John 11:6

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 11:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “When therefore he heard that he was sick, he abode at that time two days in the place where he was.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

When therefore he heard that he was sick, he abode at that time two days in the place where he was.
John 11:6 — American Standard Version

Context — John 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6When therefore he heard that he was sick, he abode at that time two days in the place where he was.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“When he had heard therefore that he was sick, etc.] Though Christ had heard that Lazarus was sick, and by such good hands, a message being sent him by his sisters, to acquaint him with it; and though he had such a very great love for him, and the whole family, yet he did not go directly to him, and to his assistance: but he abode two days still in the same place where he was; at Bethabara, beyond Jordan; this he did to try the faith and patience of the sisters of Lazarus, and that the miracle of raising him from the dead might be the more manifest, and his own glory might be the more illustrious, and yet equal, if not greater tenderness and love be shown to his friends.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“When he heard he was sick, he abode two days still . . . where he was--at least twenty-five miles off. Beyond all doubt this was just to let things come to their worst, in order to display His glory. But how trying, meantime, to the faith of his friends, and how unlike the way in which love to a dying friend usually shows itself, on which it is plain that Mary reckoned. But the ways of divine are not as the ways of human love. Often they are the reverse. When His people are sick, in body or spirit; when their case is waxing more and more desperate every day; when all hope of recovery is about to expire--just then and therefore it is that "He abides two days still in the same place where He…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He abode two days - Probably Lazarus died soon after the messengers left him. Jesus knew that (John 11:11), and did not hasten to Judea, but remained two days longer where he was, that there might not be the possibility of doubt that he was dead, so that when he came there he had been dead four days, John 11:39. This shows, moreover, that he intended to raise him up. If he had not, it could hardly be reconciled with friendship thus to remain, without any reason, away from an afflicted family. Where he was - At Bethabara John 1:28; John 10:40, about 30 miles from Bethany. This was about a day’s journey, and it renders it probable that Lazarus died soon after the message was sent. One day…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“11:6 The trip from where Jesus was staying (see 10:40) to Bethany would have taken only one day, but Jesus followed his own sense of timing (2:4; 7:5-9) and would not be compelled by others.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“he abode: Gen 22:14, Gen 42:24, Gen 43:29-31, Gen 44:1-5, Gen 45:1-5; Isa 30:18, Isa 55:8, Isa 55:9; Mat 15:22-28 John 11:7”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification