John - 12:17

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17 The multitude therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from the dead, was testifying about it.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of John 12:17.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
The multitude therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from the dead, bare witness.
The multitude therefore gave testimony, which was with him, when he called Lazarus out of the grave, and raised him from the dead.
The crowd therefore that was with him bore witness because he had called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from among the dead.
The people therefore that were with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bore testimony.
The multitude, therefore, who are with him, were testifying that he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and did raise him out of the dead;
The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bore record.
The large number of people, however, who had been present when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and brought him back to life, related what they had witnessed.
Now the people who were with him when his voice came to Lazarus in the place of the dead, and gave him life again, had been talking about it.
The crowd therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from the dead, was testifying about it.
And so the crowd that had been with him, when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead, offered testimony.
Meanwhile the people who were with him, when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead, were telling what they had seen.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

The multitude gave their testimony. He again repeats what he had said, that many persons, aroused by the report of so great a miracle, came to meet Christ. The reason why they go out in crowds is, that the rumor, respecting Lazarus who had been restored to life, was widely spread. They had good reason, therefore, for ascribing to the son of Mary the honor of the Messiah, since he was known to possess such extraordinary power.

Bare record - Testified that he had raised him, and, as was natural, spread the report through the city. This excited much attention, and the people came out in multitudes to meet one who had power to work such miracles.

When he called - It appears that these people, who had seen him raise Lazarus from the dead, were publishing abroad the miracle, which increased the popularity of Christ, and the envy of the Pharisees.

The people therefore that was with him,.... The Jews, that came from Jerusalem to Bethany, to comfort the two sisters of Lazarus upon his death, who believed in Christ; and others of the town of Bethany, who with them were along with Christ:
when he called Lazarus out of his grave; saying, Lazarus, come forth:
and raised him from the dead; to life:
bare record: to the Jews at Jerusalem, and to the people that came out of the several countries, of the truth of that fact; declaring, that they were eye and ear witnesses of the whole, and that it was a truth that might be depended on.

When he called Lazarus out of the tomb - How admirably does the apostle express, as well the greatness of the miracle, as the facility with which it was wrought! The easiness of the Scripture style on the most grand occurrences, is more sublime than all the pomp of orators.

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