John 11:55
And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.
Original Language Analysis
ἐγγὺς
nigh at hand
G1451
ἐγγὺς
nigh at hand
Strong's:
G1451
Word #:
3 of 21
near (literally or figuratively, of place or time)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πάσχα
passover
G3957
πάσχα
passover
Strong's:
G3957
Word #:
5 of 21
the passover (the meal, the day, the festival or the special sacrifices connected with it)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
10 of 21
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
εἰς
up
G1519
εἰς
up
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἱεροσόλυμα
to Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσόλυμα
to Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
12 of 21
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
13 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χώρας
the country
G5561
χώρας
the country
Strong's:
G5561
Word #:
15 of 21
room, i.e., a space of territory (more or less extensive; often including its inhabitants)
πρὸ
before
G4253
πρὸ
before
Strong's:
G4253
Word #:
16 of 21
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πάσχα
passover
G3957
πάσχα
passover
Strong's:
G3957
Word #:
18 of 21
the passover (the meal, the day, the festival or the special sacrifices connected with it)
Cross References
Exodus 19:10And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,John 6:4And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.John 12:1Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.John 2:13And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,Genesis 35:2Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:
Historical Context
Jewish pilgrims arrived early for the seven-day purification required by Mosaic law (Num 9:6-14). This ensured ceremonial cleanness for Passover participation. Jerusalem's population swelled from perhaps 40,000 to over 200,000.
Questions for Reflection
- How does external religious ritual blind people to spiritual reality?
- What does the timing of Jesus' death at Passover teach about typological fulfillment?
- In what ways do we pursue ceremonial cleanness while missing Christ's sufficient purification?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Jews' Passover approaches, bringing pilgrims to Jerusalem for ritual purification. This chronological note builds tension—Jesus' death at Passover fulfills typology. The crowds' early arrival for purification rites demonstrates religious devotion to ceremonial law while missing the substance. They cleanse externally for lamb's sacrifice, unknowingly preparing for the Lamb of God's sacrifice. This irony demonstrates how ritualism can blind people to reality. Their purification rites preview the purification Christ's blood will accomplish.