Features Pricing Bible Library Churches About Sign in Begin

John 11:40

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

John 11:40 · King James Version

Meaning

When Jesus spoke these words to Martha in the Gospel of John, He was trying to convey a powerful message about the importance of faith. By reminding Martha of the promise He had made to her earlier, Jesus was emphasizing the connection between belief and the manifestation of God's glory. He was encouraging Martha to trust in Him and His divine power, assuring her that if she had true faith, she would witness the miraculous works of God. This verse serves as a reminder to all believers that faith is a crucial element in experiencing the wonders of God's glory. It challenges us to rely on our belief in God's power and promises, even when faced with difficulties or uncertainties. Ultimately, Jesus' words to Martha highlight the transformative power of faith and the extraordinary things that can happen when we fully trust in Him.

Theological Overview

When Jesus tells Martha that if she believes, she will see the glory of God, it carries a deep theological interpretation. The emphasis here is on the importance of faith in experiencing the miraculous power of God. Throughout the Bible, faith is often portrayed as a key aspect in God's interaction with humanity. In this specific instance, Jesus is encouraging Martha to put her trust in him, even when faced with the death of her brother Lazarus. By believing in Jesus' authority and power, Martha is able to witness the glory of God through the resurrection of Lazarus. This verse underscores the idea that belief in Jesus leads to a deeper understanding of God's divine purposes and manifestations of his glory. It serves as a reminder to all believers that faith is the gateway to experiencing the wondrous works of God in their lives.

John 11:40 in other translations

American Standard Version

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou believedst, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

World English Bible

Jesus said to her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see God’s glory?”

Douay-Rheims

Jesus saith to her: Did not I say to thee that if thou believe, thou shalt see the glory of God?

Geneva Bible (1599)

Iesus saide vnto her, Saide I not vnto thee, that if thou diddest beleeue, thou shouldest see the glorie of God?