John 11:41

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

John 11:41 captures a pivotal moment just before one of Jesus' most profound miracles: the resurrection of Lazarus. After commanding that the stone be removed from Lazarus' tomb, Jesus offers a powerful prayer of thanksgiving, demonstrating His intimate relationship with God the Father and His absolute confidence in divine power.

Context

This verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of Lazarus' death and Jesus' arrival in Bethany. Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, had been dead for four days, and his body was already decaying (John 11:39). The scene is filled with grief and human limitations. Jesus' instruction to "take away the stone" was met with Martha's protest, highlighting the seemingly insurmountable reality of death. Yet, Jesus' command was a necessary act of obedience, preparing the way for the miraculous display of God's glory, as He had previously stated that Lazarus' sickness was "for the glory of God" (John 11:4).

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Faith and Divine Assurance: Jesus' prayer is not a plea for help, but a thanksgiving. He thanks the Father before Lazarus is raised, indicating His complete certainty that the Father has already heard Him and will act. This illustrates profound faith and an understanding of God's perfect will.
  • Intimacy with the Father: The opening address, "Father," immediately highlights the unique and close relationship Jesus shares with God. His prayer posture, "lifted up his eyes," is a common biblical gesture signifying direct communication with heaven (John 17:1).
  • God's Glory Revealed: Jesus' actions and words are consistently aimed at revealing the Father's power and glory. The miracle of raising Lazarus would serve as undeniable proof of Jesus' divine authority and His claim to be the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).
  • Obedience and Preparation: The command for others to remove the stone, though seemingly simple, was a crucial step of human obedience that paved the way for the divine intervention that followed (John 11:43).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I thank thee that thou hast heard me" employs the Greek word eucharistō (εὐχαριστῶ), which means "I give thanks." This emphasizes Jesus' profound gratitude and His established, continuous communion with the Father. The perfect tense "hast heard me" (ἀκήκοάς μου - akēkoas mou) suggests a completed action with ongoing results, implying that the Father had already heard and granted His request, not just in this instance but habitually. This reinforces the idea of Jesus' constant alignment with the Father's will (John 5:19).

Practical Application

John 11:41 offers profound lessons for believers today. It teaches us to approach God in prayer with confidence and gratitude, even before we see the manifestation of His answer. Jesus' example encourages us to cultivate an intimate relationship with the Father, trusting that He always hears us. Furthermore, it reminds us that while God performs miracles, there are often human steps of obedience required – like "taking away the stone" – that prepare the way for His mighty work. Our faith, even in seemingly impossible situations, can be a testament to God's glory.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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