John 11:55

Translations

Modern

Now the Jewish Passover was near, and many people went up from the country to Jerusalem to purify themselves before the Passover.

Traditional

And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

Literal

Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up to Jerusalem from the country before the Passover, so that they might purify themselves.

Latin

Proximum autem erat Pascha Judæorum, et ascenderunt multi Jerosolymam de regione ante Pascha, ut sanctificarent seipsos.

Original

Greek

English

Now the Jewish Passover was near, and many people went up from the country to Jerusalem to purify themselves before the Passover.

Notes

John 11:55–57

As crowds arrived in Jerusalem on pilgrimage for Passover (see 2:13), the city was buzzing with talk about Jesus and his miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. People wondered if Jesus would be obedient to the law and come to the city to celebrate or play it safe in the countryside. The priests and Pharisees knew that Jesus was faithful to the law and would attend the festival, so they tried to make the city a trap for him.

John 11:1–57

The resurrection of Lazarus points to the future death and resurrection of Jesus. The description of Lazarus’s tomb is similar to the description of the tomb Jesus was placed in after he died (11:38, 44; 20:1, 7). Both accounts mention a cave and burial cloths. These details connect the two events and help us see that Lazarus’s story is a sign.

Soon after Lazarus was raised, a woman anointed Jesus for burial (12:3). This act prepared him for his coming death.

Then the time for his glorification began (12:23).

Theme notes and profiles

The Pharisees

Events

Jesus Withdraws to Ephraimc. AD 30

Related verses

2 Chronicles 30:17–20
Since there were many in the assembly who had not consecrated themselves, the Levites were in charge of slaughtering the Passover lambs for every unclean person to consecrate the lambs to the LORD.
Hebrews 9:13–14
For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean,
John 6:4
Now the Jewish Feast of the Passover was near.
John 2:13
When the Jewish Passover was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
Genesis 35:2
So Jacob told his household and all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments.
Exodus 19:10
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. They must wash their clothes
John 12:1
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, the hometown of Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.
Job 1:5
And when the days of feasting were over, Job would send for his children to purify them, rising early in the morning to offer burnt offerings for all of them. For Job thought, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular practice.
Exodus 19:14–15
When Moses came down from the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes.
1 Samuel 16:5
“In peace,” he replied. “I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
Acts 24:18
At the time they found me in the temple, I was ceremonially clean and was not inciting a crowd or an uproar. But there are some Jews from the province of Asia
Matthew 26:1
When Jesus had finished saying all these things, He told His disciples,

Parallels

Matthew 26:1–5 Mark 14:1–2 Luke 22:1–2

People

Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province Passover: An annual Jewish feast commemorating the Exodus

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Caiaphas Eternal Life Jesus Christ John, Gospel of Lazarus

Topics

Purification of the Jews Before the Passover Celebration The Feast of the Passover: Called The: Jew's Passover The Feast of the Passover: Purification Necessary to the Due Observance of

John 11:55

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