The Verse in Focus (John 11:5)
ἠγάπα δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς τὴν Μάρθαν καὶ τὴν ἀδελφὴν αὐτῆς καὶ τὸν Λάζαρον
ἠγάπα: A Love of Choice and Commitment
The verb ἠγάπα is the imperfect active indicative of ἀγαπάω, meaning “to love.” The imperfect tense indicates ongoing or repeated past action — “Jesus was loving” or “Jesus loved continually.” This is not a fleeting emotion; it is a consistent, enduring relationship. The choice of ἀγαπάω — rather than φιλέω — emphasizes a committed, intentional love rather than mere affection.
This verse comes just before the account of Lazarus’s death and resurrection, and the imperfect form prepares the reader: Jesus’ love was not negated by delay or suffering — it was always present.
δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς: Emphatic Subject and Narrative Flow
The conjunction δὲ is often translated “but” or “and,” functioning here as a mild contrast or narrative continuation.
Placing ὁ Ἰησοῦς after the verb is standard Greek word order, but it also places emphasis on the subject — it is Jesus who loved them. The grammatical construction ensures clarity while quietly emphasizing who is doing the loving.
τὴν Μάρθαν καὶ τὴν ἀδελφὴν αὐτῆς καὶ τὸν Λάζαρον: Named and Known
Three objects are listed:
– τὴν Μάρθαν — “Martha.” She is named first, possibly indicating her role as elder or hostess.
– τὴν ἀδελφὴν αὐτῆς — “her sister.” Interestingly, Mary is not named here, though she will be mentioned shortly in the narrative. The phrase ties her identity relationally to Martha.
– τὸν Λάζαρον — “Lazarus.” His inclusion completes the triad and sets up the coming miracle.
Each object is in the accusative case as the direct object of ἠγάπα. The repeated articles (τὴν… τὴν… τὸν) mark each individual distinctly, showing that Jesus’ love was not vague or general — it was personal and specific.
The Imperfect That Carries the Story
In just one sentence, John 11:5 holds profound theological and emotional weight. Through the imperfect tense of ἠγάπα, we glimpse a love that persists through illness, grief, and death. The names — Μάρθαν, Λάζαρον — anchor that love in real people and relationships. Greek grammar, with its careful verb tense and ordered list, doesn’t just tell us Jesus loved — it shows us that his love was enduring, personal, and preparing to reveal divine glory.
