Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

JOHN 11:25KJV
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John 11:25 (KJV)

What does John 11:25 mean?

John 11:25 records Jesus telling Martha that he himself is "the resurrection, and the life," promising that anyone who believes in him will live, even if they die physically. Jesus is saying that faith in him brings a life that death cannot end.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to Martha after her brother Lazarus has died. Martha is grieving, and Jesus responds by revealing that he holds the power over life and death. The verse highlights not just a future hope, but a present reality—Jesus claims to be the source of both resurrection and true life for those who trust him.

The Greek behind John 11:25

  • ἀνάστασις (anastasis, "resurrection"): This word means a rising up or standing up again, often used for being raised from the dead. Jesus uses it here to describe himself as the one who brings people back to life.
  • ζωή (zōē, "life"): This term refers to life in its fullest sense, not just physical existence. Jesus claims to be the source of this kind of life.
  • πιστεύων (pisteuōn, "believeth"): This word means to trust or have faith in someone. The form here shows ongoing, active trust, not just a one-time belief.
  • ζήσεται (zēsetai, "shall live"): This verb points to a future, ongoing life, suggesting that physical death is not the end for those who trust Jesus.

Why John 11:25 matters

  • John 11:25 clarifies that Jesus is not just promising a future resurrection event, but is personally the source of resurrection and life right now.
  • The verse addresses a deep human fear—death—and offers a hope that goes beyond physical existence, rooted in relationship with Jesus.
  • This statement sets the stage for the miracle of Lazarus being raised, showing that Jesus’ authority over death is not just talk, but demonstrated in action.

Where else these words appear

“though” Greek G2579 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
  • Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
  • Acts 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

“resurrection” Greek G386 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 22:23 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,
  • John 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
  • Romans 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

“me” Greek G1691 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
  • John 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
  • John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

“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 11:14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
  • 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.