The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The detail that Lazarus came out "bound hand and foot" highlights that Jesus' miracle wasn't just about bringing him back to life, but about restoring him fully to life, complete with the ability to move freely. Jesus’ command to "unbind him, and let him go" emphasizes this complete restoration, showing that the miracle extends beyond the spiritual revival to the practical and physical freedom of Lazarus.
The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just called Lazarus out of his tomb after being dead for four days, and now the man emerges still wrapped in burial cloths. Jesus then commands the onlookers to unbind him, making it clear that the miracle is not just resurrection, but restoration to full life and freedom.
Lazarus emerges from the tomb, not yet free, but bound by the very cloths meant to honor his death. Jesus' command to 'unbind him' reveals a deeper freedom than just escaping the grave.
More Than Just Escape
Lazarus comes forth from the tomb, a powerful testament to Jesus' authority over death. But he isn't immediately free. He's still wrapped tightly in grave clothes, his hands and feet bound, his face covered. This isn't just a visual detail; it speaks to a profound truth.
The Lingering Bonds
The grave clothes represent more than just physical restraint. They symbolize the state of death and the limitations that come with it. Even though life has returned, these bonds show that Lazarus is still bound by the former reality.
Jesus' Decree of Freedom
Jesus' command, "Unbind him, and let him go," is not merely a practical instruction. It's a declaration of new life and liberation. It signifies releasing Lazarus not just from the tomb, but from the constraints of his past state, allowing him to walk freely in the new life Jesus has given.
The miracle of Lazarus's resurrection wasn't just for Lazarus; it was a powerful display for those present. Jesus intentionally involved them, making them witnesses to His divine authority.
The Spectacle of Salvation
The resurrection of Lazarus was a public event, witnessed by many. Jesus didn't perform this miracle in secret. He called Lazarus forth publicly and then involved the onlookers in the process of freeing him.
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Proof Against Doubt
Several aspects of this event aimed to leave no room for doubt:
Inviting Belief
By commanding the bystanders to 'Unbind him, and let him go,' Jesus made them active participants in verifying the miracle. Their hands would touch the grave clothes, feel the reality of his body, and witness his restored life firsthand. This act wasn't just for Lazarus; it was for them, drawing them toward belief in Jesus' identity and power.
Understand the original words
apothnēskō · Greek Verb/Adjective
A physical separation of the soul from the body, representing the consequence of sin and the ultimate human experience of brokenness that only God can overcome through resurrection.
The specific detail of Lazarus being bound in grave clothes, a common Jewish burial practice, underscores the undeniable reality of his death and the astonishing power of Jesus' resurrection. This wasn't a resuscitation of someone merely unconscious, but a true return from a state of decay, witnessed by many and leading directly to further plots against Jesus.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Bethany and Jerusalem
Jesus frequently visited Lazarus, Mary, and Martha in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem. This period of his ministry included significant public activity and growing opposition from religious leaders.
c. AD 30-33
Lazarus Falls Ill and Dies
While Jesus was away ministering, Lazarus became gravely ill and died. His sisters, Mary and Martha, sent word to Jesus, expressing their hope that he would come and heal their brother.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Arrives in Bethany
Jesus deliberately delayed his journey, arriving in Bethany four days after Lazarus' death. This delay was significant, as Jewish custom generally considered a person irretrievably dead after three days.
c. AD 30-33
The Raising of Lazarus
Jesus, deeply moved, went to the tomb, commanded the stone to be rolled away, and called Lazarus forth with a loud voice. Lazarus emerged, still wrapped in his burial clothes.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Commands Lazarus to be Unbound
Jesus instructed those present to remove Lazarus' burial wrappings, allowing him to move freely and thus providing clear evidence of the reality of his resurrection.
c. AD 30-33
Many Believe in Jesus
The powerful miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead caused many Jews who were present to believe in Jesus. This event significantly escalated the tension with the religious authorities.
c. AD 33
Pharisees Plot to Kill Jesus and Lazarus
Fearing Jesus' growing influence and the impact of Lazarus' resurrection, the chief priests and Pharisees conspired not only to kill Jesus but also to kill Lazarus, because his being alive was a powerful testament to Jesus' claims.
This passage speaks of God bringing forth living creatures from the earth, mirroring Jesus' command to bring Lazarus forth from the tomb, signifying a new creation by God's power.
1 Corinthians 15:20This verse highlights Christ's resurrection as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, making Lazarus' resurrection a powerful earthly demonstration of that future reality.
Luke 7:14-15Similar to the raising of the widow's son, Jesus' command 'Arise!' to Lazarus echoes His power over death, with the difference here being the bound grave clothes signifying a more complete victory over the grave.
John 20:7The description of the grave clothes and the napkin bound around Jesus' head in His resurrection parallels Lazarus' binding, showing that Christ’s resurrection was not a mere resuscitation but a triumph over death's finality.
barnesJohn 11:44: "And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go."
He that was dead - The same man, body and soul. Bound hand and foot - It is not certain whether the whole body and limbs were bound together, or each limb separately. When they embalmed a person, the whole body and limbs were swathed or bound together by strips of linen, involved around it to keep together the aromati…
bensonJohn 11:44: "And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go."
John 11:44 . And he that was dead — Greek, ο τεθνη κως , he that had been dead; came forth — “The dead man heard the voice of the Son of God, and came forth immediately. For he did not revive slowly, and by degrees, as the dead child did which was raised by the Prophet Elisha; but the effect instantly following the co…
The detail that Lazarus came out "bound hand and foot" highlights that Jesus' miracle wasn't just about bringing him back to life, but about restoring him fully to life, complete with the ability to move freely. Jesus’ command to "unbind him, and let him go" emphasizes this complete restoration, showing that the miracle extends beyond the spiritual revival to the practical and physical freedom of Lazarus.
Jesus has just called Lazarus out of his tomb after being dead for four days, and now the man emerges still wrapped in burial cloths. Jesus then commands the onlookers to unbind him, making it clear that the miracle is not just resurrection, but restoration to full life and freedom.
Jesus has just called Lazarus out of his tomb after being dead for four days, and now the man emerges still wrapped in burial cloths. Jesus then commands the onlookers to unbind him, making it clear that the miracle is not just resurrection, but restoration to full life and freedom.
"The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”" — The detail that Lazarus came out "bound hand and foot" highlights that Jesus' miracle wasn't just about bringing him back to life, but about restoring him fully to life, complete with the ability t…
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Last reviewed October 2026