John 12:11
Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
Because
G3754
ὅτι
Because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 12
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
2 of 12
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
δι'
that by reason
G1223
δι'
that by reason
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
3 of 12
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
αὐτὸν
of him
G846
αὐτὸν
of him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 12
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
ὑπῆγον
went away
G5217
ὑπῆγον
went away
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
5 of 12
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπίστευον
believed
G4100
ἐπίστευον
believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
9 of 12
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
εἰς
on
G1519
εἰς
on
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
John 11:45Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.John 12:18For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.Acts 13:45But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
Historical Context
The religious leaders derived authority from popular support. Mass defection to Jesus threatened their political and religious power base. This explains their desperation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does institutional religion react when spiritual awakening threatens its power?
- What does the leaders' fear of losing followers reveal about their true priorities?
- In what ways does authentic testimony inevitably threaten false religion?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The chief priests' motive: 'because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.' Lazarus' resurrection was converting people, draining the leaders' authority. The phrase 'went away' suggests abandoning former allegiance to embrace Jesus. This demonstrates miracles' evangelistic power when coupled with testimony. The leaders fear losing constituents more than fearing God. Their plot reveals that institutional religion often opposes genuine spiritual awakening when it threatens power. Ironically, killing Lazarus would create a martyr, strengthening rather than weakening testimony.