John 11:41

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} they took away {G142} the stone {G3037} from the place where {G3757} the dead {G2348} was {G2258} laid {G2749}. And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} lifted {G142} up {G507} his eyes {G3788}, and {G2532} said {G2036}, Father {G3962}, I thank {G2168} thee {G4671} that {G3754} thou hast heard {G191} me {G3450}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they removed the stone. Yeshua looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.

Berean Standard Bible

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus lifted His eyes upward and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.

American Standard Version

So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou heardest me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 11:41 marks the dramatic prelude to Lazarus's resurrection, depicting Jesus' profound confidence in His Father's power and His intimate communion with Him. After commanding the stone to be removed from the tomb, Jesus lifts His eyes to heaven and offers a prayer of thanksgiving, not a petition, demonstrating His absolute certainty that the Father has already heard and will act, thereby revealing divine glory and His authority over death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of the narrative of Lazarus's death and Jesus's arrival in Bethany. Lazarus, the beloved brother of Mary and Martha, had been dead for four days, and Martha explicitly states that his body would be decaying by this point ([John 11:39](/john/11-39 "John 11:39 - Martha's Concern")). The preceding verses detail the sisters' grief, their initial expressions of faith mingled with disappointment, and Jesus's poignant weeping ([John 11:35](/john/11-35 "John 11:35 - Jesus Wept")). Jesus's command to "take away the stone" is a direct challenge to the finality of death and a necessary act of human obedience preceding divine intervention. It recalls His earlier declaration that Lazarus's illness was not unto death, but "for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby" ([John 11:4](/john/11-4 "John 11:4 - Sickness for God's Glory")). The prayer in [John 11:41](/john/11-41 "John 11:41 - Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving") sets the stage for the powerful demonstration of Jesus's identity as "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish burial customs are crucial for understanding the gravity of the scene. Bodies were typically wrapped in linen cloths and placed in rock-hewn tombs, which were then sealed with large, heavy stones. The four-day period since Lazarus's death was significant; Jewish tradition held that the soul might hover near the body for three days, but by the fourth day, all hope of resuscitation was gone, as decay would have visibly begun. Martha's objection in [John 11:39](/john/11-39 "John 11:39 - Martha's Objection") ("by this time he stinketh") reflects this cultural understanding of irreversible death. Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, was a familiar place for Jesus, highlighting the personal nature of this miracle within His ministry. The public nature of this event, with many Jews present to mourn, underscores its significance as a powerful sign intended to demonstrate Jesus's divine authority to a wider audience.

* **Key Themes:** [John 11:41](/john/11-41 "John 11:41 - Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights Jesus's **unwavering faith and divine assurance**. His prayer is one of thanksgiving, not petition, indicating His absolute certainty that the Father has already heard and will act, demonstrating a profound understanding of God's perfect will and power over death. Secondly, the opening address "Father" and the act of "lifting up his eyes" underscore the **intimacy and unique relationship** Jesus shares with God the Father, a recurring theme in John's Gospel that portrays Jesus as eternally one with the Father and perfectly aligned with His will, as seen in [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - The Son Does What the Father Does"). Thirdly, the entire episode, culminating in this prayer, serves to reveal **God's glory**. Jesus's actions and words are consistently aimed at manifesting the Father's power and authority, proving Jesus's divine claims, particularly His declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Finally, the command for others to remove the stone emphasizes the theme of **human obedience and preparation** for divine intervention, illustrating that while God performs miracles, He often involves human participation in the process.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **took away (Greek, _aírō'_):** This primary root word (G142) means "to lift up; by implication, to take up or away." In this context, it refers to the physical act of removing the heavy stone from the tomb's entrance. However, the word carries broader theological implications, as it can also mean "to bear (up), carry, put away, remove," foreshadowing Jesus's later work of "taking away" the sin of the world. Here, it signifies the removal of an obstacle, both literal and symbolic, paving the way for life to emerge from death.
* **thank (Greek, _eucharistéō'_):** Derived from _eucharistos_ (G2168), meaning "grateful," this verb signifies "to express gratitude" or "to give thanks." Jesus's use of this word before the miracle occurs is highly significant. It is not a request for power, but an expression of profound gratitude and certainty, demonstrating His pre-existing knowledge of the Father's will and the assured outcome. This highlights His perfect communion and trust.
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This primary verb (G191) means "to hear (in various senses)." In [John 11:41](/john/11-41 "John 11:41 - Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving"), the perfect tense (ἀκήκοάς) implies a completed action with ongoing results, meaning the Father had already heard and granted Jesus's request, not just in this specific instance but habitually. This reinforces the continuous, intimate, and effective communication between the Son and the Father, underscoring Jesus's confidence in the Father's constant attentiveness and responsiveness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then they took away the stone [from the place] where the dead was laid."**: This clause describes the immediate action taken by those present in response to Jesus's command in [John 11:39](/john/11-39 "John 11:39 - Martha's Objection"). The removal of the stone is a crucial, obedient human act that prepares the way for the divine miracle. It signifies the physical unsealing of the tomb, making the impossible possible, and literally opening the door for life to return. The phrase "where the dead was laid" emphasizes the finality of Lazarus's state and the grim reality of death that Jesus is about to confront and overcome.
* **"And Jesus lifted up [his] eyes,"**: This phrase describes Jesus's posture of prayer. Lifting one's eyes heavenward is a common biblical gesture indicating direct communication with God, a posture of reverence, dependence, and expectation. It signifies a turning away from the earthly circumstances (the tomb, the mourners, the decay) and a direct focus on the divine source of power and authority. This physical act underscores the spiritual reality of Jesus's intimate connection with His Father.
* **"and said, 'Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.'"**: This is the core of Jesus's prayer. His address "Father" immediately highlights His unique filial relationship with God. The remarkable aspect is that Jesus offers thanks *before* the miracle occurs. This is not a plea for power, but an expression of profound gratitude and absolute certainty that His prayer has already been heard and granted. The perfect tense "hast heard me" suggests a completed action with ongoing results, reinforcing Jesus's perfect alignment with the Father's will and His unwavering confidence in the Father's immediate and effective response. It reveals Jesus's perfect faith and His pre-knowledge of the Father's plan.

#### Literary Devices
[John 11:41](/john/11-41 "John 11:41 - Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving") is rich in literary devices that deepen its theological impact. **Foreshadowing** is evident as the physical act of removing the stone anticipates the imminent resurrection of Lazarus, signaling the breaking down of the barrier between life and death. This act also subtly foreshadows Jesus's own resurrection, where the stone would likewise be rolled away. **Symbolism** is powerfully employed: the stone itself symbolizes the finality and immutability of death, while its removal represents the overcoming of death's power through divine intervention. Jesus's "lifted eyes" symbolize His direct and unhindered communion with the Father, emphasizing His unique relationship and divine authority. Furthermore, there is a subtle **irony** in Jesus's prayer: He thanks the Father for having heard Him *before* the miracle, demonstrating a certainty that transcends human understanding and expectation, contrasting sharply with the doubt and grief of those around Him. This highlights the divine perspective that operates beyond linear time and human limitations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 11:41 provides a profound theological window into the nature of Jesus's relationship with the Father and His divine authority. Jesus's prayer of thanksgiving, offered *before* the miracle, underscores His perfect unity with the Father's will and His absolute confidence in God's power over death. It reveals that Jesus does not merely *ask* for power, but *acts* in perfect alignment with the Father's pre-ordained plan, knowing that His prayers are always heard and answered. This intimate communion is a model for believers, demonstrating that true prayer is rooted in trust, gratitude, and alignment with God's purposes, rather than a desperate plea. The entire scene serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus's identity as the Son of God, who possesses the authority to give life, a theme central to John's Gospel.

* [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - The Son Does What the Father Does")
* [John 17:1](/john/17-1 "John 17:1 - Jesus Lifts Eyes to Heaven in Prayer")
* [Hebrews 5:7](/hebrews/5-7 "Hebrews 5:7 - Christ's Prayers Were Heard")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 11:41 offers profound lessons for believers today, particularly regarding the nature of prayer, faith, and our role in God's work. Jesus's example teaches us to approach God with an attitude of confident thanksgiving, even before we see the manifestation of His answer. This is not a naive optimism, but a deep trust rooted in the character and promises of God, knowing that He always hears His Son, and through Christ, hears us. We are called to cultivate an intimate relationship with the Father, much like Jesus's, where our desires are aligned with His will, and our prayers become expressions of gratitude for what He has already purposed to do. Furthermore, the command to "take away the stone" reminds us that while God performs miracles, there are often human steps of obedience required – seemingly simple yet crucial actions that prepare the way for His mighty work. Our faith, even in seemingly impossible or decaying situations, can be a powerful testament to God's glory, inviting others to witness His power as we participate in His plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus's prayer of thanksgiving *before* the miracle challenge my typical approach to prayer, especially in difficult circumstances?**
* **What "stones" (obstacles, doubts, fears) might God be asking me to "take away" in my life or ministry, in preparation for His work?**
* **How can cultivating a deeper sense of gratitude, even for unanswered prayers or unseen future answers, strengthen my faith and intimacy with God?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus thank the Father *before* raising Lazarus?**

Answer: Jesus's prayer in [John 11:41](/john/11-41 "John 11:41 - Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving") is a profound demonstration of His perfect unity with God the Father and His absolute confidence in divine power. He thanks the Father *before* the miracle occurs not because He is unsure, but because He knows with certainty that the Father has already heard Him and will act. This reveals His pre-existing knowledge of the Father's will and the assured outcome. It underscores that Jesus's actions are always in perfect alignment with the Father's plan, and His prayer is an expression of deep gratitude for what God has already purposed, rather than a petition for something unknown or uncertain. This also served as a public declaration to those witnessing the event, demonstrating that the power came from God, not from Jesus independently, thus glorifying the Father.

**What is the significance of Jesus "lifting up his eyes" to heaven?**

Answer: The act of Jesus "lifting up his eyes" ([John 11:41](/john/11-41 "John 11:41 - Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving")) is a common biblical posture for prayer, signifying direct communication with God. It indicates a turning away from the earthly circumstances and a direct focus on the divine realm. In this context, it emphasizes Jesus's profound reverence, His intimate communion with the Father, and His reliance on divine power, even though He Himself is divine. It visually portrays His dependence and unity with the Father, reinforcing the truth that His authority and power are derived from and executed in perfect harmony with God. We see a similar posture in Jesus's High Priestly Prayer in [John 17:1](/john/17-1 "John 17:1 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer").

**Why did Jesus command others to remove the stone instead of doing it Himself?**

Answer: Jesus's command for others to "take away the stone" ([John 11:39](/john/11-39 "John 11:39 - Martha's Objection")) serves several important purposes. Firstly, it highlights the principle of **human obedience** in preparation for divine action. While only God can raise the dead, there are human responsibilities that precede and facilitate His work. Secondly, it provides **witnesses** to the reality of Lazarus's death and the subsequent miracle. The heavy stone, the stench, and the effort required to remove it all underscore the undeniable finality of death, making the resurrection all the more miraculous and undeniable. The people involved in removing the stone would be firsthand witnesses to the empty tomb and Lazarus's emergence. Thirdly, it demonstrates that Jesus, though fully divine, often involves people in His ministry, inviting them to participate in His redemptive work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 11:41, with Jesus's confident prayer of thanksgiving before raising Lazarus, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus's own victory over death and His ongoing intercessory work. The raising of Lazarus was a powerful sign, a foretaste of the greater resurrection of all who believe, and a demonstration of Jesus's claim to be "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Just as Jesus knew the Father would hear Him and raise Lazarus, so too did He face His own death with the certainty of resurrection, knowing the Father would not abandon Him to the grave. His prayer in [John 11:41](/john/11-41 "John 11:41 - Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving") foreshadows His ultimate triumph over death and the grave, which broke the power of sin and death for all humanity ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ the Firstfruits")). Moreover, Jesus's intimate communion with the Father, evident in this prayer, continues in His role as our High Priest, who ever lives to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). His confidence in the Father's hearing extends to us, His adopted children, as we pray in His name, knowing that the One who conquered death now stands at the right hand of God, interceding on our behalf and guaranteeing our future resurrection and eternal life with Him ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")). The removal of the stone from Lazarus's tomb points to the ultimate removal of the barrier of death through Christ's sacrifice, making us alive together with Him ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Made Alive in Christ")).

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

Matthew 11:25

¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

John 17:1

¶ These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

Psalms 123:1

¶ A Song of degrees. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.

Luke 10:21

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

John 12:28

Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, [saying], I have both glorified [it], and will glorify [it] again.

John 12:30

Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.