News of Lazarus
John 11:1–16FocusDelay and purpose
Connection to the wholeJesus' response to Lazarus' illness leads the disciples toward Judea despite danger and prepares the revelation of His power over death.
interpretation John 11:25
KJVJesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Read it in context
The Raising of Lazarus
Start reading at John 11:1 (John 11:1 to John 11:45).
The narrative of Lazarus's sickness, death, and resurrection begins at John 11:1 and concludes with his being raised from the dead and the subsequent belief of many Jews.
- 11:1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
- 11:2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
- 11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
- 11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
- 11:5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
- 11:6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
- 11:7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.
- 11:8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
- 11:9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
- 11:10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
- 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.
- 11:12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
- 11:13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
- 11:14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
- 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
- 11:16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
- 11:17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
- 11:18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:
- 11:19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
- 11:20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
- 11:21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
- 11:22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
- 11:23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
- 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
- 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:
- 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
- 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
- 11:28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
- 11:29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.
- 11:30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.
- 11:31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.
- 11:32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
- 11:33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
- 11:34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
- 11:35 Jesus wept.
- 11:36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!
- 11:37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?
- 11:38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
- 11:39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
- 11:40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
- 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
- 11:42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
- 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
- 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.
- 11:45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 11:1–11:57): Jesus speaks with His disciples, Martha, and Mary around Lazarus's death and raising. Mourners witness the event; chief priests and Pharisees later deliberate about Jesus. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? Jesus declares Himself to be 'the resurrection, and the life' to Martha, in response to her belief in a future resurrection, just before He raises her brother Lazarus from the dead.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing Jesus' divine nature and His unique authority over death and life. Jesus is not merely a prophet who can ask God for resurrection, but He is the very source and embodiment of resurrection and eternal life.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is Gospel narrative, featuring a direct dialogue between Jesus and Martha, which includes one of Jesus' profound 'I AM' declarations.
When
- When was it written? The Gospel of John was written approximately A.D. 85 to 95.
- When does the event take place? The event takes place approximately A.D. 27 to 30, specifically when Lazarus had been dead and in the grave for four days.
Where
- Where did it happen? The event happened in Bethany, a village nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off.
- Where was the author located? The author, John, was traditionally located in Ephesus when he wrote this Gospel.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Raising of Lazarus (John 11:1 to John 11:45). Start reading at John 11:1. The narrative of Lazarus's sickness, death, and resurrection begins at John 11:1 and concludes with his being raised from the dead and the subsequent belief of many Jews.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This declaration by Jesus is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Lazarus's resurrection. It directly precedes Jesus' miraculous act of raising Lazarus, serving as a theological foundation for the demonstration of His power over death. It clarifies that Jesus is not just a healer, but the very source of life itself, contrasting Martha's belief in a future resurrection with Jesus' present power. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as 'I am the resurrection, and the life.' This is one of His seven 'I AM' statements in the Gospel of John, directly asserting His divine nature and His unique power to grant both physical and spiritual life, overcoming death. He is the only one who can bring the dead to life and provide eternal life to believers. stated in the text
- How do I apply it today? This passage assures believers that through faith in Jesus Christ, they have eternal life, even in the face of physical death. It offers profound hope beyond the grave and emphasizes that true life, both spiritual and eternal, is found exclusively in Him. It calls for present belief in Jesus as the one who conquers death. interpretation
Cited: John 11:25, John 11:14, John 11:17, John 11:18, John 11:20, John 11:23, John 11:24, John 14:6
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Related passages
- I am John 5:21 John 6:39-40,44 Rom 5:17-19 Rom 8:11 1 Cor 15:20-26,43-57 2 Cor 4:14 Phil 3:10,20-21 1 Thess 4:14
- the life John 1:4 John 5:26 John 6:35 John 14:6,19 Ps 36:9 Isa 38:16 Acts 3:15 Rom 8:2
- he that John 3:36 Job 19:25-27 Isa 26:19 Luke 23:43 Rom 4:17 Rom 8:10-11,38-39 1 Cor 15:18,29 2 Cor 5:1-8
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 11
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
FocusResurrection, faith, and grief
Connection to the wholeConversations with Martha and Mary join Jesus' claim to be the resurrection and life with His entering the sorrow of the mourners.
interpretation Lazarus called forth
John 11:38–44FocusGlory and life
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus brings Jesus' earlier words into visible action before the assembled witnesses.
interpretation Belief and the death plot
John 11:45–57FocusA sign that intensifies opposition
Connection to the wholeResponses to the sign divide between belief and a council decision to put Jesus to death, bringing the passion nearer.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation Works, teaching, and division
John 5:1–10:42FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation Jesus and His disciples
John 13:1–17:26FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.