New Testament
John 11:39
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days."
Compare translations
Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
What John 11:39 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus instructs those around him to remove the stone from the entrance of Lazarus's tomb. Martha, Lazarus's sister, expresses her concern about the smell, indicating that Lazarus has been dead for four days. This highlights the reality of death and the natural decay that follows. Martha's response reflects her disbelief in the possibility of resurrection, as she is focused on the physical evidence of death rather than the power of Jesus. This moment sets the stage for a significant miracle, demonstrating Jesus's authority over life and death. It also emphasizes the tension between human understanding and divine capability. Martha's hesitation reveals a common struggle in faith, where we may doubt God's ability to intervene in seemingly hopeless situations. Jesus's command to remove the stone symbolizes the need to confront our fears and doubts, allowing God to work in our lives, even when circumstances seem dire.
How to apply John 11:39 to your life
When faced with difficult situations, we may doubt God's ability to help. Like Martha, we might focus on the problems rather than God's power. This verse encourages us to trust in God's ability to bring life and hope, even in seemingly hopeless circumstances.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Raising Lazarus (John 11:1–44)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about John 11:39
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying John 11:39
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 11:39 teach about faith in difficult times?
John 11:39 illustrates the struggle between faith and doubt. Martha's concern about the stench of death reflects a common human reaction when faced with seemingly impossible situations. This verse encourages believers to confront their fears and doubts, reminding us that faith in Jesus can lead to miraculous outcomes, even when circumstances appear dire.
Why did Martha hesitate to remove the stone from Lazarus's tomb?
Martha hesitated to remove the stone because she was concerned about the smell of decay, indicating that Lazarus had been dead for four days. Her reaction highlights the natural human instinct to focus on physical evidence and limitations, which can hinder our faith in God's power to intervene and perform miracles.
What is the significance of Jesus asking to remove the stone?
Jesus asking to remove the stone signifies the need to confront obstacles that block faith and understanding. It symbolizes the act of removing barriers to allow God's power to work. This moment sets the stage for Lazarus's resurrection, demonstrating that faith requires action and trust in God's ability to overcome even the most hopeless situations.
How does John 11:39 relate to the theme of resurrection?
John 11:39 is pivotal in the resurrection narrative of Lazarus. It emphasizes the reality of death and decay, which makes the subsequent miracle of Lazarus rising from the dead even more profound. This verse foreshadows Jesus's own resurrection and reinforces the belief in life after death, showcasing His authority over life and death.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.