John 11:3

Sent saying (apesteilan legousai). First aorist active indicative of apostellw and present active participle. The message was delivered by the messenger. Thou lovest (pilei). Pilew means to love as a friend (see pilo in verse John 11 ) and so warmly, while agapaw (akin to agamai, to admire, and agaqo, good) means high regard. Here both terms occur of the love of Jesus for Lazarus (hgapa in verse John 5 ). Both occur of the Father's love for the Son (agapai in John 3:35 , pilei in John 5:20 ). Hence the distinction is not always observed.