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John 12:9
ESV When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.
NIV Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.
NASB The large crowd of the Jews then learned that He was there; and they came, not on account of Jesus only, but so that they might also see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead.
CSB Then a large crowd of the Jews learned he was there. They came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, the one he had raised from the dead.
NLT When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead.
KJV Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
NKJV Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.

What does John 12:9 mean?

The stated purpose of the gospel of John is providing proof that Jesus Christ is the divine Promised One (John 20:30–31). To this point, John has provided seven examples of miracles, numerous witnesses, extensive conversations, and other convincing points. People who lived during those times would have seen and heard even more. Among those amazing miracles was the raising of Lazarus, whom Jesus brought back to life after four days in a tomb (John 11:38–44). This occurred in the town of Bethany, extremely close to Jerusalem (John 11:18). Chapter 12 begins with a celebration in Bethany (John 12:1–2), which provides curious people the chance to go and see for themselves if Lazarus was truly alive.

John often uses the phrase "the Jews" to refer either to the religious leaders of Jerusalem or their immediate followers. In this case, he means the latter: the people of the city. Word of Lazarus' spectacular resurrection has led many of those people to come and visit. Apparently, for some of them, seeing was believing—they recognized what they saw as proof of Jesus' divine power and authority (John 12:11).

In response to Jesus' raising of Lazarus, groups like the Pharisees and Sadducees banded together to have Jesus killed (John 11:53). Not only are they willing to assassinate a miracle-worker, they're open to murdering an innocent man who was the subject of a miracle, as well (John 12:10).
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