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Therefore Martha, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him, but Mary stayed in the house.

Verse Takeaways

1

Two Sisters, Two Responses

Commentators consistently highlight how the distinct personalities of the two sisters, first seen in Luke 10, are evident here. Martha, the active and practical one, immediately goes to meet Jesus. Mary, the quiet and contemplative one, remains seated in her grief. Scholars like Charles Spurgeon note that while Mary is often praised, Martha's active nature is a strength in this moment, showing that different temperaments can be virtuous in different situations.

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Commentaries

9

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On John 11:20

18th Century

Theologian

Then Martha. To Martha was entrusted the management of the affairs of the family (Luke 10:40). It is probable that she first h…

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On John 11:20

That Jesus was coming (οτ Ιησους ερχετα). Present middle indicative retained in indirect discourse after the secondary tense ηκουσ…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On John 11:20

19th Century

Bishop

Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming . . .—This is partly to be explained by their relationship with H…

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Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On John 11:19–20

19th Century

Preacher

And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming…

Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On John 11:20

Martha, the more aggressive sister, went to meet Jesus, while quiet and contemplative Mary stayed home. This portrayal of the sisters agrees with t…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On John 11:20

16th Century

Theologian

Martha having heard that Jesus was coming. Martha travels beyond the village, as we will see later, not only perhaps because of the revere…

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John Gill

John Gill

On John 11:20

17th Century

Pastor

Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming ,
&c.] Which she might hear of, either by a messenger sent b…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On John 11:17–32

17th Century

Minister

Here was a house where the fear of God was, and on which his blessing rested; yet it was made a house of mourning. Grace will keep sorrow from the …