John 11:20
New International Version
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

New Living Translation
When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house.

English Standard Version
So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house.

Berean Standard Bible
So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him; but Mary stayed at home.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore Martha, when she heard that Jesus is coming, met Him; but Mary was sitting in the house.

King James Bible
Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

New King James Version
Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house.

New American Standard Bible
So then Martha, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him, but Mary stayed in the house.

NASB 1995
Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him, but Mary stayed at the house.

NASB 1977
Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him; but Mary still sat in the house.

Legacy Standard Bible
Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him, but Mary was sitting in the house.

Amplified Bible
So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet Him, while Mary remained sitting in the house.

Christian Standard Bible
As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him, but Mary remained seated in the house.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet Him. But Mary remained seated in the house.

American Standard Version
Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary still sat in the house.

Contemporary English Version
When Martha heard that Jesus had arrived, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed in the house.

English Revised Version
Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary still sat in the house.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. Mary stayed at home.

Good News Translation
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed in the house.

International Standard Version
As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home.

Majority Standard Bible
So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him; but Mary stayed at home.

NET Bible
So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary was sitting in the house.

New Heart English Bible
Then when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary stayed in the house.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat in the house.

Weymouth New Testament
Martha, however, as soon as she heard the tidings, "Jesus is coming," went to meet Him; but Mary remained sitting in the house.

World English Bible
Then when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary stayed in the house.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Martha, therefore, when she heard that Jesus comes, met Him, and Mary kept sitting in the house.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore Martha, when she heard that Jesus is coming, met Him; but Mary was sitting in the house.

Young's Literal Translation
Martha, therefore, when she heard that Jesus doth come, met him, and Mary kept sitting in the house.

Smith's Literal Translation
Then Martha, when she heard that Jesus comes, met him: and Mary sat in the house.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Martha therefore, as soon as she heard that Jesus had come, went to meet him: but Mary sat at home.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, Martha, when she heard that Jesus was arriving, went out to meet him. But Mary was sitting at home.

New American Bible
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home.

New Revised Standard Version
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When Martha heard that Jesus had come, she went out to meet him; but Mary sat in the house.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But when Martha heard that Yeshua had come, she went out to meet him; but Maryam was sitting in the house.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Then Martha, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went out to meet him; but Mary sat still in the house.

Godbey New Testament
Then Martha, when she heard that Jesus comes, went to meet Him: and Mary sat in the house.

Haweis New Testament
Then Martha, when she heard that Jesus was coming, met him: but Mary sat in the house.

Mace New Testament
Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet him: but Mary stay'd at home.

Weymouth New Testament
Martha, however, as soon as she heard the tidings, "Jesus is coming," went to meet Him; but Mary remained sitting in the house.

Worrell New Testament
Martha, therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, met Him; but Mary was sitting in the house.

Worsley New Testament
Therefore Martha, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him: but Mary was sitting in the house.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Comforts Martha and Mary
19and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them in the loss of their brother. 20So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him; but Mary stayed at home. 21Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.…

Cross References
Luke 10:38-42
As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. / She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. / But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” ...

John 20:1-2
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. / So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,” she said, “and we do not know where they have put Him!”

John 19:25
Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene.

John 12:1-3
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, the hometown of Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. / So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. / Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

Luke 8:2
as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,

Matthew 26:6-13
While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, / a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table. / When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, “Why this waste? ...

Mark 14:3-9
While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head. / Some of those present, however, expressed their indignation to one another: “Why this waste of perfume? / It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. ...

John 1:40-42
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John’s testimony and followed Jesus. / He first found his brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated as Christ). / Andrew brought him to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter).

John 4:28-30
Then the woman left her water jar, went back into the town, and said to the people, / “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” / So they left the town and made their way toward Jesus.

John 20:11-18
But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent down to look into the tomb, / and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and the other at the feet. / “Woman, why are you weeping?” they asked. “Because they have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I do not know where they have put Him.” ...

Luke 24:10
It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles.

Matthew 27:55-56
And many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to minister to Him. / Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.

Mark 15:40-41
And there were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. / These women had followed Jesus and ministered to Him while He was in Galilee, and there were many other women who had come up to Jerusalem with Him.

Acts 1:14
With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

Acts 12:12
And when he had realized this, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered together and were praying.


Treasury of Scripture

Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

as soon.

John 11:30
Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.

Matthew 25:1,6
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom…

Acts 10:25
And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

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Heard Home House However Jesus Kept Martha Mary Meet Met News Sat Sitting Soon Tidings Way
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Heard Home House However Jesus Kept Martha Mary Meet Met News Sat Sitting Soon Tidings Way
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.














So when Martha heard
The name "Martha" is derived from the Aramaic "Marta," meaning "lady" or "mistress." Martha is often depicted as a woman of action, and her immediate response upon hearing of Jesus' arrival is consistent with her character. In the cultural context of first-century Judea, women were typically expected to remain in the background, yet Martha's proactive nature is highlighted here. Her hearing of Jesus' approach signifies her attentiveness and readiness to engage with the Lord, reflecting a heart eager to seek Him even in times of distress.

that Jesus was coming
The Greek word for "coming" is "erchomai," which implies not just physical movement but also the arrival of someone significant. Jesus' coming is a pivotal moment, as it brings hope and the potential for miraculous intervention. In the broader scriptural narrative, Jesus' coming often signifies the breaking in of God's kingdom and the presence of divine power. Martha's awareness of His coming underscores the anticipation and reverence that His presence commands.

she went out to meet Him
Martha's action of going out to meet Jesus is significant. The Greek verb "hupantaō" suggests a deliberate and purposeful action. This reflects Martha's faith and determination to seek Jesus actively. In the cultural and historical context, going out to meet someone of importance was a sign of respect and urgency. Martha's initiative demonstrates her belief in Jesus' authority and her desire to bring her concerns directly to Him, embodying a model of faith that seeks the Lord earnestly.

but Mary remained seated in the house
The contrast between Martha and Mary is striking. Mary, whose name in Hebrew, "Miryam," can mean "beloved" or "rebellious," chooses to remain seated. The Greek word "kathezomai" for "seated" implies a state of rest or waiting. This could reflect a different aspect of faith, one that is contemplative and patient. In the scriptural context, Mary often represents a posture of devotion and reflection, as seen in other Gospel accounts. Her remaining in the house may symbolize a trust in Jesus' timing and a willingness to wait upon the Lord, offering a complementary perspective to Martha's active faith.

(20) Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming . . .--This is partly to be explained from the position in which they stood towards Him, and partly from the fact of the presence of the Jews at the house. She goes forth to meet Him in a place where she can speak her heart's thoughts, apart from the oppressive ceremonial of the formal lamentation, and where He would not be exposed to a renewal of the attempts against His life.

But Mary sat still in the house.--Better, without the word in italics, but Mary was sitting in the house. The characteristics of the two sisters, which we find in Luke 10:38 (see Note there), are strikingly preserved in this narrative. The clause describes precisely the position of the mourner, who sat on or near the ground, while those who came to lament with her sat around. (Comp. Job 2:13-13.)

Verse 20. - The οϋν points back probably to ver. 1. The type of character so beautifully contrasted in the previous reference to the family at Bethany appears again, and confirms the historical character of Luke 10:38, etc., as well as of the narrative before us. Thoma says that this picture is "simply painted with synoptic color." Martha is the mistress of the house. Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. Martha was a woman of impulse, energy, practical duty; like Peter, she was ready even to give advice to her Lord, and eager to put everybody in his rightful place. On the first opportunity she hastened at once to "meet" Jesus, even without at first warning her sister of his approach. Mary, contemplative, pensive, undemonstrative under ordinary circumstances, but with a great fund of love, was sitting in the house receiving the condolences of the Jews (cf. ver. 19). Weiss suggests that Jesus was well aware, from the station of the family, and from the fact that hitherto his own friendship for the sisters had not submitted them to the ban, that "many Jews" would have congregated in the house of mourning. Consequently, Jesus does not come straight to the house, but allows it to be known that he is there.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
So
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

when
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

Martha
Μάρθα (Martha)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3136: Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus of Bethany. Probably of Chaldee origin; Martha, a Christian woman.

heard
ἤκουσεν (ēkousen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

was coming,
ἔρχεται (erchetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

she went out to meet
ὑπήντησεν (hypēntēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5221: To meet, go to meet. From hupo and a derivative of anti; to go opposite under, i.e. To encounter, fall in with.

Him;
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 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.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

Mary
Μαριὰμ (Mariam)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3137: Or Mariam of Hebrew origin; Maria or Mariam, the name of six Christian females.

stayed
ἐκαθέζετο (ekathezeto)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2516: To be sitting, sit down, be seated. From kata and the base of hedraios; to sit down.

at
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

home.
οἴκῳ (oikō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3624: A dwelling; by implication, a family.


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