John 11:42

42 ¹I knew that you always hear me, but I said this ²on account of the people standing around, ³that they may believe that you sent me. ”

John 11:42 Meaning and Commentary

John 11:42

And I knew that thou hearest me always
Which was not only a support to the faith of Christ, as man, but is also to his people, whose advocate, intercessor, and mediator he is.

But because of the people which stand by, I said [it];
that he was heard, and always heard by God; and, therefore must have great interest in his affection, and knowledge of his will; yea, their wills must be the same:

that they may believe that thou hast sent me:
for if he had not sent him, he would never have heard him in anything, and much less in everything; wherefore this was a full proof, and clear evidence of his divine mission.

John 11:42 In-Context

40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God? ”

41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.

42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me. ”

43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out. ”

44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go. ”

Cross References

• 1. 11:42 [ver. 22; Matt. 26:53]
• 2. 11:42 ch. 12:29, 30
• 3. 11:42 ch. 17:8, 21; See ch. 3:17