King James Bible
"Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus."
John emphasizes Jesus's deep personal affection, using the Greek word for love (agapao) that denotes committed, purposeful care. This statement appears just before Jesus deliberately delays going to help Lazarus, highlighting that divine love sometimes permits suffering for a greater purpose. The specific naming of Martha first, followed by Mary (unnamed here), and Lazarus shows Jesus's intimate relationship with this Bethany household. This family appears multiple times in the Gospels as particularly close to Jesus, offering him hospitality and friendship during his ministry.