John 11:11
After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus calls Lazarus "our friend," drawing his disciples into a deeper connection with him and implying that Lazarus's well-being is their concern too. He also uses "fallen asleep" not just as a gentle metaphor for death, but as a deliberate understatement to mask the incredible power he's about to unleash.
Jesus has just told his disciples that Lazarus is sick, but he deliberately delayed going to Bethany, knowing that the illness would lead to Lazarus's death and ultimately glorify God. Now, Jesus informs them that their dear friend Lazarus has "fallen asleep," a gentle euphemism for death, and that he intends to go and "awaken him." His disciples, misunderstanding his words, believe Lazarus will recover if he is simply resting and thus see no need for the dangerous journey back into Judea.
Why did Jesus call death 'sleep'? It wasn't just a poetic phrase; it carried profound meaning for both Jesus and his disciples.
When Jesus says Lazarus has 'fallen asleep,' he's using a common Jewish metaphor for death, but with a deeply comforting twist.
More Than Just Rest
How could Jesus know Lazarus had died when he was miles away? This verse reveals more than just Jesus' empathy; it shows His divine nature.
Jesus’ immediate and certain knowledge of Lazarus' death, without anyone telling him, is a powerful declaration of His divine nature.
Knowing Beyond Human Means
Understand the original words
koimaō · Greek Verb
To cease from physical life; the separation of the soul from the body. In a biblical context, it is the result of sin and the consequence of the Fall, yet for the believer, it is not the final end but a transition to be with Christ.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus' public ministry, including teaching, healing, and gathering disciples, takes place primarily in Galilee, a region north of Judea.
Early 1st century AD
Rising Tensions with Jewish Leaders
Jesus' teachings and miracles increasingly draw the attention and opposition of the religious authorities in Judea.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Ministry Moves South
Jesus begins to travel more frequently into Judea, including areas near Jerusalem, increasing his exposure to opposition.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Lazarus Falls Ill in Bethany
Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus living in Bethany, becomes gravely ill. Jesus is some distance away when he receives this news.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Declares Lazarus is Asleep
Jesus informs his disciples that Lazarus has 'fallen asleep,' a euphemism for death, and announces his intention to go to Bethany to 'awaken' him.
This passage directly parallels the 'sleep' metaphor for death, explaining that believers will be 'changed' and resurrected, just as Jesus speaks of 'awakening' Lazarus.
Matthew 9:24Here, Jesus uses the same 'sleep' metaphor for death when raising Jairus' daughter, highlighting the divine power to 'awaken' and bring back to life.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14This passage addresses grief over deceased believers, using the concept of 'sleep' and assuring believers that God will bring them with Jesus, echoing Jesus' intention to 'awaken' Lazarus.
John 11:23-27Martha's response here shows her initial misunderstanding of Jesus' words, mirroring the disciples' confusion, and then her dawning realization of His power over death ('resurrection and the life').
vincentJohn 11:11: "These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep."
Sleepeth (κεκοίμηται)More correctly, as Rev., hath fallen asleep. See on Acts 7:60; see on 2 Peter 3:4.Awake him out of sleep (ἐξυπνίσω αὐτόν)Only here in the New Testament.
henryJohn 11:11-16: "These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep."
11:11-16 Since we are sure to rise again at the last, why should not the believing hope of that resurrection to eternal life, make it as easy for us to put off the body and die, as it is to put off our clothes and go to sleep? A true Christian, when he dies, does but sleep; he rests from the labours of the past day. Nay, herein death is better than…
Jesus calls Lazarus "our friend," drawing his disciples into a deeper connection with him and implying that Lazarus's well-being is their concern too. He also uses "fallen asleep" not just as a gentle metaphor for death, but as a deliberate understatement to mask the incredible power he's about to unleash.
Jesus has just told his disciples that Lazarus is sick, but he deliberately delayed going to Bethany, knowing that the illness would lead to Lazarus's death and ultimately glorify God. Now, Jesus informs them that their dear friend Lazarus has "fallen asleep," a gentle euphemism for death, and that he intends to go and "awaken him." His disciples, misunderstanding his words, believe Lazarus will recover if he is simply resting and thus see no need for the dangerous journey back into Judea.
Jesus has just told his disciples that Lazarus is sick, but he deliberately delayed going to Bethany, knowing that the illness would lead to Lazarus's death and ultimately glorify God. Now, Jesus informs them that their dear friend Lazarus has "fallen asleep," a gentle euphemism for death, and that he intends to go and "awaken him." His disciples, misunderstanding his words, believe Lazarus will recover if he is simply resting and thus see no need for the dangerous journey back into Judea.
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Jesus calls Lazarus 'our friend.' What does this shared title reveal about Jesus' relationship with His disciples and His own humanity?
Calling Lazarus 'our friend' isn't just a casual remark; it's a deliberate choice that deepens the connection between Jesus, Lazarus, and the disciples.
A Bond of Friendship
"After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.”" — Jesus calls Lazarus "our friend," drawing his disciples into a deeper connection with him and implying that Lazarus's well-being is their concern too. He also uses "fallen asleep" not just as a gentl…
