consistently points to Christ's deity and the cross. John emphasizes signs that reveal Jesus' divine nature to counter early Gnostic heresies.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' statement challenge our understanding of suffering's ultimate purpose?
- In what ways does Lazarus' illness glorify both the Father and the Son?
- How can we maintain faith when God's promises seem paradoxical?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' response reveals divine omniscience—He knows Lazarus' condition and outcome before arrival. The phrase 'not unto death' is paradoxical, as Lazarus had died or would soon die. Christ means the ultimate purpose transcends physical death, pointing to resurrection and glorification. This illness would manifest God's glory and the Son's glory, demonstrating Christ's equality with the Father in glory. The 'for' indicates divine purpose in suffering, consistent with Romans 8:28.