John 12:9
Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
Original Language Analysis
Ἔγνω
knew
G1097
Ἔγνω
knew
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
1 of 27
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 27
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ὄχλος
people
G3793
ὄχλος
people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
3 of 27
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
πολὺς
Much
G4183
πολὺς
Much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
4 of 27
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
5 of 27
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 27
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἦλθον
they came
G2064
ἦλθον
they came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
12 of 27
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
14 of 27
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
16 of 27
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
18 of 27
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἴδωσιν
they might see
G1492
ἴδωσιν
they might see
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
23 of 27
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὃν
whom
G3739
ὃν
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
24 of 27
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἤγειρεν
he had raised
G1453
ἤγειρεν
he had raised
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
25 of 27
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
Historical Context
News traveled rapidly in first-century Judea, especially during festival seasons when pilgrims gathered. Lazarus' resurrection occurred weeks earlier, giving news time to spread widely.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Lazarus' ongoing testimony demonstrate that transformed lives authenticate the Gospel?
- What's the difference between curiosity about Jesus and commitment to Him?
- In what ways can initial enthusiasm fail to produce lasting faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
News of Jesus' presence draws crowds coming not only for Him but to see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. Lazarus becomes a walking testimony, his resurrection creating ongoing evangelistic impact. The crowd's dual interest—Jesus and His greatest sign—demonstrates how God's works authenticate His word. However, curiosity doesn't equal conversion. The crowds' desire to 'see' suggests spectacle-seeking, not necessarily faith-seeking. This prepares for the Triumphal Entry's crowds who later cry 'Crucify Him,' showing fickle popular enthusiasm.