John 11:25

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} unto her {G846}, I {G1473} am {G1510} the resurrection {G386}, and {G2532} the life {G2222}: he that believeth {G4100} in {G1519} me {G1691}, though {G2579} he were dead {G599}, yet shall he live {G2198}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said to her, “I AM the Resurrection and the Life! Whoever puts his trust in me will live, even if he dies;

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.

American Standard Version

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this pivotal declaration, Jesus reveals His divine identity and power to Martha, asserting Himself as the very source and embodiment of resurrection and life. This statement transcends the expectation of a future, general resurrection, pointing instead to His personal authority over death and the grave. It promises that anyone who places their faith in Him, even if they experience physical death, will ultimately live eternally through their spiritual union with Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 11 presents one of the most dramatic and emotionally charged narratives in the Gospels: the death and resurrection of Lazarus. Jesus' declaration in [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life") occurs at a moment of profound grief and theological tension. Martha, grieving her brother's death, expresses a conventional Jewish belief in a future resurrection on the "last day" ([John 11:24](/john/11-24 "John 11:24 - Martha's Belief in the Last Day Resurrection")). Jesus' response elevates her understanding from a future event to a present reality found in His person. This "I AM" statement is strategically placed before the miraculous raising of Lazarus, serving as a theological foundation for the astounding display of divine power that follows and cementing Jesus' claim to be the Lord of life and death. The entire narrative of [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Resurrection of Lazarus") builds to this climax, demonstrating Jesus' authority and foreshadowing His own resurrection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism held diverse views on the resurrection. The Pharisees, unlike the Sadducees, believed in a future bodily resurrection, a concept Martha clearly articulated in [John 11:24](/john/11-24 "John 11:24 - Martha's Belief in the Last Day Resurrection"). This belief was rooted in Old Testament prophecies (e.g., [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection of the Dead")). Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, was a familiar place for Jesus, where He had close friends in Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. The custom of mourning for several days, as seen with Lazarus's death, was deeply ingrained in Jewish culture, emphasizing the finality of death and the profound grief associated with it. Jesus' arrival four days after Lazarus's death was significant; Jewish tradition held that the soul hovered near the body for three days, but by the fourth, all hope of resuscitation was gone. This context underscores the extraordinary nature of Jesus' claim and the miracle that followed.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [John's Gospel](/john "The Gospel According to John") is Jesus' divine identity as the Son of God, who brings eternal life. This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes. Firstly, it reinforces Jesus' **divinity** through His "I AM" declaration, echoing God's self-revelation to Moses ([Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name Revealed")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **eternal life** as a present possession for those who believe in Him, not merely a future hope. This "life" (Greek: _zoē_) is distinct from biological existence (_bios_); it is the divine, spiritual life that originates from God. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **power of belief** (faith) as the means by which humanity accesses this divine life and overcomes the power of death. Finally, it presents Jesus as the **conqueror of death**, a theme that culminates in His own resurrection and His promise of future resurrection for all believers ([John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "John 5:28-29 - The Resurrection of Life and Condemnation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **I (Greek, _egṓ'_):** (G1473) This is the emphatic first-person singular pronoun, "I." In conjunction with "am" (_eimí_), it forms the powerful "I AM" statement, a direct claim to divine identity and authority, echoing the covenant name of God (Yahweh) revealed in the Old Testament. Jesus is not merely saying "I exist," but "I am He," asserting His unique and absolute nature as the source of what follows.
* **am (Greek, _eimí'_):** (G1510) The present indicative form of the verb "to be." When used emphatically with _egṓ_, as here, it signifies eternal, self-existent being. Jesus is not saying He _will be_ or _was_ the resurrection and the life, but that He _is_ them, eternally and presently. This highlights His inherent nature and continuous power.
* **resurrection (Greek, _anástasis'_):** (G386) Meaning "a standing up again" or "a rising." This term encompasses both the spiritual renewal and restoration that occurs when one believes in Christ, and the future physical rising from the dead. Jesus is not merely the agent who _causes_ resurrection, but He _is_ the principle, the power, and the reality of resurrection itself.
* **life (Greek, _zōḗ'_): (G2222)** This word refers to spiritual, eternal life, distinct from mere biological existence (_bios_). It signifies the divine life that originates from God, characterized by its quality, abundance, and endless duration. Jesus is not merely a giver of life, but He _is_ life in its fullest, most essential, and eternal sense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus said unto her,"**: This opening phrase sets the scene for a direct, personal revelation from Jesus to Martha, who is grappling with grief and a limited understanding of resurrection. It emphasizes the authoritative and compassionate nature of His subsequent declaration.
* **"I am the resurrection, and the life:"**: This is the core of Jesus' self-revelation, one of His seven "I AM" statements in John's Gospel. He claims to be the very essence and source of both resurrection and life, not merely someone who facilitates them. This statement elevates the concept of resurrection from a future event to a present reality embodied in His person.
* **"he that believeth in me,"**: This clause establishes the condition for experiencing the resurrection and life that Jesus offers. Faith, or belief, is the crucial link. It implies a personal trust and reliance on Jesus, not just intellectual assent to His claims. The preposition "in" (Greek: _eis_, G1519) suggests a movement into or identification with Him.
* **"though he were dead,"**: This phrase acknowledges the reality of physical death. It implies that even if a believer experiences the ultimate human limitation—the cessation of biological life—their connection to Jesus transcends this boundary. This sets up a profound paradox.
* **"yet shall he live:"**: This is the glorious promise. Despite physical death, the believer will live. This living encompasses both spiritual life that continues beyond physical death and the future bodily resurrection that Jesus guarantees. It signifies victory over death through union with Christ.

#### Literary Devices
John 11:25 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, where Jesus declares "I am the resurrection, and the life." Here, "resurrection" and "life" are not just abstract concepts or future events, but are personified in Jesus Himself, making Him the ultimate reality they represent. This is a profound **Divine Claim** (or **Theophany**), as Jesus uses the "I AM" (Greek: _Egō eimi_) formulation, a direct echo of God's self-revelation to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Self-Revelation as 'I AM'"). This linguistic link asserts His co-equality and unity with the God of Israel. Furthermore, the verse contains a striking **Paradox** in the phrase, "though he were dead, yet shall he live." This seemingly contradictory statement highlights the spiritual truth that physical death does not negate the eternal life granted through faith in Christ, emphasizing His power to transcend and conquer the ultimate human enemy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 11:25 stands as a cornerstone of Christian theology, articulating Jesus' unique authority over life and death and the transformative power of faith in Him. It redefines resurrection from a distant eschatological event to a present reality found in the person of Christ. This declaration underscores the New Testament's emphasis on Jesus as the sole source of eternal life and the ultimate victor over sin and death. It assures believers that their hope is not in a concept or a future promise alone, but in a living, divine Person who has already conquered the grave and guarantees spiritual vitality and future bodily restoration to all who believe.

* [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")
* [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection")
* [1 Thessalonians 4:16](/1_thessalonians/4-16 "1 Thessalonians 4:16 - The Lord's Return and the Resurrection of Believers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 11:25 offers profound comfort and an unwavering foundation for Christian hope. In a world constantly confronted with loss, decay, and the inevitability of death, Jesus' declaration provides an eternal perspective. It reminds us that physical death, while a painful reality, is not the final word for those who are united with Christ. Our spiritual life, given by Him, is eternal and unbreakable. This verse calls us to move beyond a mere intellectual understanding of Jesus' power to a deep, personal trust in Him as the very source of our existence and eternal future. It invites us to live with courage, knowing that the One who holds the keys to life and death walks with us, and that our ultimate destiny is secured in Him. This truth should shape how we grieve, how we live, and how we share the Gospel, offering a living hope to a dying world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' declaration "I am the resurrection, and the life" challenge or expand your understanding of resurrection?**
* **In what ways does your belief in Jesus as "the life" impact your daily living and perspective on challenges?**
* **How can the promise that "though he were dead, yet shall he live" bring comfort to you or others experiencing grief?**
* **What practical steps can you take to deepen your trust and reliance on Jesus as the source of eternal life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "I AM" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "I AM" (Greek: _Egō eimi_) is one of Jesus' most profound and direct claims to divinity in [John's Gospel](/john "The Gospel According to John"). It directly echoes God's self-rerevelation to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name 'I AM WHO I AM'"), where God identifies Himself as "I AM WHO I AM." By using this phrase, Jesus asserts His eternal, self-existent nature and His unity with the God of Israel. In [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"), it means Jesus is not merely an agent of resurrection and life, but He is the very essence, source, and embodiment of both. He possesses these qualities inherently as part of His divine being.

**Does this promise apply only to spiritual life, or also physical resurrection?**

Answer: This promise encompasses both spiritual life and physical resurrection. The "life" (Greek: _zoē_) Jesus offers is primarily spiritual and eternal, beginning the moment one believes in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")). This spiritual life is not extinguished by physical death. Furthermore, the phrase "resurrection" and the subsequent promise "though he were dead, yet shall he live" clearly point to a future bodily resurrection for believers. Jesus demonstrates this power immediately after this declaration by raising Lazarus from the dead ([John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")). The New Testament consistently teaches a future bodily resurrection for believers, patterned after Christ's own resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:42-44](/1_corinthians/15-42-44 "1 Corinthians 15:42-44 - The Nature of the Resurrection Body")). So, the promise is comprehensive: spiritual life now, and physical resurrection in the future.

**How does belief connect to resurrection and life?**

Answer: Belief (faith) is the indispensable link to experiencing the resurrection and life that Jesus offers. The verse states, "he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." This highlights that eternal life is not automatically granted to all, but is accessed through personal trust and reliance on Jesus Christ. To "believe in me" (Greek: _pisteúō eis emé_) implies more than intellectual assent; it means entrusting one's entire being and eternal destiny to Jesus. This faith unites the believer with Christ, who is the source of life, thereby granting them spiritual life that transcends physical death and guarantees future resurrection ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Hearing and Believing for Eternal Life")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 11:25 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself, particularly in His own death and resurrection. When Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection, and the life," He is not merely making a theological statement but foreshadowing the very event that would validate His claim: His victory over death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. His resurrection from the dead, as recorded in [Matthew 28](/matthew/28 "Matthew 28 - The Resurrection of Jesus"), [Mark 16](/mark/16 "Mark 16 - The Resurrection of Jesus"), [Luke 24](/luke/24 "Luke 24 - The Resurrection of Jesus"), and [John 20](/john/20 "John 20 - The Resurrection of Jesus"), serves as the irrefutable proof that He truly is the "resurrection and the life." Through His death, He disarmed the power of death and the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")), and through His resurrection, He became the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection")), guaranteeing the future resurrection of all who believe in Him. Thus, the promise of [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life") is not abstract but grounded in the historical reality of Christ's triumph, offering believers the assurance that because He lives, they too shall live, both spiritually in the present and physically in the glorious future when their mortal bodies will be transformed to be like His own glorious body ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Heavenly Citizenship and Transformed Bodies")).

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

1 Thessalonians 4:14

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

John 3:36

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

1 John 5:11

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

1 John 5:12

He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

John 1:4

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Romans 8:10

¶ And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness.

Romans 8:11

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.