John 11:11-14
After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus calls Lazarus "our friend," tenderly including the disciples in his grief and love while subtly highlighting his own unique knowledge and power to "awaken" him. This phrasing deliberately softens the stark reality of death, using the common ancient metaphor of sleep to hint at resurrection rather than finality.
Jesus has just declared that Lazarus's sickness will not lead to death but is for God's glory, prompting His disciples to hesitate about returning to Judea due to the danger. Jesus then reveals His intention to go back, explaining that their "friend Lazarus has fallen asleep," a euphemism for death, and that He plans to "awaken him." The disciples, misunderstanding His words as referring to literal sleep, express concern for Lazarus's recovery, which Jesus gently corrects by stating plainly that Lazarus is dead.
Why would Jesus call death 'sleep'? It's a tender, intentional choice that reveals so much.
When Jesus says, 'Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep,' he's using a common metaphor for death, but one filled with hope.
A Familiar Metaphor
Many cultures, including the Jewish people of Jesus' time, spoke of death as sleep. It was a way to soften the harsh reality of death, acknowledging its finality for now, but hinting at an awakening.
More Than Just Rest
Unlike ordinary sleep, which is just a temporary pause, Jesus' use of 'sleep' points to something profound. It suggests that death, for believers, is not an end but a peaceful rest before a glorious resurrection. It removes the fear and emphasizes the hope of waking up again, stronger and renewed.
How did Jesus know Lazarus died? And what does his simple statement reveal about his divine power?
Jesus' casual announcement about Lazarus is a powerful display of his divine knowledge and authority.
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Instantaneous Knowledge
Jesus didn't receive a phone call or a messenger. He knew Lazarus had died the moment it happened, despite being miles away. This speaks to his omniscience – his perfect, all-knowing nature. He sees and knows everything, everywhere, all at once.
Effortless Authority
His declaration, 'I go to awaken him,' isn't a boast, but a simple statement of fact. For Jesus, raising someone from death is as easy as waking someone from a nap. It highlights his absolute power over life and death itself. He commands, and it is done.
Why does Jesus emphasize that Lazarus is 'our friend'? It’s a small word with big implications.
Jesus calls Lazarus 'our friend,' a term that not only reveals his deep affection but also invites his disciples into his experience.
Shared Affection
By calling Lazarus 'our friend,' Jesus acknowledges the bond Lazarus shared with him and his disciples. It’s a tender reminder that their grief is also his grief, and their loss is a shared one. He’s not just the divine Son of God; he’s also a compassionate friend who feels deeply.
Including His Followers
This phrase includes the disciples in the situation, making it clear that Lazarus was beloved by them too. It’s a gentle way of preparing them for what’s to come, drawing them closer to him in a moment of shared vulnerability and impending miracle. It shows that Jesus values their friendship and wants to share his divine work with them.
Understand the original words
kyrios · Greek Noun
A formal title of respect for a teacher or a superior, used by disciples to address Jesus. In a theological sense, it acknowledges His authority, sovereignty, and divinity as the Messiah.
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.
apothnēskō · Greek Verb
The cessation of biological life; the termination of earthly existence. In Scripture, it is often viewed as an enemy that has been defeated by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Jesus' deliberate delay and his metaphorical language about 'sleep' highlight his divine foreknowledge and his intention to use Lazarus's death and resurrection to reveal God's glory, despite the disciples' fear of returning to Judea.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus spent much of his public ministry in and around the Sea of Galilee, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples.
Early 1st century AD
Growing opposition in Judea
As Jesus' fame spread, particularly after miracles like feeding the multitudes, opposition from religious leaders in Judea intensified. This led Jesus to be more cautious about traveling to Judea.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus hears of Lazarus's illness
Jesus is informed by messengers that his dear friend Lazarus, who lived in Bethany near Jerusalem, is gravely ill.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus delays going to Bethany
Despite the news, Jesus deliberately waits two more days before setting out for Judea, knowing Lazarus is near death and that his divine purpose will be revealed through this event.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Lazarus dies and is buried
Lazarus succumbs to his illness and is buried in a tomb, as was the custom. Jesus states Lazarus has 'fallen asleep,' a metaphor for death understood by believers.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus announces intention to go to Lazarus
Jesus tells his disciples, 'Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.' This declaration signals his plan to travel to Bethany, despite the known dangers.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' journey to Bethany
Jesus and his disciples travel to Bethany, arriving four days after Lazarus's burial, setting the stage for the miraculous resurrection.
Paul also uses the imagery of 'sleep' for believers who have died, emphasizing that Christ's resurrection is the guarantee of our own future resurrection.
1 Thessalonians 4:14This passage directly links the death of believers to 'sleep' and promises that God will bring them with Jesus, reinforcing the idea that death is not the end for those in Christ.
Psalm 17:15This verse expresses the psalmist's anticipation of waking up to God's likeness after death, using 'waking' as a metaphor for resurrection and reunion with God.
Matthew 9:24In a similar situation, Jesus calls the deceased girl 'not dead but sleeping,' showing His consistent use of this tender metaphor to describe death and His power over it.
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," tenderly including the disciples in his grief and love while subtly highlighting his own unique knowledge and power to "awaken" him. This phrasing deliberately softens the stark reality of death, using the common ancient metaphor of sleep to hint at resurrection rather than finality.
Jesus has just declared that Lazarus's sickness will not lead to death but is for God's glory, prompting His disciples to hesitate about returning to Judea due to the danger. Jesus then reveals His intention to go back, explaining that their "friend Lazarus has fallen asleep," a euphemism for death, and that He plans to "awaken him." The disciples, misunderstanding His words as referring to literal sleep, express concern for Lazarus's recovery, which Jesus gently corrects by stating plainly that Lazarus is dead.
Jesus has just declared that Lazarus's sickness will not lead to death but is for God's glory, prompting His disciples to hesitate about returning to Judea due to the danger. Jesus then reveals His intention to go back, explaining that their "friend Lazarus has fallen asleep," a euphemism for death, and that He plans to "awaken him." The disciples, misunderstanding His words as referring to literal sleep, express concern for Lazarus's recovery, which Jesus gently corrects by stating plainly that Lazarus is dead.
"After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought th…" — Jesus calls Lazarus "our friend," tenderly including the disciples in his grief and love while subtly highlighting his own unique knowledge and power to "awaken" him. This phrasing deliberately softe…
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