Was sick (ην ασθενων). Periphrastic imperfect active of ασθενεω, old verb (from ασθενης, α privative, and σθενος, strength).

A certain man was sick. The resurrection of Lazarus has been recorded only by John. Various reasons have been conjectured why the other ev…

Now a certain man was sick.—This is connected with the preceding narrative to introduce the reason for our Lord’s leaving…

Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

In God's book, towns are most remark…

The Venerable Bede: After our Lord had departed to the other side of the Jordan, it happened that Lazarus fell sick: A cert…

At this point Lazarus is introduced, though Mary and Martha are mentioned in Luke (10:38–42). Apparently Jesus was frequently a guest in their home…

And one named Lazarus was sick. The Evangelist passes on to another narrative, which contains a miracle eminently worthy of being recorded…

Now a certain man was sick
Very likely of a fever; Nonnus calls it a morbid fire, a hot and burning disease:

It is no new thing for those whom Christ loves to be sick; physical illnesses correct corruption and test the graces of God's people. He did not co…

1. Above, our Lord shows His life-giving power by word; here He confirms it with a miracle by raising Lazarus from the dead.