John 11:42
And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
Original Language Analysis
ᾔδειν
knew
G1492
ᾔδειν
knew
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
3 of 20
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
9 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλον
of the people
G3793
ὄχλον
of the people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
11 of 20
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περιεστῶτα
stand by
G4026
περιεστῶτα
stand by
Strong's:
G4026
Word #:
13 of 20
to stand all around, i.e., (near) to be a bystander, or (aloof) to keep away from
πιστεύσωσιν
they may believe
G4100
πιστεύσωσιν
they may believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
16 of 20
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
Cross References
John 3:17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.John 17:21That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.Hebrews 7:25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.Hebrews 5:7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;1 John 4:14And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.Romans 8:3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:Matthew 26:53Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?John 11:22But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.John 17:25O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.John 17:8For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
Historical Context
Public prayer was common in Jewish practice, especially by rabbis and leaders. Jesus' public prayer served teaching purposes, revealing God's character and modeling prayer for disciples.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' confidence that the Father always hears Him demonstrate their perfect unity?
- What does this teach about the evangelistic function of public prayer?
- In what ways should our prayers serve as testimony to God's faithfulness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus declares His confidence: the Father 'always' hears Him. This reveals perfect communion between Father and Son, grounded in their ontological unity. Yet Jesus prays aloud 'because of the people,' making this prayer pedagogical rather than necessary for divine transaction. The purpose clause 'that they may believe' shows Jesus' public prayer serves evangelistic and discipleship purposes. This demonstrates that Christ's ministry, even His prayer life, aimed at producing faith. Prayer becomes testimony to God's responsiveness and Christ's divine sonship.