Bible Strands
John 11:14
So Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses His disciples after they misunderstood His previous metaphor. He clarifies the situation at the moment Lazarus has passed away and the disciples are still uncertain of His meaning.
The words — The Greek term παρρησία (parrēsia) translates literally to "plainly" or "openly," marking a shift from figurative speech to direct statement. Jesus uses this word to explicitly correct the disciples' assumption that Lazarus was merely sleeping.
The thread — This emphasis on plain speech appears in John 10:24 when religious leaders demand a clear answer, and in John 16:25 and 16:29 where Jesus contrasts figurative teaching with direct revelation. The disciples themselves later note this transition to clarity in John 16:29.
Why it lands — The verse requires the reader to accept unvarnished truth before expecting spiritual benefit. It establishes that belief follows the clear acknowledgment of reality rather than metaphorical comfort.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
Cross-references
- John 16:25 I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. An hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you this way, but will tell you plainly about the Father.
- John 10:24 So the Jews gathered around Him and demanded, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
- John 16:29 His disciples said, “See, now You are speaking plainly and without figures of speech.