john-11:11-14

The Pulpit Commentary - John 11:13

Now Jesus had spoken of his death: but they thought that he spake of taking rest in sleep . λέγει , though in the present tense, represents a time anterior to the time of ἔδοξαν . κοίμησις is found in Ecclus. 46:19. This is an explanation of the misunderstanding, occasioned, perhaps, by the statement of verse 4, and further elucidated by what follows. A difference prevails between κοίμησις and ὕπνος as both words are used for sleep; but the former has rather the idea... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 11:14

Then Jesus therefore said to them plainly . Jesus spake at length ( παῤῥησίᾳ ) without metaphor (cf. John 11:11 , note). Lazarus died ; died, i . e . when he told them two days ago that this sickness would not have death as its end—died in the sense in which they ordinarily used the word. When Jesus described the condition of Lazarus in figurative language, he made use of a metaphor which would have peculiar application in his ease. The grace of Christ will turn the death of... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 11:11

Lazarus sleepeth - Is dead. The word “sleep” is applied to death,Because of the resemblance between them, as sleep is the “kinsman of death.” In this sense it is often used by pagan writers. However, in the Scriptures it is used to intimate that death will not be final: that there will be an awaking out of this sleep, or a resurrection. It is a beautiful and tender expression, removing all that is dreadful in death, and filling the mind with the idea of calm repose after a life of toil, with a... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 11:12

If the sleep, he shall do well - Sleep was regarded by the Jews, in sickness, as a favorable symptom; hence it was said among them, “Sleep in sickness is a sign of recovery, because it shows that the violence of the disease has abated” (Lightfoot). This seems to have been the meaning of the disciples. They intimated that if he had this symptom, there was no need of his going into Judea to restore him. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - John 11:11-13

John 11:11-13. These things said he To silence their objections, and prepare their minds for what he yet concealed; and after that, as he perfectly knew what had passed at Bethany, though so many miles distant from it, he saith, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth This, it is probable, he spoke just when he died. Sleepeth Thus our Lord speaks, partly out of tenderness to his apostles, as being least shocking when he spoke of so dear a friend; and partly because the death of good men is only ... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - John 11:14-16

John 11:14-16. Then said Jesus plainly That he might not hold them any longer in suspense, or permit them to remain under a mistake; Lazarus is indeed dead: and As I could not have permitted this to have happened in my presence, I am glad for your sakes That your faith may be more fully confirmed, by a further remarkable display of my divine power; that I was not there That I was not in Judea before he died; for had I been there, and recovered him, your faith in me, as the Messiah,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - John 11:1-44

BACK TO JUDEA116. Resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:1-44)While Jesus was still in the region between the Jordan and Jerusalem, he heard that his friend Lazarus, who lived in Bethany, was seriously ill. Jesus did not hurry to Bethany, because he knew that Lazarus was already dead. By raising him to life, Jesus would give unmistakable evidence of his unity with the Father (John 11:1-6).After waiting two days, Jesus decided to set out for Bethany. The disciples tried to stop him, fearing that the... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - John 11:11

friend. Greek. philos, noun of phileo, John 11:3 . sleepeth = has fallen asleep. Greek. koimaomai. App-171 . go . Greek. poreuomai, to go with a set purpose. Compare John 14:2 , John 14:3 , and Matthew 2:8 , Matthew 2:9 . Not the same word as John 11:8 . awake him out of sleep . Greek. exupnizo . Occurs only here. read more

E.W. Bullinger