John 11:5

ἠγάπα. The loss involved here, and still more in John 21:15-17, in translating both ἀγαπᾶν and φιλεῖν by ‘love’ cannot be remedied satisfactorily. Φιλεῖν (amare) denotes a passionate, emotional warmth, which loves and does not care to ask why; the affection which is based on natural relationship, as of parents, brothers, lovers, and the like. Ἀγαπᾶν (diligere) denotes a calm discriminating attachment, which loves because of the excellence of the loved object; the affection which is based on esteem, as of friends. Φιλεῖν is the stronger, but less reasoning; ἀγαπᾶν the more earnest, but less intense. The sisters naturally use the more emotional word (John 11:3), describing their own feeling towards their brother; the Evangelist equally naturally uses the loftier and less impulsive word. The fact that the sisters are here included is not the reason for the change of expression. Both words are used of the love of the Father to the Son; φιλεῖν (John 5:20), because the love is founded on relationship; ἀγαπᾶν (John 3:35; John 10:17; John 15:9; John 17:23-24; John 17:26), because of the character of the love.

τ. Μάρθαν κ.τ.λ. The names are probably in order of age. This and John 11:19 confirm what is almost certain from Luke 10:38, that Martha is the elder sister. The separate mention of each of the three is touching and impressive.