Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

JOHN 11:14KJV
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John 11:14 (KJV)

What does John 11:14 mean?

John 11:14 records Jesus speaking directly to His disciples, telling them clearly that Lazarus has died. Jesus does not use any figures of speech here but states the fact plainly so there is no confusion about Lazarus’s condition.

In this scene, Jesus is talking to His close followers after they misunderstood His earlier words about Lazarus "sleeping." The disciples thought Jesus meant natural sleep, but Jesus now makes it unmistakable that Lazarus has died. This sets up the context for the miracle Jesus is about to perform, showing both His awareness of the situation and His intention to reveal something important to His disciples.

The Greek behind John 11:14

  • The word "plainly" (παρρησίᾳ, parrēsia) means openly, clearly, or without hiding anything. In this verse, it emphasizes that Jesus is removing any confusion and speaking in a straightforward way.
  • The verb "is dead" (ἀπέθανεν, apethanen) is a simple, factual statement in Greek, leaving no doubt about Lazarus’s physical state. Jesus is not using metaphor or softening the news; He is being direct.

Why John 11:14 matters

  • John 11:14 clears up any misunderstanding the disciples had about Lazarus’s condition, showing that Jesus sometimes shifts from figurative to very direct language when needed.
  • This verse highlights Jesus’s awareness of events even when He is not physically present, pointing to His unique knowledge and authority.
  • By stating Lazarus’s death so plainly, John 11:14 prepares the reader for the miracle of Lazarus’s resurrection, making it clear that what follows is not a recovery from illness but a true raising from the dead.

Where else these words appear

“Lazarus” Greek G2976 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
  • John 11:1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
  • John 12:1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

“plainly” Greek G3954 · used in 31 verses

  • Mark 8:32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
  • Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
  • 1 Timothy 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

“dead” Greek G599 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 8:32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
  • John 11:16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
  • Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.