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 11:14 mean?

Explanation

John 11:14 presents a moment of stark clarity from Jesus Christ as He informs His disciples that Lazarus has died.

Prior to this declaration, Jesus had spoken cryptically about Lazarus's condition, referring to his state as "sleep" (John 11:11-13), which his disciples misunderstood as literal rest rather than death.

By stating plainly, "Lazarus is dead," Jesus aims to dispel any misunderstandings and prepare the disciples for the events to unfold, emphasizing the seriousness and reality of the situation.

This verse also sets the stage for the miracle Jesus is about to perform, which serves as a powerful demonstration of His dominion over life and death, and ultimately, a manifestation of God's glory.

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Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, the people of Judea held strong beliefs about life and death, informed by their Jewish faith.

It was common for them to mourn and hold burial customs that lasted several days.

Lazarus, a resident of Bethany and brother to Mary and Martha, who were close associates of Jesus, had fallen ill and died.

Jesus, who was in another area when informed of Lazarus's sickness, waited two days before beginning His journey back (John 11:6), ensuring that Lazarus had been dead for four days upon His arrival (John 11:17).

In this historical context, declaring someone dead after four days affirmed that death was certain, as the belief at the time was that the soul remained near the body for three days with the possibility of returning to it.

Theological Insights

Theologically, the direct statement "Lazarus is dead" is significant in several ways.

From a Christian standpoint, it demonstrates Jesus' omniscience, knowing Lazarus's condition without being physically present.

Additionally, it highlights Jesus' intention to reveal His power over death, giving credence to His claim of being the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).

For some Christian traditions, this episode foreshadows Jesus’ own death and resurrection, underlining the central belief in the conquest of death through Christ.

Other theological perspectives might appreciate this story as indicative of a powerful prophet's work, comparable to Old Testament figures like Elijah who also performed miracles.

Practical Applications

The straightforward communication by Jesus in John 11:14 serves as a model for clarity and truthfulness in difficult circumstances. Believers today might interpret this approach as an encouragement to face realities, even when difficult, and provide clear communication to those around them.

Additionally, the verse reinforces the hope that is central to the Christian faith: the belief in life after death and the power of God to bring life out of deathly situations. This can inspire individuals to hold onto hope and faith in times of loss and despair.

Cross-References

John 11:11-13: "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."

[John 11:25-26](/new-testament/john/11/25/what-does-john-11-25-mean): "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?"

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."

Language Study

Understanding the language used in this verse involves diving into the original Greek text.

The word translated as "dead" in this passage is "ἀπέθανεν" (apethanen), which is the aorist indicative active form of "ἀποθνῄσκω" (apothnēskō). This verb means "to die" and in the aorist tense indicates a past, completed action. The clarity and finality of this term underscore the absence of life.

The Greek text does not leave room for ambiguity, mirroring Jesus's clear communication.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

At the time of writing, the story of Lazarus held significant resonance when compared with other ancient religious narratives that involve themes of death and resurrection.

Various mythical traditions have tales of gods or heroes descending into the realm of the dead and returning to life or bringing others back to life, such as the stories of Osiris in Egyptian mythology or Orpheus in Greek mythology.

However, in the context of Jewish belief and the emerging Christian faith, the story of Lazarus is not merely a mythological allegory but a historical assertion of Jesus' divine authority.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science deals with death through the lens of biology and medicine.

Death is defined by the cessation of vital processes such as neurological function and cardiac activity.

The resurrection story of Lazarus, from a scientific standpoint, confronts the finality of biological death.

Science does not account for miracles, as they are by definition events that occur outside the natural order and hence are beyond scientific explanation.

Therefore, the "Lazarus phenomenon," a term sometimes used in medical literature to describe spontaneous return of circulation after failed resuscitation, does not adequately capture or explain the New Testament event.

Commentaries

Experts and theologians have various interpretations of John 11:14.

Some commentators suggest that Jesus's plain statement highlights His role as "the truth" (John 14:6), always bringing truth into situations, no matter how hard it may be.

Others focus on the narrative's role in the Gospel of John, which is to display Jesus's divinity through signs and wonders, culminating in this dramatic revelation of victory over death.

Commentators also note the deep sorrow and compassion Jesus expresses later in the chapter, demonstrating His empathy and shared humanity, even as He operates within His divine authority.

John 11

John 11

What does John 11:14 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 11:14 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?