John 11

Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.

His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?

Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.

Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.

Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:

And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.

Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.

Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.

The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.

Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,

And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

Jesus wept.

Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.

Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,

Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;

And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?

Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.

What does John 11:11 mean?

Explanation

John 11:11 finds Jesus speaking to His disciples concerning Lazarus, who was ill and died.

When Jesus refers to Lazarus as 'sleeping,' He is using a common Jewish metaphor for death, with the intention of raising Lazarus from the dead.

This usage of 'sleep' for death signifies a temporary state, implying that death is not the end and pointing towards the resurrection.

Jesus' statement that He intends to go and 'wake' Lazarus refers to His soon-to-be-performed miracle of bringing Lazarus back to life, demonstrating His power over life and death and foreshadowing His own resurrection.

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Historical Context

The verse is part of the larger narrative of Lazarus' death and resurrection found in John 11.

This event occurred in Bethany, near Jerusalem, during the time of Jesus' ministry.

It serves as a pivotal moment, showing Jesus' divine authority which leads to an increase in belief among many Jews but also contributes to the decision among the leaders to plot His death.

Historically, Jesus' actions, including the raising of Lazarus, are significant within the context of messianic expectations and the belief in resurrection among Second Temple Jews.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse reinforces the belief in Jesus' divinity and His authority over life and death. It also speaks to the eschatological hope of the resurrection of the dead, which is a fundamental tenet of Christian faith.

Some scholars see this event as signifying the coming of new life through Jesus, foreshadowing the ultimate resurrection of believers. The identification of Lazarus as a 'friend' stresses the personal relationship Jesus has with His followers, which exceeds even death.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can be a source of comfort for those grieving, reminding them of the Christian hope in eternal life and resurrection. It also encourages believers to see physical death not as an end, but as a 'sleep' from which one day they will be awakened.

Additionally, it can inspire faith in Jesus' power and presence in one's life, and the transformative impact He can have on seemingly final situations.

Cross-References

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14: "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope."
John 5:28-29: "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."
John 11:25-26: "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die."

Language Study

"Sleepeth" (Greek: κοιμάω, koimaō) is a term used throughout the New Testament to refer to the state of death.

It indicates a peaceful, resting state and conveys a transitory phase before awakening.

"Awake" (Greek: ἐγείρω, egeirō) is commonly used to signify raising from sleep or, in this context, raising from the dead.

This verb connotes a form of resurrection and reanimation.

"Our friend Lazarus" (Greek: ὁ φίλος ἡμῶν Λάζαρος, ho philos hēmōn Lazaros) emphasizes a relationship of affection and endearment between Jesus and Lazarus, highlighting a close and personal connection.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient beliefs, the Jewish understanding of resurrection stood out as distinctive.

Many ancient cultures had myths about deities dying and rising, such as the Sumerian Inanna or the Greek Persephone, but these typically symbolized natural cycles.

The Christian concept of resurrection, as exemplified in Lazarus’ story, is tied to historical individuals and an ultimate future event affecting all humanity rather than cyclical mythic patterns.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, death is considered irreversible after a certain point, especially after an extended period of time as in the case of Lazarus.

Modern medical advancements have redefined the meaning of clinical death with cases of resuscitation; however, these occur within a limited timeframe and are quite different from the miraculous event depicted in John 11:11.

Commentaries

Many biblical commentaries see John 11:11 as integral to understanding Jesus' mastery over death, providing a literal example of His power to 'wake' the dead which parallels the spiritual awakening He offers.

Commentators like Matthew Henry view this as a gentle way Jesus prepares His disciples for both the miracle of Lazarus' resurrection and the greater reality of their own eventual resurrection.

Others, such as William Barclay, note Jesus' use of ‘sleep’ as symbolizing God's care even in death and the hope for a future awakening through divine intervention.

John 11

John 11

What does John 11:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 11:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?