Keraia
John 11

John 11:17

Jesus Comforts Martha and Mary · John 11:17–37
Read John 11

Translations

Modern
When Jesus arrived, He found that Lazarus had already spent four days in the tomb.
Traditional
Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
Literal
Therefore, having come, Jesus found him already having been four days in the tomb.
Latin
Venit itaque Jesus: et invenit eum quatuor dies jam in monumento habentem.

Interlinear

Greek
English
When Jesus arrived, He found that Lazarus had already spent four days in the tomb.

Notes

John 11:17

In Jewish custom at that time, people were usually buried on the same day they died. Families placed the body in a tomb quickly, often within hours.

John tells us that Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. This detail is important. It shows that Lazarus was truly dead.

Because four days had passed, this miracle was not a simple resuscitation (bringing someone back who only seemed dead). Jesus did not restore a weak person who might recover. He raised a man who had been dead and buried for several days.

John 11:1–57

The resurrection of Lazarus points to the future death and resurrection of Jesus. The description of Lazarus’s tomb is similar to the description of the tomb Jesus was placed in after he died (11:38, 44; 20:1, 7). Both accounts mention a cave and burial cloths. These details connect the two events and help us see that Lazarus’s story is a sign.

Soon after Lazarus was raised, a woman anointed Jesus for burial (12:3). This act prepared him for his coming death.

Then the time for his glorification began (12:23).

Events

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Bethany Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Caiaphas Eternal Life Glory Heal, Healing Jesus Christ John, Gospel of Lazarus Mount of Olives Resurrection

Topics

Burial: Often Took Place Immediately After Death Friendship: Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, with Jesus Jesus, the Christ: Miracles of Raising of Lazarus Jesus, the Christ: Returns to Bethany and Raises Lazarus from the Dead Miracles of Jesus, in Chronological Order: Raises Lazarus from the Dead The Miracles of Christ: The Dead Raised to Life