Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus’ simple statement, "Your brother will rise again," holds a beautiful ambiguity. He implies an immediate revival but deliberately leaves it unstated, intending to draw Martha from her grief to a grander understanding of His power over life and death itself. This word choice invites us to see beyond immediate circumstances and trust in God's ultimate restoration.
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus encounters Martha, who is grieving the recent death of her brother Lazarus and expresses her belief that Jesus could have prevented it if He had been there. Jesus responds with a promise about her brother's future resurrection, which Martha understands in the general sense of the last day, not realizing Jesus intends to raise him immediately.
Martha sees her brother's death as a tragedy, but Jesus sees an opportunity. What did Jesus intend with His seemingly simple words?
When Martha laments that Jesus wasn't there to prevent Lazarus' death, she's expressing a deep sorrow and a longing for what could have been. Jesus responds with "Your brother will rise again." While this was certainly true and would soon be physically demonstrated, Jesus' words carry profound depth.
A Glimpse of the Future
Jesus intentionally speaks ambiguously. His words could mean an immediate, physical resurrection, but they also point to the ultimate resurrection on the last day. Martha, however, defaults to the latter, a comforting but general truth she already held. This shows how grief can narrow our focus, making us miss the immediate hope offered.
Beyond Physical Life
Jesus' response isn't just about bringing Lazarus back. It's a setup for His bigger declaration: "I am the resurrection and the life." He's not just going to raise Lazarus; He is the power behind all resurrection, both physical and spiritual. His words to Martha are a stepping stone to reveal His divine identity and the eternal life He offers.
Martha has faith, but Jesus pushes her to a deeper understanding. How does Jesus use this moment to build her trust?
Martha expresses a genuine belief: 'Lord, I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.' She holds to a core tenet of her faith. Yet, Jesus doesn't simply affirm her knowledge; He challenges her understanding and invites her to a more profound trust.
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Bridging the Gap
Jesus' words, 'Your brother will rise again,' are a gentle nudge, designed to draw Martha beyond her current understanding. He anticipates her response and uses it as a springboard to reveal Himself as the very source of resurrection and life. He's not just presenting a future event, but introducing Himself as the One who makes it possible.
Moving Beyond 'Last Day' Hope
Martha's faith, while true, is limited by her immediate grief and her understanding of a future event. Jesus wants her to see that the power of the 'last day' resurrection is already present in Him. By speaking ambiguously, He tests her faith to see if she can look beyond the predictable and embrace the miraculous power He is about to display.
Understand the original words
anastasis · Greek Noun
The act of being raised from the dead. It refers to the future eschatological restoration of the body to life and, fundamentally, is embodied in the person of Jesus Christ.
eschatos hēmera · Greek Noun phrase
The final era of human history in the present age, culminating in the return of Christ, the final judgment, and the ultimate restoration of all things.
The raising of Lazarus occurred during a period of intense public ministry and growing opposition to Jesus, highlighting the divine power that would soon lead to his own crucifixion and resurrection.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ministry in Judea
Jesus begins a period of significant teaching and miracle working in the region of Judea, drawing large crowds and increasing attention from religious authorities.
c. AD 30— this verse
Raising of Lazarus
Jesus, upon hearing of Lazarus' death, travels to Bethany. He speaks with Martha, affirming that her brother will rise again, before miraculously raising Lazarus from the dead after he had been in the tomb for four days.
c. AD 30-33
Increased Hostility
The miracle of raising Lazarus, a prominent figure, further intensifies the opposition and fear among the Jewish religious leaders, leading them to plot Jesus' death.
c. AD 33
Jesus' Triumphal Entry
Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly, a move seen by many as a challenge to Roman and Jewish authority, further escalating tensions.
c. AD 33
Crucifixion of Jesus
Following his arrest and trial, Jesus is crucified, an event that deeply impacts his followers and becomes central to the Christian faith.
This passage expresses a profound hope in a future redeemer and resurrection, echoing Martha's belief in a final restoration, even before Jesus explicitly claims that role.
1 Corinthians 15:20Paul directly links Christ's resurrection to the hope of all believers rising again, underscoring the theological significance of Jesus' words to Martha about Lazarus's future.
John 5:28-29Jesus himself speaks of a future resurrection for all, differentiating between those who hear his voice and will live, and those who will face judgment, which provides a broader context for his promise to Martha.
Daniel 12:2This Old Testament prophecy clearly outlines a future resurrection for both the righteous and the wicked, laying the groundwork for Martha's understanding of a general resurrection at the last day.
Romans 8:11The Holy Spirit's power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to bring life to our mortal bodies, connecting the immediate miracle for Lazarus to the ongoing life-giving power for believers.
barnesJohn 11:23: "Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again."
Thy brother shall rise again - Martha had spoken of the power of Jesus. He said nothing of himself in reply. It was not customary for him to speak of himself, unless it was demanded by necessity. It cannot be doubted that by rising again, here, Jesus referred to the act which he was about to perform; but as Martha understood it, referring to the future resurrection, it was full of consolation. The idea that departed friends shall…
calvinJohn 11:18-27: "Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:"
- Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs. 19. And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20. When Martha, therefore, heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. 21. Martha then said to Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother would not have died. 22. But I know that even now, whatsoever thou shalt ask of God, Go…
Jesus’ simple statement, "Your brother will rise again," holds a beautiful ambiguity. He implies an immediate revival but deliberately leaves it unstated, intending to draw Martha from her grief to a grander understanding of His power over life and death itself. This word choice invites us to see beyond immediate circumstances and trust in God's ultimate restoration.
Jesus encounters Martha, who is grieving the recent death of her brother Lazarus and expresses her belief that Jesus could have prevented it if He had been there. Jesus responds with a promise about her brother's future resurrection, which Martha understands in the general sense of the last day, not realizing Jesus intends to raise him immediately.
Jesus encounters Martha, who is grieving the recent death of her brother Lazarus and expresses her belief that Jesus could have prevented it if He had been there. Jesus responds with a promise about her brother's future resurrection, which Martha understands in the general sense of the last day, not realizing Jesus intends to raise him immediately.
"Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”" — Jesus’ simple statement, "Your brother will rise again," holds a beautiful ambiguity. He implies an immediate revival but deliberately leaves it unstated, intending to draw Martha from her grief to a…
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Last reviewed October 2026