The author of the Gospel includes this statement to indicate that Jesus’ failure to go to Bethany immediately was not due to any lack of love for Lazarus. Moffatt, who finds it difficult to believe that the verse was originally in this place, puts it immediately after verse 2. However, in its present position, it fits in quite well with the logic of this chapter, and there is no textual basis for changing its position. The Western mind does not always narrate events in the same sequence that the Jews of the first century did, and some scholars tend to transpose verses when there is no need to do so.

The Greek verb for loved (agapaō) is not the same verb used in verse 3 (phileō), but in John’s Gospel these verbs are essentially synonyms, with no distinguishable difference in meaning. (See comments at 3.35 and 5.20.)

In the choice of a term for loved it is important to avoid an expression which would suggest sexual or erotic concern. In some languages the closest equivalent may be “deeply respected” or “had great concern for” or even “appreciated very much.”

In a number of languages it is extremely awkward to speak of Martha and her sister, and Lazarus. This phrase would seem to suggest that Mary was the sister of Martha but that neither of them was related to Lazarus. A more natural expression in some languages is “the siblings Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.” In others one may say “Martha and Mary and their brother Lazarus.” In speaking of “their brother Lazarus” one automatically identifies Martha and Mary as sisters.

In some languages it is necessary to indicate the relative ages of these three persons. Since in New Testament accounts the tendency is to place the oldest person first, one can say “Martha and her younger sister Mary and their younger brother Lazarus.” we do not know what the actual relative ages were, but since Lazarus is mentioned after Martha and Mary, he was probably their younger brother. However, a term suggesting that Lazarus was a child should be avoided.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .