John 11:11

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.

These things {G5023} said {G2036} he {G846}: and {G2532} after {G3326} that {G5124} he saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Our {G2257} friend {G5384} Lazarus {G2976} sleepeth {G2837}; but {G235} I go {G4198}, that {G2443} I may awake {G1852} him {G846} out of sleep {G1852}.

Yeshua said these things, and afterwards he said to the talmidim, “Our friend El‘azar has gone to sleep; but I am going in order to wake him up.”

After He had said this, He told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up.”

These things spake he: and after this he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus is fallen asleep; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

Context

The Gospel of John, chapter 11, sets the stage for one of Jesus's most profound miracles: the raising of Lazarus from the dead. This verse occurs after Jesus has received news that His dear friend Lazarus, who lived in Bethany with his sisters Mary and Martha, was gravely ill. Jesus intentionally delayed His arrival, allowing Lazarus to die, so that God's glory might be displayed (John 11:4). Jesus speaks these words to His disciples, who initially misunderstand His meaning, thinking Lazarus is merely resting from a physical illness.

Key Themes

  • Death as Sleep: Jesus uses the metaphor of "sleep" to describe Lazarus's death. This is a significant theological point, especially for believers. For those in Christ, death is not a final end but a temporary rest, awaiting a future awakening. This concept offers immense comfort and points to the hope of resurrection.
  • Jesus's Authority Over Death: By stating, "I go, that I may awake him out of sleep," Jesus asserts His divine power and authority over life and death. He doesn't merely hope to heal Lazarus; He intends to reverse death itself. This foreshadows His own victory over the grave and His role as the Resurrection and the Life.
  • Deep Affection: The phrase "Our friend Lazarus" highlights the personal and deep relationship Jesus had with Lazarus and his family. Jesus's actions are driven by both divine purpose and profound love, demonstrating His compassion even in the face of suffering and loss.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "sleep" is koimaō (κοιμάω). While it literally means to sleep, in the New Testament, it is frequently used metaphorically to describe the death of believers. This usage emphasizes that death for a Christian is not an annihilation but a temporary state, like sleeping, from which they will be awakened. Paul uses this same concept when discussing the resurrection of believers in 1 Thessalonians 4:14, reinforcing the idea of a future bodily resurrection and the hope of eternal life.

Practical Application

John 11:11 offers profound comfort and reassurance to believers facing loss.

  • Hope in Grief: For Christians, the death of a loved one is not a permanent separation but a temporary "sleep" from which they will be awakened by Christ. This verse reminds us that death does not have the final word for those who belong to Jesus.
  • Jesus's Sovereignty: It reaffirms Jesus's ultimate power over all things, including death. We can trust that He is in control, even when circumstances seem dire or hopeless.
  • Personal Relationship with Christ: Just as Jesus had a deep friendship with Lazarus, He desires a personal and intimate relationship with each of us, caring for our well-being and offering hope beyond this life. His compassion seen here is a testament to His enduring love for His people.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 12:2

    And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt.

  • John 11:13

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

  • Acts 7:60

    And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:10

    Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:51

    ¶ Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

  • Matthew 27:52

    And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

  • Mark 5:39

    And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

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