John 11:25

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

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}:

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of John 11:25

This profound declaration by Jesus comes during one of the most poignant moments in the Gospels: the death of Lazarus, brother of Martha and Mary, in Bethany. Martha, grieving deeply, expresses her belief that Lazarus will rise again "in the resurrection at the last day" (John 11:24). In response, Jesus elevates her understanding from a future event to His very person. He reveals that He is not merely an agent of resurrection, but its very source and embodiment.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus as the Source of Life and Resurrection: This verse is one of Jesus' seven "I AM" statements in John's Gospel, echoing God's revelation to Moses (Exodus 3:14). By declaring "I am the resurrection, and the life," Jesus asserts His divine authority and power over death itself. He is not just a prophet or a healer; He is the very principle of life and the ultimate conqueror of the grave.
  • The Power of Belief: The second part of the verse, "he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live," highlights the crucial role of faith. Jesus promises that spiritual life, and ultimately physical resurrection, are contingent upon belief in Him. This belief grants access to His life-giving power, transcending the limitations of physical death.
  • Eternal Life Over Physical Death: Jesus distinguishes between physical death and spiritual life. For those who believe, physical death is not the end but a transition. Their spiritual life, connected to Christ, continues eternally. This promise offers immense comfort and assurance to believers facing loss or their own mortality.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I AM" (Greek: Egō eimi) is a powerful divine claim, linking Jesus directly to the covenant name of God in the Old Testament. The Greek word for "resurrection" is anastasis, meaning "a standing up again," which implies both a spiritual renewal and a future physical rising. The word for "life" is zoē, which in this context refers to the spiritual, eternal life that originates from God, distinct from mere biological existence (bios). This zoē is not merely endless duration but a quality of life—abundant, divine, and eternal—that begins the moment one believes in Jesus.

Related Scriptures

This verse is foundational to Christian hope and understanding of eternal life. It beautifully encapsulates the core message of the Gospel. Jesus later reiterates His unique position as the source of truth and life by stating, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." The promise of resurrection is further elaborated by Paul, who speaks of Christ as the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep," assuring believers of a future bodily resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

For today's believer, John 11:25 offers profound comfort in grief and unwavering assurance in the face of death. It reminds us that our hope is not in a future event alone, but in a living Person, Jesus Christ, who has already conquered death. It encourages us to place our faith fully in Him, knowing that through Him, we have eternal life, a spiritual reality that physical death cannot extinguish. This verse invites a personal relationship with the One who holds the keys to life itself.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:14 (81 votes)

    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 (63 votes)

    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 (60 votes)

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

  • 1 John 5:12 (60 votes)

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

  • John 1:4 (53 votes)

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

  • Romans 8:10 (47 votes)

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

  • Romans 8:11 (47 votes)

    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.