Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

John 11:9

οὐχὶ δώδεκα. As so often, Christ gives no direct answer to the question asked, but a general principle, involving the answer to the question. Comp. John 2:6; John 2:19; John 3:5; John 3:10; John 4:13; John 4:21; John 6:32; John 6:53; John 8:7; John 8:25; John 8:54; John 10:25. The meaning seems to be, ‘Are there not twelve working-hours in which a man may labour without fear of stumbling? I have not yet reached the end of My working-day, and so can safely continue the work I came to do. The night cometh, when I can no longer work; but it has not yet come.’ Comp. John 9:4. Thus it is practically equivalent to ‘Mine hour is not yet come;’ it is still right for Him to work: but the figure here adopted is of wider application, and contains a moral for the disciples and all Christians as well as an application to Christ; ‘Add nothing and lose nothing, but use the time that is allowed.’ The expression throws no light on S. John’s method of reckoning time. see on John 19:14.

προσκόπτει. Knock one’s foot against; offendere.

τὸ φῶς τ. κ. τ. The sun: the words were spoken just before the departure, which probably took place at dawn.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

John 11:9

Old Testament

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