And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

And {G2532} when he thus {G5023} had spoken {G2036}, he cried {G2905} with a loud {G3173} voice {G5456}, Lazarus {G2976}, come {G1204} forth {G1854}.

Having said this, he shouted, “El‘azar! Come out!”

After Jesus had said this, He called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”

And when he had thus spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

Commentary on John 11:43 (KJV)

John 11:43 captures the dramatic climax of one of Jesus's most profound miracles: the raising of Lazarus from the dead. This single verse showcases Jesus's ultimate authority over life and death, serving as a powerful testament to His divine nature and fulfilling His earlier declarations.

Context

The events leading up to this verse are filled with anticipation, sorrow, and faith. Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, had fallen ill, and Jesus, despite being informed, deliberately delayed His arrival, stating that Lazarus's sickness was "not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby" (John 11:4). By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days, signifying a state of undeniable decomposition and hopelessness according to Jewish custom. The scene is marked by the grief of Mary and Martha, and even Jesus Himself wept (John 11:35) in empathy with their sorrow and the devastating impact of death. Just prior to this verse, Jesus had prayed aloud to His Father, not for Himself, but "because of the people which stand by" (John 11:41-42), so that they might believe.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority Over Death: The most prominent theme is Jesus's absolute power to command life into a dead body. His simple, direct command, "Lazarus, come forth," demonstrates an authority that transcends human limitations and natural laws. This miracle serves as a vivid illustration of His claim, "I am the resurrection, and the life" (John 11:25).
  • The Glory of God: As prophesied by Jesus, this event brought immense glory to God and convinced many to believe in Him (John 11:45). It was a clear sign of God's presence and power working through Jesus.
  • A Foreshadowing of Jesus's Own Resurrection: The raising of Lazarus is a powerful precursor to Jesus's own victory over death, which would happen shortly thereafter. It confirms the truth of His words and the reality of bodily resurrection.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cried with a loud voice" translates the Greek word krazō (κράζω), which often denotes an urgent, authoritative, and public proclamation. It's not a whisper or a gentle call, but a powerful, commanding shout intended to be heard by all present, including Lazarus in the tomb. This emphatic utterance underscores the gravity of the moment and the immense power behind the command. "Come forth" (Greek: ἔρχομαι ἔξω, erchomai exō) is a direct imperative, a simple yet potent instruction that demands immediate obedience.

Practical Application

For believers today, John 11:43 offers profound hope and reassurance.

  • Hope in the Face of Death: It reminds us that Jesus has ultimate power over death, the "last enemy" (1 Corinthians 15:26). This provides comfort for those who grieve and assurance of future resurrection for believers.
  • Spiritual Awakening: Beyond physical resurrection, this verse can also symbolize Jesus's power to call individuals out of spiritual death—out of a life separated from God—into newness of life. Just as Lazarus was called forth, believers are called to "walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4) through faith in Christ.
  • The Power of God's Word: The miracle occurs through a spoken word, emphasizing the creative and life-giving power inherent in Jesus's commands. His word is not just information but power.

John 11:43 stands as a cornerstone miracle, demonstrating Jesus's unique identity as the Son of God, with authority over the very fabric of life and death.

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.
  • 2 Kings 4:33

    He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD.
  • 2 Kings 4:36

    And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son.
  • Acts 9:40

    But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning [him] to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
  • Acts 9:34

    And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
  • Luke 7:14

    And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare [him] stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
  • Luke 7:15

    And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.
  • 1 Kings 17:21

    And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again.

Install App

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back