Bible Strands
John 11:13
They thought that Jesus was talking about actual sleep, but He was speaking about the death of Lazarus.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses His disciples regarding Lazarus, clarifying His previous statement after they misinterpret His metaphor. He speaks to them at the moment they assume He means physical rest rather than a permanent condition.
The words — εἰρὴκει (eirēkei) means "had spoken," and θανάτου (thanatou) means "death." Jesus contrasts their assumption of literal sleep with His actual reference to Lazarus's demise.
The thread — Matthew 9:24 records Jesus using "asleep" to describe a dead girl, prompting laughter from those who miss the metaphor. This parallel demonstrates a consistent pattern of Jesus using sleep terminology for death before providing plain clarification.
Why it lands — The text demands readers distinguish between Jesus' figurative language and His literal declarations. It requires careful attention to His clarifications rather than relying on human assumptions about His words.
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The Greek words
King James Version
Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
Cross-references
- Matthew 9:24 “Go away,” He told them. “The girl is not dead, but asleep.” And they laughed at Him.