John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 11:19
And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary ,.... Or "to those that were about Martha and Mary"; in order to have access to them, they came to them, and to the rest of the family; though the phrase may design them only, as the Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions read: these Jews, as appears from the context, John 11:18 , came from Jerusalem, and might be some of the principal inhabitants; and it may be concluded, that these persons, Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, were people of note... read more
John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 11:18
Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem ,.... Which was a reason why them were so many of the Jews come there to condole the two sisters upon the death of their brother; and by this means the following miracle became more known there: it was about fifteen furlongs off ; that is, about two miles, for seven furlongs and a half made a Jewish mile, as appears from one of their canons F3 Misn. Bava Kama, c. 7. sect. 7. , which runs thus: "they do not spread nets for doves, except it be... read more