John 11:42

42 I know that you always hear me. But I said this for the benefit of the people standing here. I said it so they will 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 Then Jesus said, "Didn't I tell you that if you believed, you would see God's glory?"

41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up. He said, "Father, I thank you for hearing me.

42 I know that you always hear me. But I said this for the benefit of the people standing here. I said it so they will believe that you sent me."

43 Then Jesus called in a loud voice. He said, "Lazarus, come out!"

44 The dead man came out. His hands and feet were wrapped with strips of linen. A cloth was around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the clothes he was buried in and let him go."