What does John 11:17 mean?

Explanation

John 11:17 recounts the event in the Gospel of John where Jesus arrives in Bethany following the death of his friend Lazarus.

The verse highlights that by the time Jesus reached the village, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. This detail gives a sense of the time that has passed since Lazarus' death and suggests the finality of his condition, as decomposition would have begun according to Jewish beliefs.

The verse sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, namely the resurrection of Lazarus, which serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus's authority over life and death.

Historical Context

This verse is set in the context of first-century Judea under Roman occupation.

Jewish burial practices involved wrapping the body in linens with spices and placing it in a tomb, usually a cave.

Typically, mourning periods were observed, with the first three days being seen as a time when the soul stayed near the body , by the fourth day, it was generally accepted that the soul had departed.

Jesus' arrival on the fourth day would therefore signify to his contemporaries that Lazarus was unquestionably dead.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse carries significant implications. It challenges the Sadducees' belief that there is no resurrection.

Additionally, it reflects the Christian belief in Jesus as the resurrection and the life, foreshadowing his own resurrection.

Some theologians view the four-day period as indicative of Jesus's deliberate delay to magnify the miracle and thus strengthen his disciples' faith.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire believers to have faith even when situations seem beyond hope.

The four-day period serves as a metaphor suggesting that what may appear as a delay may be part of a divine plan that allows for a greater manifestation of God's work.

It reminds individuals to trust in God's timing and look for the presence and purpose of God even in the midst of grief and loss.

Cross-References

• John 11:1-44 - The full account of Lazarus's illness, death, and resurrection.
• John 5:28-29 - Jesus speaks about the resurrection of the dead.
• John 6:40 - Jesus promises the resurrection to those who believe in him.
• Ezekiel 37:1-14 - The vision of dry bones, symbolizing God’s power to give life to the dead.
• Romans 6:4-5 - The believers’ union with Christ in his death and resurrection.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek language of this verse include:

• "ἐλθὼν" (elthōn) - "came" or "arrived," denoting Jesus's action of reaching Bethany.
• "εὗρεν" (heuren) - "he found," indicating Jesus's discovery of the situation on arrival.
• "τέσσαρας" (tessaras) - "four," specifying the number of days Lazarus had been in the tomb.
• "ἤδη" (ēdē) - "already," which emphasizes the established fact of Lazarus’s time in the grave.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of other ancient traditions, parallels can be made with myths of gods or heroes descending into the underworld and returning, such as the stories of Orpheus in Greek mythology or the Sumerian myth of Inanna's descent.

In these stories, the theme of overcoming death is also prominent.

However, in the case of John 11:17, it's not merely a descent to the realm of the dead but an assertion of power over death in the physical world.

Scientific Perspectives

The mention of Lazarus being in the grave for four days presents a perspective that intersects with biological science.

After four days, the human body typically shows signs of advanced decomposition, making a natural return to life scientifically impossible.

When Jesus raises Lazarus, it is understood to be a miracle because it defies natural processes as known by modern science.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of John 11:17:

• Some suggest that the detail of "four days" highlights Jesus's divine knowledge and timing.

He intentionally arrives when all hope seems lost.

• Others believe the narrative illustrates a teaching moment for the disciples and onlookers, showing that Jesus's miraculous power is not bound by the limitations of death.
• Commentators like Matthew Henry emphasize the comfort provided to mourners by Jesus's presence, suggesting that Christian hope is not dimmed by the length of death’s hold.
• Scholars such as D.A.

Carson discuss the cultural implications of the four-day period and how it underscores the miraculous nature of Lazarus’s subsequent resurrection.