John 11:15
New International Version
and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

New Living Translation
And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.”

English Standard Version
and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

Berean Standard Bible
and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

Berean Literal Bible
and I am glad for your sake I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."

King James Bible
And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

New King James Version
And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.”

New American Standard Bible
and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let’s go to him.”

NASB 1995
and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let us go to him.”

NASB 1977
and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let us go to him.”

Legacy Standard Bible
and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let us go to him.”

Amplified Bible
And for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

Christian Standard Bible
I’m glad for you that I wasn’t there so that you may believe. But let’s go to him.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I’m glad for you that I wasn’t there so that you may believe. But let’s go to him.”

American Standard Version
And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

Contemporary English Version
I am glad I wasn't there, because now you will have a chance to put your faith in me. Let's go to him."

English Revised Version
And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
but I'm glad that I wasn't there so that you can grow in faith. Let's go to Lazarus."

Good News Translation
but for your sake I am glad that I was not with him, so that you will believe. Let us go to him."

International Standard Version
For your sake I'm glad that I wasn't there, so that you may believe. But let's go to him."

Majority Standard Bible
and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

NET Bible
and I am glad for your sake that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."

New Heart English Bible
I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe. Nevertheless, let us go to him."

Webster's Bible Translation
And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless, let us go to him.

Weymouth New Testament
"Lazarus is dead; and for your sakes I am glad I was not there, in order that you may believe. But let us go to him."

World English Bible
I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe. Nevertheless, let’s go to him.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and I rejoice, for your sake (that you may believe), that I was not there; but we may go to him”;

Berean Literal Bible
and I am glad for your sake I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."

Young's Literal Translation
and I rejoice, for your sake, (that ye may believe,) that I was not there; but we may go to him;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And I rejoice for you, that ye might believe, that I was not there; but let us go to him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I am glad, for your sakes, that I was not there, that you may believe: but let us go to him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I am glad for your sake that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

New American Bible
And I am glad for you that I was not there, that you may believe. Let us go to him.”

New Revised Standard Version
For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And I am glad I was not there, for your sakes, so that you may believe; but let us walk there.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And I am glad that I was not there for your sakes, that you may believe, but you should go there.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And I rejoice, on your account, that I was not there, in order that you may believe. But let us go to him.

Godbey New Testament
and I rejoice on account of you that I was not there, in order that you may believe; but let us go to him.

Haweis New Testament
And I rejoice on your account that I was not there, in order that ye may believe; but let us go to him.

Mace New Testament
and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there (to the intent you may believe) but now, let us go to him.

Weymouth New Testament
"Lazarus is dead; and for your sakes I am glad I was not there, in order that you may believe. But let us go to him."

Worrell New Testament
And I am glad, for your sakes, (in order that ye may believe), that I was not there. But let us go to him."

Worsley New Testament
and I am glad for your sakes, I was not there, that ye may believe: but let us go to him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Death of Lazarus
14So Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16Then Thomas called Didymus said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, so that we may die with Him.”…

Cross References
John 14:29
And now I have told you before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe.

John 13:19
I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it comes to pass, you will believe that I am He.

John 20:31
But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.

John 2:22
After He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this. Then they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

John 16:7
But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.

John 16:33
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”

John 15:11
I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

John 17:13
But now I am coming to You; and I am saying these things while I am in the world, so that they may have My joy fulfilled within them.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

2 Corinthians 4:15
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is extending to more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow, to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

1 Peter 1:7
so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Genesis 50:20
As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.

Exodus 14:31
When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses.

Deuteronomy 8:2-3
Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments. / He humbled you, and in your hunger He gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had known, so that you might understand that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.


Treasury of Scripture

And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent you may believe; nevertheless let us go to him.

I am glad.

John 11:35,36
Jesus wept…

for.

John 12:30
Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

John 17:19
And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

Genesis 26:24
And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.

to.

John 11:4
When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

John 2:11
This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

John 14:10,11
Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…

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Account Believe Dead Faith Glad Intent Let's Nevertheless Order Rejoice Sake Sakes
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Account Believe Dead Faith Glad Intent Let's Nevertheless Order Rejoice Sake Sakes
John 11
1. Jesus raises Lazarus, four days buried.
45. Many Jews believe.
47. The high priests and Pharisees gather a council against Jesus.
49. Caiaphas prophesies.
54. Jesus hides himself.
55. At the Passover they enquire after him, and lay wait for him.














and for your sake
This phrase indicates Jesus' deep concern for His disciples' spiritual growth. The Greek word for "sake" here is "δι' ὑμᾶς" (di' humas), which emphasizes the purpose or benefit for the disciples. Jesus often used situations to teach and strengthen the faith of His followers. His actions were not random but intentional, aimed at deepening their understanding and trust in Him as the Messiah.

I am glad
The Greek word "χαίρω" (chairō) is used here, which means to rejoice or be glad. It might seem surprising that Jesus expresses gladness in the context of Lazarus's death. However, this gladness is not about the suffering but about the opportunity for a greater revelation of God's power and glory. Jesus sees beyond the immediate sorrow to the ultimate purpose of strengthening faith.

I was not there
Jesus' absence was deliberate. The Greek phrase "οὐκ ἤμην ἐκεῖ" (ouk ēmen ekei) suggests a purposeful decision. By not being present, Jesus allowed the situation to reach a point where His miraculous intervention would be unmistakable. This absence set the stage for a greater demonstration of His divine authority over life and death, reinforcing His identity as the Son of God.

so that you may believe
The purpose of Jesus' actions is clearly stated here. The Greek word "πιστεύω" (pisteuō) means to believe or have faith. Jesus' miracles were signs pointing to His divine nature and mission. This event was designed to deepen the disciples' faith, moving them from mere followers to believers who truly understood His power and purpose.

But let us go to him
This phrase marks a transition from teaching to action. The Greek "ἀλλὰ ἄγωμεν πρὸς αὐτόν" (alla agōmen pros auton) indicates a decisive move towards Lazarus. Jesus' willingness to go to Lazarus, despite the danger from those who opposed Him, demonstrates His commitment to His mission and His love for His friends. It also foreshadows His journey to the cross, where He would ultimately conquer death for all who believe.

(15) And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there.--The words are at first sound startling, as following immediately upon the plain statement, "Lazarus is dead." The utterance is not of sorrow, but of joy; but the joy is not at the fact of death, but at the fact that He was not there. Had He been there, Lazarus would not have died (John 11:21; John 11:32), and his recovery would have added to the work of healing. There is the assured consciousness of power over death itself, which sees as present all that is to follow, and sees in the strengthening of their faith ground for joy.

To the intent ye may believe.--They were already disciples, but this sign would be to them the vehicle of a higher spiritual truth, and the growth of their spiritual life would be such that it may be regarded as a new act of faith. (Comp. Note on John 2:11.)

Nevertheless let us go unto him.--The thought of the final issue of the sleep brings the whole future before the mind. But for this, His presence is needed at Bethany, and He abruptly breaks off this conversation about it, by what is at once a resolution and a summons to go there.

Verse 15. - And I rejoice that I was not there. Death could not have occurred in his presence; at least, as Bengel says, we never read of any one dying in the presence of the Prince of life. Whenever he came into contact with death, he conquered the great enemy. Still, this was not the absolute reason for his gladness. The gladness was conditioned by the need of the disciples, not merely for the comfort of the sisters, or for his own greater glory, but for your sakes, to the end that ye might believe. The word πιστεύω is often used absolutely (John 1:7, 50; John 4:41, 42; John 5:44; John 6:36; and many other places). The disciples had believed something of Christ's power before (see John 2:11, etc.); but every act of faith prepares the way for another. Every fresh exercise of faith makes all previous efforts in the same direction appear elementary (cf. 1 John 5:13, T.R.). The joy of Jesus in the augmenting faith of his disciples is one of the most pathetic and instructive features of this Gospel (see John 16:31, and notes). The kingdom of God among men was, so far as we can see, dependent on the amount of faith that the apostles could be induced to cherish in the fact of the Incarnation during the brief period of this ministry. The Church has not yet come to a full understanding of all that he was. But if the disciples had not known his power over death, they would have been destitute of the alphabet of this new language, of the foundations of the spiritual city they had to build. Jesus rejoiced when disciples believed. So he does still. Nevertheless, let us go to him - to Lazarus, who still lives with God (cf. Matthew 22:32, and parallel passages). This is very remarkable. Even the dead body is in this case still (cf. John 14:31).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

for your sake
δι’ (di’)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

I am glad
χαίρω (chairō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5463: A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.

I was
ἤμην (ēmēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

there,
ἐκεῖ (ekei)
Adverb
Strong's 1563: (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

you may believe.
πιστεύσητε (pisteusēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.

But
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

let us go
ἄγωμεν (agōmen)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 71: A primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, go, pass, or induce.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

him.”
αὐτόν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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