John 11:39 (KJV)

What does John 11:39 mean?

John 11:39 describes Jesus telling the people to remove the stone from Lazarus’s tomb, while Martha, Lazarus’s sister, objects because her brother’s body has been dead for four days and she expects it to smell. This verse highlights the reality of Lazarus’s death and Martha’s concern about the physical condition of the body.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to those gathered at the tomb, including Martha and others mourning Lazarus. Martha’s response shows her practical awareness of death’s effects, emphasizing how long Lazarus has been in the grave. The verse sets the stage for what follows, making clear that Lazarus’s death is beyond doubt and that what Jesus is about to do will be unmistakably miraculous.

The Greek behind John 11:39

• ἀπό (G142, "away"): The Greek word translated as "away" here means to remove or take something away, stressing Jesus’s direct command to physically move the stone blocking the tomb.
• λίθος (G3037, "stone"): This word refers to a large stone used to seal tombs, underlining the finality and seriousness of Lazarus’s burial.
• ὄζει (G3605, "stinketh"): The Greek word means "to emit a bad odor" or "to stink," making Martha’s concern vivid and showing the reality of death’s effects after four days.
• ἡμέρας (G2250, "days"): The mention of "four days" in the Greek text underscores the length of time Lazarus has been dead, reinforcing that this is not a case of mistaken death.

Why John 11:39 matters

• John 11:39 clears up any doubt that Lazarus was truly dead, emphasizing the miracle’s significance by showing the body had begun to decay.
• The verse highlights Martha’s practical mindset and her honest reaction, which grounds the story in real human experience and emotion.
• This moment prepares the reader for the dramatic sign Jesus is about to perform, making the resurrection of Lazarus even more striking and undeniable.