Charles Ellicott Commentary John 11:55

"Now the passover of the Jews was at hand: and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the passover, to purify themselves." — John 11:55 (ASV)

And the Jews’ passover was near.—Compare Notes on John 2:13; John 6:4.

Out of the country.—Not the region near Ephraim, but the countryside generally, as distinct from the city.

To purify themselves.—The Law ordained no special purifications before the Passover, but on the general principle of ceremonial cleanness, a large number of pilgrims would necessarily go up before the feast to observe the legal rites and offer the required sacrifices. The time required varied from one to six days. (Exodus 19:10–11; Numbers 9:10; 2 Chronicles 30:17–18; and Notes on John 18:28; and Acts 21:24, 26; Acts 24:18.)