What is the meaning of John 11:14?

So

The tiny word “So” links back to verses 11-13, where Jesus’ disciples misunderstood His figurative language about Lazarus “sleeping.”

• It signals a shift from figurative to direct speech, just as Genesis 1:3 shifts from God’s plan to His spoken command.

• The conjunction reminds us that every word in Scripture has purpose (2 Timothy 3:16); nothing is filler.

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Jesus told them plainly

Jesus, who earlier spoke in parables (Matthew 13:34), now removes any possibility of confusion.

• His transparency models the shepherd’s clarity in John 10:4: “the sheep follow him because they know his voice.”

• The straightforward announcement underscores Christ’s authority over life and death, previewing John 14:6—He is “the way, the truth, and the life.”

• Speaking “plainly” reflects His patience with disciples slow to grasp spiritual truths (Mark 8:17-21).

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Lazarus

Naming Lazarus personalizes the moment. This is not a parable character but a real man from Bethany (John 11:1).

• Scripture often uses names to ground events in history, as in Luke 19:1-2 with Zacchaeus.

• The personal reference highlights Jesus’ friendship and love (John 11:5), demonstrating that God is intimately involved with individuals, echoing Psalm 139:1-4.

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is dead

Jesus states the stark reality.

• Death entered through sin (Romans 5:12), yet here it sets the stage for God’s glory (John 11:4).

• The finality of death magnifies the miracle to come, just as the three-day burial magnified Christ’s own resurrection (Matthew 12:40).

• By declaring death before arrival, Jesus shows omniscience, paralleling His foreknowledge in John 1:48 with Nathanael.

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summary

John 11:14 shows Jesus moving from figurative language to clear, literal truth: Lazarus, a dear friend, has truly died. This plain statement affirms Christ’s omniscience, compassion, and purposeful timing. It prepares the disciples—and us—to witness His power over death, reinforcing the reliability of His word and pointing forward to the ultimate victory of His own resurrection.