John 11:14

KJV

Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119}{G3767} said {G2036} Jesus {G2424} unto them {G846} plainly {G3954}, Lazarus {G2976} is dead {G599}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Yeshua told them in plain language, “El‘azar has died.

Berean Standard Bible

So Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead,

American Standard Version

Then Jesus therefore said unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 11:14, Jesus unequivocally states to His disciples, "Lazarus is dead." This direct declaration cuts through their previous misunderstanding of His metaphorical language about Lazarus "sleeping," serving as a critical turning point that dispels ambiguity and prepares them for the imminent, profound demonstration of His divine power over death, ultimately revealing His identity as the Resurrection and the Life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the larger narrative of Lazarus's illness, death, and resurrection in [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Resurrection of Lazarus"). Jesus has just received news of Lazarus's illness from Martha and Mary, His beloved friends, and deliberately delayed His arrival in Bethany for two days ([John 11:3-6](/john/11-3-6 "John 11:3-6 - Jesus Delays His Journey")). Upon deciding to go to Judea, He first tells His disciples, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep" ([John 11:11](/john/11-11 "John 11:11 - Lazarus Sleeps")). The disciples, interpreting "sleep" as natural rest, respond, "Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well" ([John 11:12](/john/11-12 "John 11:12 - Disciples Misunderstand Sleep")). Jesus's statement in [John 11:14](/john/11-14 "John 11:14 - Jesus Declares Lazarus's Death") immediately follows this misunderstanding, serving to correct their misinterpretation and remove all doubt about Lazarus's condition, thereby setting the stage for the miraculous resurrection that is to follow. This deliberate clarification highlights Jesus's teaching method, moving from veiled truth to plain speech when necessary for understanding and faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish culture, death was a profound and often public event, accompanied by specific mourning rituals and beliefs about the soul's departure. The concept of "sleep" was a common euphemism for death, particularly in the Old Testament (e.g., [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake")). However, Jesus's use of the term here was intended to convey a deeper spiritual reality—that death, for believers, is but a temporary state from which they will awaken. The disciples' initial misunderstanding reflects their natural human perspective, which was limited by their current understanding and not yet fully grasping Jesus's divine authority over life and death. The setting in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, places this miracle in a location accessible to many witnesses, further emphasizing its public and undeniable nature. The Jewish belief that the soul lingered near the body for three days before departing entirely (a tradition not explicitly biblical but common at the time) adds a layer of significance to Jesus's four-day delay, ensuring that Lazarus was undeniably dead.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in the Gospel of John. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Knowledge and Sovereignty**, revealing that Jesus possesses full knowledge of events even when physically absent ([John 11:4](/john/11-4 "John 11:4 - Sickness for God's Glory")). His deliberate delay and subsequent declaration demonstrate His sovereign control over life and death, not merely as a healer but as the source of life itself. Secondly, it highlights the **Reality of Death and Jesus's Authority Over It**. Unlike the disciples who wished to avoid the grim truth, Jesus confronts death directly, preparing His followers for a confrontation with the ultimate enemy, which He will decisively overcome. This sets up the profound theological declaration in [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"), where Jesus proclaims Himself to be "the resurrection and the life." Finally, the shift from metaphorical language to "plainly" speaking reinforces the theme of **Clarity and Purpose in Jesus's Communication**. While Jesus often used parables and metaphors, He also knew when to speak with absolute clarity to ensure His disciples grasped the profound implications of His actions and teachings, especially concerning His divine identity and mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** This primary verb signifies speaking or saying, whether by word or writing. In this context, it emphasizes Jesus's verbal communication, highlighting the directness and intentionality of His statement. The choice of this verb underscores that Jesus is actively conveying a crucial piece of information, not merely expressing a thought.
* **plainly (Greek, _parrhesía'_):** Derived from "all out-spokenness," this word denotes frankness, bluntness, publicity, and by implication, assurance. When Jesus speaks "plainly" here, it means He is speaking without reservation, veiled language, or ambiguity. It contrasts sharply with His earlier metaphorical use of "sleep" and signals a shift to an undeniable, unvarnished truth, preparing the disciples for a profound and undeniable miracle.
* **dead (Greek, _apothnḗskō'_):** This verb means "to die off," literally or figuratively. Here, it is used in its most literal and stark sense, confirming the physical cessation of life for Lazarus. The use of this word leaves no room for misinterpretation of Lazarus's condition, emphasizing the finality of his earthly life and setting the stage for Jesus's demonstration of power over this ultimate human reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Jesus unto them plainly,"**: This opening clause marks a significant transition in Jesus's communication with His disciples. The adverb "then" (G5119, _tóte_) indicates a specific point in time, following the disciples' misunderstanding of "sleep." Jesus's action of "saying" (G2036, _épō_) is deliberate, and the crucial adverb "plainly" (G3954, _parrhesía_) signifies a shift from His earlier, more metaphorical language (referring to Lazarus's "sleep" in [John 11:11](/john/11-11 "John 11:11 - Lazarus Sleeps")) to direct, unambiguous speech. He cuts through any lingering confusion, ensuring that His disciples fully grasp the gravity of the situation and the reality of Lazarus's state. This directness is essential for them to appreciate the magnitude of the miracle He is about to perform.
* **"Lazarus is dead."**: This concise statement is the blunt, unvarnished truth that Jesus delivers. It is a factual declaration of Lazarus's physical state, leaving no room for the disciples to interpret "sleep" as anything other than death. The Greek verb for "is dead" (G599, _apothnḗskō_) emphasizes the finality of Lazarus's earthly life. This declaration is not merely informational; it serves to prepare the disciples' hearts and minds for the extraordinary event that will follow. By confronting the reality of death, Jesus sets the stage for His ultimate demonstration of power over it, revealing His identity as the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")).

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Contrast** and **Foreshadowing**. The most prominent device is **Contrast**, specifically between Jesus's earlier metaphorical language of "sleep" ([John 11:11](/john/11-11 "John 11:11 - Lazarus Sleeps")) and His direct, "plainly" stated declaration of "Lazarus is dead." This stylistic shift highlights the disciples' inability to grasp spiritual truths when presented metaphorically and Jesus's willingness to adapt His communication for clarity. The use of "plainly" (Greek: _parrhesía_) itself emphasizes this contrast in communication style, moving from veiled truth to absolute frankness. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus's blunt declaration of death serves as the immediate prelude to the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus. By explicitly stating the reality of death, Jesus heightens the dramatic tension and underscores the immense power that will be displayed when He reverses this undeniable biological fact. This setup prepares the reader and the disciples for the profound theological implications of Jesus's authority over life and death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 11:14 stands as a stark declaration of death, a universal human reality, yet it is uttered by the One who is the very source of life. This verse underscores the profound truth that Jesus is fully aware of and sovereign over even the most devastating circumstances. His directness in stating "Lazarus is dead" is not a statement of defeat but a necessary clarification that sets the stage for a greater revelation of His glory and power. It teaches us that God often allows circumstances to reach their most dire point so that His intervention can be unmistakably divine, strengthening faith and bringing Him greater glory. This moment is a powerful affirmation of Jesus's omniscience and His ultimate authority over the grave, preparing the disciples, and us, to witness His triumph over death itself.

* [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")
* [Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Death No Longer Has Dominion")
* [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often seeks to sugarcoat or deny the harsh realities of life, Jesus's blunt declaration in [John 11:14](/john/11-14 "John 11:14 - Jesus Declares Lazarus's Death") offers a powerful lesson in facing truth with courage and faith. For us, this means acknowledging difficulties, losses, and even death itself, not with despair, but with the understanding that our Lord is sovereign over all circumstances. Just as Jesus allowed Lazarus to die for a greater purpose, we are reminded that God's timing and methods, though often mysterious to us, are always perfect and designed to bring about His glory and strengthen our faith. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial interpretations of God's work and to trust His deeper purposes, even when they involve pain or waiting. It calls us to a faith that sees beyond the immediate reality of death to the ultimate hope of resurrection and life found in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I tend to react when faced with difficult or uncomfortable truths in my own life or in the lives of those I care about?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be misinterpreting God's "sleep" (His delays or seemingly inactive periods) as something less significant than His true, deeper purpose?**
* **How does Jesus's directness in this verse encourage me to be more honest and clear in my own communication, especially when sharing difficult truths or spiritual insights?**
* **What does this verse, as a prelude to resurrection, teach me about finding hope and trusting God's power even in the face of what seems like finality or loss?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus use the metaphor of "sleep" first, only to then state "Lazarus is dead" plainly?**

Answer: Jesus often used metaphors and parables to teach spiritual truths, allowing His listeners to ponder deeper meanings. In [John 11:11](/john/11-11 "John 11:11 - Lazarus Sleeps"), His initial statement about Lazarus "sleeping" was a spiritual metaphor, signifying that for a believer, death is not a final end but a temporary state from which they will awaken. However, when His disciples misunderstood this metaphor, interpreting it as literal rest ([John 11:12](/john/11-12 "John 11:12 - Disciples Misunderstand Sleep")), Jesus shifted to plain, unambiguous language in [John 11:14](/john/11-14 "John 11:14 - Jesus Declares Lazarus's Death"). This shift was crucial to remove all doubt about Lazarus's physical condition, ensuring that the disciples (and later, the readers) would fully grasp the magnitude of the miracle He was about to perform, demonstrating His undeniable power over actual physical death. It highlights Jesus's pedagogical approach: sometimes using veiled language to provoke thought, and other times speaking with absolute clarity when a foundational truth needed to be undeniably established.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 11:14](/john/11-14 "John 11:14 - Jesus Declares Lazarus's Death"), with its stark declaration "Lazarus is dead," serves as a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, not merely of a prophecy, but of Jesus's very identity and mission. By confronting the reality of death so directly, Jesus sets the stage for His ultimate revelation as "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Lazarus's death, and subsequent raising, foreshadows Christ's own death and glorious resurrection, which is the cornerstone of Christian faith ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel of Christ's Death and Resurrection")). Jesus's power to call Lazarus from the tomb demonstrates His authority over sin and death, the very enemies He would conquer on the cross and through His own resurrection. His declaration of death makes His subsequent act of raising Lazarus an undeniable display of divine power, pointing forward to the day when all who are in the tombs will hear His voice and come out ([John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "John 5:28-29 - The Resurrection of the Dead")). Thus, Lazarus's death and resurrection in [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Resurrection of Lazarus") serve as a powerful microcosm of the gospel, illustrating Jesus's victory over the grave and offering a living hope to all who believe in Him, assuring them that death is not the final word for those who are in Christ ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 16:29

His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.

John 10:24

Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

John 16:25

These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.