New Testament
John 11:23
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Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."
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Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
What John 11:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, who has just died. Martha expresses her grief and belief that if Jesus had been there, her brother would not have died. Jesus reassures her by stating that Lazarus will rise again. This statement is significant because it highlights Jesus' authority over death and His promise of resurrection. It reflects the Christian belief in eternal life and the hope that comes from faith in Jesus. Jesus is not only comforting Martha but also revealing a deeper truth about His identity as the resurrection and the life. This moment sets the stage for the miraculous event that follows, where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating His power and foreshadowing His own resurrection. The assurance that Lazarus will rise again serves as a reminder of the hope believers have in Christ, even in the face of death and loss.
How to apply John 11:23 to your life
When facing loss or grief, we can find comfort in Jesus' promise of resurrection. This assurance encourages us to maintain our faith and hope in God's plan, knowing that death is not the end. We can support others in their grief by sharing this hope.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Raising Lazarus (John 11:1–44)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 11:23 mean in context?
In John 11:23, Jesus speaks to Martha after the death of her brother Lazarus. He reassures her that Lazarus will rise again, emphasizing His authority over death. This statement not only comforts Martha but also reveals Jesus' identity as the source of resurrection and eternal life. It sets the stage for the miracle of raising Lazarus, illustrating the hope Christians have in life after death through faith in Jesus.
How does John 11:23 relate to the concept of resurrection?
John 11:23 is a pivotal verse that underscores the Christian belief in resurrection. Jesus' promise that Lazarus will rise again signifies His power over death and foreshadows His own resurrection. This verse reassures believers that death is not the final outcome, but rather a transition to eternal life with God. It encourages faith in Jesus as the one who brings hope and life beyond physical death.
What comfort can we find in John 11:23 during times of grief?
John 11:23 offers profound comfort during grief by reminding us of Jesus' promise of resurrection. When we face loss, this verse encourages us to hold onto the hope that our loved ones who have died in faith will rise again. It reassures us that death is not the end, but a passage to eternal life, helping us to cope with our sorrow and support others in their grief.
What does Jesus mean by 'Your brother will rise again'?
When Jesus says 'Your brother will rise again' in John 11:23, He is affirming the promise of resurrection. This statement is both a comfort to Martha and a declaration of His divine authority. It signifies that Lazarus, though dead, will be brought back to life, illustrating Jesus' power over death and His role as the giver of eternal life. It also reflects the hope that believers have in the resurrection at the end of times.
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