A.T. Robertson Commentary John 11:1

"Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister Martha." — John 11:1 (ASV)

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

Lazarus (Λαζαρος). See on Lu 16:20 for the name of another man in the parable, a shortened form of Eleazer, only other N.T. use, but in Josephus and rabbinical writings. No connexion between this Lazarus and the one in the parable.

Of Bethany (απο Βηθανιας). Use of απο as in 1:44 Philip of Bethsaida and 1:45 Joseph of Nazareth. This Bethany is about two miles (11:18) east of Jerusalem on the south-east slope of Olivet and is now called El Azariyeh, from the name Lazarus. Jesus is still apparently at the other Bethany beyond Jordan (10:40). It is doubtful if a distinction is meant here by απο and εκ between Bethany as the residence and some other village (εκ της κωμης) as the birthplace of Lazarus and the sisters.

Of Mary and Martha (Μαριας κα Μαρθας). Note Μαρθας, not Μαρθης for the genitive. Elsewhere (John 11:19; Luke 10:38) Martha comes first as the mistress and hostess. The two sisters are named for further identification of Lazarus. Martha was apparently the elder sister (11:5,19; Luke 10:38f.). "The identification of Mary with Mary Magdalene is a mere conjecture supported by no direct evidence, and opposed to the general tenor of the Gospels" (Westcott).