John 11:13

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

They thought that Jesus was talking about actual sleep, but He was speaking about the death of Lazarus.

American Standard Version (1901)

Now Jesus had spoken of his death: but they thought that he spake of taking rest in sleep.

Bible in Basic English

Jesus, however, was talking of his death: but they had the idea that he was talking about taking rest in sleep.

Free Bible Version

Jesus had been referring to the death of Lazarus, but the disciples thought he meant actual sleep.

Geneva Bible 1599

Howbeit, Iesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of the naturall sleepe.

King James (Authorized) Version

Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

One Unity Resource Bible

Now Yeshua [Salvation] had spoken of his death, but they thought that he spoke of taking rest in sleep.

Plain English Version

Jesus was really saying that Lazarus was dead, but his followers didn’t understand that.

Translation for Translators

Jesus was speaking figuratively about Lazarus’ death, but we thought that he was talking about really being asleep.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he was speaking about the sleep of resting.

Noah Webster Bible

Now Jesus spoke of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking rest in sleep.

World English Bible

Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he spoke of taking rest in sleep.

Young's Literal Translation

but Jesus had spoken about his death, but they thought that about the repose of sleep he speaketh.

Context

The Death of Lazarus

¹²His disciples replied, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will get better.”¹³They thought that Jesus was talking about actual sleep, but He was speaking about the death of Lazarus.

Sermons

The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power

Newman Sze

820

Summary

In this verse, Jesus speaks to His disciples about Lazarus' death, indicating that Lazarus has fallen asleep. However, the disciples misunderstand His metaphor, thinking that Lazarus is simply resting. This moment foreshadows Jesus' upcoming miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, revealing His power over death and His ability to bring life even in the face of apparent finality. Jesus' use of language here serves to deepen the disciples' understanding of His divine authority and the miraculous works He is capable of performing.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Howbeit Jesus spake of his death,.... Under the figurative phrase of sleeping: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep; in a literal and natural sense.