In this verse John states that Martha went out to meet Jesus, and in verse 30 that she met him before he came into the village. One cannot say for certain how Martha heard that Jesus was coming; verse 29 seems to imply that Mary had not heard of Jesus’ arrival.

When Martha heard that Jesus was coming must be understood in terms of hearing a report that Jesus was coming. It would be wrong to translate in a way that would suggest that Martha actually heard the noise of Jesus’ approach. One may translate, for example, “when Martha heard someone say that Jesus was coming” or “… had arrived nearby.”

Stayed in the house is literally “was sitting at home.” It was customary for persons in mourning to sit (Job 2.8; Ezek 8.14), as it was for these persons who came to offer comfort (Job 2.13).

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 .