What Does John 11:6 Mean in the King James?

When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

John 11:6 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

The verb for Jesus’ staying here is the same Greek verb John uses for “abide,” so the delay is spoken in the language of remaining.

THE MEANING

Jesus hears that Lazarus is sick and remains where he is for two days. The need is real, while this verse leaves the reason for the delay unstated.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

The assumption that delay means the need has not been heard is unsettled here: Jesus hears the report and remains two days.

THE ROOT

ἔμεινεν

émeinen

GROWS FROM

μένω

menō

Remain, stay, continue.

“abode” in this verse is émeinen. The Greek verb names a concrete act of staying, not an unexplained gap in the story. John also uses this verb for abiding, so physical remaining and relational staying share a word, even as this verse leaves the reason for the delay open.

ALSO GROWS

monē: Dwelling place, abode.

μονή

This noun appears in John 14:2 for a dwelling place, carrying the root’s sense of remaining into a place where one stays.

emmenō: Continue, remain in.

ἐμμένω

This compound appears in Galatians 3:10 for continuing in what is written; the same root can describe persistence over time.

THE PATTERN

Scripture names the interval between a crisis and its answer instead of rushing past it.

Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.

Genesis 22:4 · KJVThe third day marks an interval before Abraham sees the place ahead.

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?

Psalm 13:1 · KJVThe repeated “How long” gives the experience of waiting its own voice.

Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.

John 11:17 · KJVThe four days in the grave keep the passage of time and the reality of death in view.

THE THREAD

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

John 15:4 · KJV

The verb behind “abode” here, ⁨μένω⁩ (menō), is the same verb rendered “abide” in this verse. John connects physical staying with the language of remaining in relationship, while leaving the reason for these two days unstated.

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