Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. New Living Translation They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died. English Standard Version Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Berean Standard Bible They thought that Jesus was talking about actual sleep, but He was speaking about the death of Lazarus. Berean Literal Bible Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He speaks of the rest of sleep. King James Bible Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. New King James Version However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep. New American Standard Bible Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about actual sleep. NASB 1995 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was speaking of literal sleep. NASB 1977 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was speaking of literal sleep. Legacy Standard Bible Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was speaking of actual sleep. Amplified Bible However, Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was referring to natural sleep. Christian Standard Bible Jesus, however, was speaking about his death, but they thought he was speaking about natural sleep. Holman Christian Standard Bible Jesus, however, was speaking about his death, but they thought He was speaking about natural sleep. American Standard Version Now Jesus had spoken of his death: but they thought that he spake of taking rest in sleep. Contemporary English Version Jesus really meant that Lazarus was dead, but they thought he was talking only about sleep. English Revised Version Now Jesus had spoken of his death: but they thought that he spake of taking rest in sleep. GOD'S WORD® Translation Jesus meant that Lazarus was dead, but the disciples thought Jesus meant that Lazarus was only sleeping. Good News Translation Jesus meant that Lazarus had died, but they thought he meant natural sleep. International Standard Version Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was speaking about resting or sleeping. Majority Standard Bible They thought that Jesus was talking about actual sleep, but He was speaking about the death of Lazarus. NET Bible (Now Jesus had been talking about his death, but they thought he had been talking about real sleep.) New Heart English Bible Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he spoke of taking rest in sleep. Webster's Bible Translation Now Jesus spoke of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking rest in sleep. Weymouth New Testament Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought He referred to the rest taken in ordinary sleep. World English Bible Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he spoke of taking rest in sleep. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionbut Jesus had spoken about his death, but they thought that He speaks about the repose of sleep. Berean Literal Bible Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He speaks of the rest of sleep. Young's Literal Translation but Jesus had spoken about his death, but they thought that about the repose of sleep he speaketh. Smith's Literal Translation And Jesus spake of his death: but these supposed that he speaks of the repose of sleep. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut Jesus spoke of his death; and they thought that he spoke of the repose of sleep. Catholic Public Domain Version But Jesus had spoken about his death. Yet they thought that he spoke about the repose of sleep. New American Bible But Jesus was talking about his death, while they thought that he meant ordinary sleep. New Revised Standard Version Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut Jesus spoke of his death; and they thought that what he said was sleeping in bed. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But Yeshua spoke about his death, and they had thought that he had been talking about lying down, taking sleep. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentJesus spoke of his death; but they thought that he spoke of taking rest in sleep. Godbey New Testament But Jesus spoke concerning his death: and they thought that He spoke concerning the rest of sleep. Haweis New Testament Now Jesus had spoken of his death: but they apprehended that he spake of taking rest in sleep. Mace New Testament though Jesus meant it of Lazarus's death: but they understood it of the natural rest in sleep. Weymouth New Testament Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought He referred to the rest taken in ordinary sleep. Worrell New Testament Now Jesus had spoken concerning his death; but they thought He spake of taking rest in sleep. Worsley New Testament But Jesus spake of his death; though they thought that He was speaking of the refreshment of sleep. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Death of Lazarus…12His disciples replied, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will get better.” 13 They thought that Jesus was talking about actual sleep, but He was speaking about the death of Lazarus. 14So Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead,… Cross References John 11:11-12 After He had said this, He told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up.” / His disciples replied, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will get better.” John 14:1-3 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well. / In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? / And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am. John 5:28-29 Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice / and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. / For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. Matthew 9:24 “Go away,” He told them. “The girl is not dead, but asleep.” And they laughed at Him. Mark 5:39 He went inside and asked, “Why all this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead, but asleep.” Luke 8:52-53 Meanwhile, everyone was weeping and mourning for her. But Jesus said, “Stop weeping; she is not dead but asleep.” / And they laughed at Him, knowing that she was dead. Daniel 12:2 And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. / For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. / For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. Acts 7:60 Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. 1 Kings 2:10 Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. 2 Samuel 7:12 And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. Job 14:12 so a man lies down and does not rise. Until the heavens are no more, he will not be awakened or roused from sleep. Psalm 13:3 Consider me and respond, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death, Isaiah 26:19 Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust! For your dew is like the dew of the morning, and the earth will bring forth her dead. Treasury of Scripture However, Jesus spoke of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Jump to Previous Death Disciples Howbeit However Idea Jesus Meant Natural Ordinary Referred Repose Rest Sleep Speaketh Speaking Talking ThoughtJump to Next Death Disciples Howbeit However Idea Jesus Meant Natural Ordinary Referred Repose Rest Sleep Speaketh Speaking Talking ThoughtJohn 11 1. Jesus raises Lazarus, four days buried.45. Many Jews believe. 47. The high priests and Pharisees gather a council against Jesus. 49. Caiaphas prophesies. 54. Jesus hides himself. 55. At the Passover they enquire after him, and lay wait for him. They thought that Jesus was talking about actual sleep In the context of John 11, Jesus' disciples misunderstood His reference to Lazarus' condition. The term "sleep" is often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe death, as seen in passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 and Daniel 12:2. This metaphor reflects the temporary nature of death for believers, suggesting a future awakening or resurrection. The disciples' misunderstanding highlights their limited grasp of Jesus' power over life and death, a theme that is central to the Gospel of John. but He was speaking about the death of Lazarus Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is the Son of God who performs miracles and teaches profound truths. In this context, He is about to demonstrate His power over death. 2. Lazarus A friend of Jesus who has died. His death and subsequent resurrection serve as a powerful sign of Jesus' divine authority. 3. Disciples Followers of Jesus who often misunderstand His teachings. Here, they misinterpret Jesus' metaphorical language about Lazarus' death. 4. Bethany The village where Lazarus lived, located near Jerusalem. It is the setting for the miracle of Lazarus' resurrection. 5. Death and Resurrection The event of Lazarus' death and Jesus' intention to raise him from the dead, illustrating Jesus' power over life and death. Teaching Points Understanding Jesus' LanguageJesus often uses metaphorical language to convey deeper spiritual truths. As believers, we should seek to understand His words in their spiritual context. The Reality of Death and Hope in Christ While death is a physical reality, Jesus offers hope through His power over death. Believers can find comfort in the promise of resurrection and eternal life. Faith in Jesus' Power The raising of Lazarus is a testament to Jesus' divine authority. We are called to trust in His power and sovereignty, even in seemingly hopeless situations. Spiritual Awakening Just as Jesus awakens Lazarus from physical death, He calls us to awaken from spiritual death. This involves living a life transformed by His grace and truth.(13) They thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.--These words forbid the thought that they really understood that Lazarus was dead, but did not wish to seem to know it. Three of them, indeed, had heard our Lord apply the word "sleep" to death before (Matthew 9:24), but this instance of misunderstanding on their part takes its place with others of a like kind, as showing that the surface meaning of words was that which naturally suggested itself to them. (Comp. Matthew 16:6-12, and Luke 22:38) It is not likely that all "the three" were present during this interview. If it took place at Tellanihje, then the nearness of Bethsaida and the other towns of Galilee may have led some of the Twelve to visit their old homes. (Comp. John 1:28; John 1:48 et seq.) We can hardly imagine that Peter was present without taking a prominent part in the conversation, or that Thomas would have been in his presence the representative speaker (John 11:16). His absence may be taken as one of the reasons why the account of the miracle which follows is absent from St. Mark's Gospel, which is, like St. John's, the Gospel of an eye-witness. (Comp. Introduction to St. Mark, p. 189, and Excursus E: The Omission of the Raising of Lazarus, in the Synoptic Gospels.) . . . Verse 13. - Now Jesus had spoken of his death: but they thought that he spake of taking rest in sleep. Λέγει, though in the present tense, represents a time anterior to the time of ἔδοξαν. Κοίμησις is found in Ecclus. 46:19. This is an explanation of the misunderstanding, occasioned, perhaps, by the statement of ver. 4, and further elucidated by what follows. A difference prevails between κοίμησις and ὕπνος as both words are used for sleep; but the former has rather the idea of the repose accompanying sleep, the latter the phenomenon itself. With one or two exceptions, κοιμᾶσθαι is always used in the New Testament of the sleep of death, ὑπνός never. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Theyἐκεῖνοι (ekeinoi) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed. thought ἔδοξαν (edoxan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1380: A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. [Jesus] was talking λέγει (legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. about περὶ (peri) Preposition Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. actual sleep, κοιμήσεως (koimēseōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 2838: Repose, taking rest, sleep. From koimao; sleeping, i.e. repose. but δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. [He] Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. was speaking εἰρήκει (eirēkei) Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2046: Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say. about περὶ (peri) Preposition Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. death θανάτου (thanatou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2288: Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death. of [Lazarus]. αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. Links John 11:13 NIVJohn 11:13 NLT John 11:13 ESV John 11:13 NASB John 11:13 KJV John 11:13 BibleApps.com John 11:13 Biblia Paralela John 11:13 Chinese Bible John 11:13 French Bible John 11:13 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: John 11:13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death (Jhn Jo Jn) |
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