Chapter 11 of the Gospel of John narrates the resurrection of Lazarus, which is a cornerstone moment in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. John 11:55 in the King James Version (KJV) reads: "And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves."

This verse comes at the conclusion of the account of Lazarus' resurrection, which is a significant event that illustrates the power of Jesus and foreshadows his own resurrection. Leading up to this verse, we see how Jesus deliberately delayed his arrival after hearing about Lazarus' illness, resulting in his death. This was done for the glory of God to be revealed through the miracle of bringing Lazarus back to life. The verse serves as a transition from the miraculous resurrection to the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and fulfilment of the Passover.

The context of the verse is set during the time of the Passover, a Jewish festival that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. During the Passover, Jews from various regions would travel to Jerusalem to participate in the religious rituals and offer sacrifices at the temple. It was a time of spiritual recommitment and purification for the Jewish people, making themselves ceremonially clean before the Passover feast.

In this context, the verse serves as a reminder of the religious customs and practices of the Jewish people. It highlights the significance of the Passover as a time of spiritual preparation and renewal, emphasizing the importance of purification before participating in the religious festivities. It also sets the stage for the events that follow in the Gospel of John, leading to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, which are deeply intertwined with the symbolism of the Passover.

The themes present in this verse include the significance of religious rituals, the anticipation of the Passover, and the necessity of spiritual purification. It also serves as a subtle reminder of the importance of understanding the cultural and religious context in which Jesus' ministry took place, as well as the deep-rooted traditions and customs of the Jewish people. The verse also points to the impending climax of Jesus’ earthly ministry, as he prepares to enter Jerusalem to fulfill the ultimate purpose for which he was sent to earth.

Symbolically, the verse holds a deeper meaning as it foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus as the Passover Lamb. The timing of the Passover is significant, as it coincides with Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem and the events that lead to his crucifixion. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross serves as the ultimate purification for humanity, fulfilling the symbolism of the Passover lamb whose blood was shed for the atonement of sins. This verse thus serves as a bridge between the Old Testament traditions and the fulfillment of these traditions through Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

In conclusion, John 11:55 in the KJV provides a rich and meaningful insight into the cultural and religious context of Jesus' ministry, the significance of the Passover, and the foreshadowing of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. It underscores the importance of understanding the historical and religious background in which these events took place, and the deep symbolism that connects the Old Testament traditions with the fulfillment of these traditions through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.