11:5–6
There are two ways of interpreting how these verses fit together:
(1) Jesus stayed where he was because he loved Mary and Martha. He knew what was best for them, and he went to see them at the right time. Or he stayed where he was because he knew that Lazarus’ illness would not end in death but in God’s glory (11:4). In this understanding, verse 11:5 is a parenthetical comment. For example:
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that he was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. (Revised Standard Version)
(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, NIV2011, New American Standard Bible, English Standard Version, King James Version, NET Bible Bible)
(2) Jesus stayed where he was although he loved Mary and Martha. For example:
Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days. (New International Version)
(New Revised Standard Version, New International Version (1984), Revised English Bible, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version, New Century Version)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). This is the natural meaning of the Greek text and is supported by several important modern commentaries.
11:5
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus: Jesus cared about the welfare of Lazarus and his sisters. He had affection for them and cared about them. So when he delayed going to their place, it did not mean that he did not love them. Jesus loved them as close friends.
Now: The common Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Now here introduces an important fact or background information. It is not a time word. It could very well indicate that this verse is a parenthetical comment.
Martha and her sister: Martha seems to be the oldest in the family because she is mentioned first and by name. The phrase her sister refers to Mary.
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