A.T. Robertson Commentary John 12:17

"The multitude therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from the dead, bare witness." — John 12:17 (ASV)

Bare witness (εμαρτυρε). Imperfect active of μαρτυρεω. This crowning triumph of Jesus gave an added sense of importance to the crowds that were actually with Jesus when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead. For this description of this portion of the crowd see 11:45f.; 12:1,9-11.