John 11:21

21 Martha said, "Master, if you'd been here, my brother wouldn't have died.

John 11:21 Meaning and Commentary

John 11:21

When said Martha unto Jesus
When she was come to him,

Lord, if thou hadst been here my brother had not died:
which expresses much faith, but with a mixture of weakness, as if the presence of Christ was necessary for the working a cure; whereas he could as well have restored her brother to health absent, as present, had it been his will, as he did the centurion's servant, and the nobleman's son of Capernaum.

John 11:21 In-Context

19 and many of the Jews were visiting Martha and Mary, sympathizing with them over their brother.
20 Martha heard Jesus was coming and went out to meet him. Mary remained in the house.
21 Martha said, "Master, if you'd been here, my brother wouldn't have died.
22 Even now, I know that whatever you ask God he will give you."
23 Jesus said, "Your brother will be raised up."
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.