John 12:17
The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
Original Language Analysis
ἐμαρτύρει
bare record
G3140
ἐμαρτύρει
bare record
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
1 of 20
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 20
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλος
The people
G3793
ὄχλος
The people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
4 of 20
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 20
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
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐφώνησεν
he called
G5455
ἐφώνησεν
he called
Strong's:
G5455
Word #:
12 of 20
to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
13 of 20
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μνημείου
his grave
G3419
μνημείου
his grave
Strong's:
G3419
Word #:
15 of 20
a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἤγειρεν
raised
G1453
ἤγειρεν
raised
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
17 of 20
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 20
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
Cross References
Historical Context
First-century evangelism relied heavily on eyewitness testimony. The apostles consistently emphasized they testified to what they saw (1 John 1:1-3; Acts 4:20).
Questions for Reflection
- How does eyewitness testimony provide Christianity's evidential foundation?
- What does the witnesses' ongoing testimony teach about evangelism's nature?
- What has God done in your life that you can testify to having witnessed?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The eyewitnesses to Lazarus' resurrection continue testifying, their ongoing witness creating evangelistic momentum. The Greek verb 'testified' (emarturoun) indicates continuous action—they kept bearing witness. Their testimony validates the miracle's reality and demonstrates transformed lives as evidence. This exemplifies how authentic Christian testimony is eyewitness account, not hearsay. Their witness drew crowds to Jesus, showing evangelism's power when believers share what they've seen God do. Personal testimony remains compelling evidence.