Book of John - Chapter 11 - Verse 11

When Jesus said, "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep," he was using metaphorical language to describe Lazarus' death. In the Bible, the term "sleep" is often used to refer to death, particularly in the context of believers who will be awakened or raised from the dead in the future. Jesus knew that Lazarus had already died, but he used this metaphor to foreshadow the miracle he was about to perform by raising Lazarus from the dead. By stating that he was going to "awake him out of sleep," Jesus was indicating his power over death and his ability to bring Lazarus back to life. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' authority over life and death, as well as his ability to bring hope and restoration even in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances.

When Jesus refers to Lazarus as sleeping in this verse from John 11:11, it can be seen as a metaphor for death. This theological interpretation suggests that death is not the end for those who believe in Jesus, but rather a temporary state of rest before being awakened to eternal life. By using the term "sleepeth," Jesus is demonstrating his power over death and foreshadowing his upcoming miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. This verse highlights Jesus' divine authority and ability to bring the dead back to life, emphasizing the importance of faith in him as the means to overcome even death itself. Through careful word studies, scholars have also noted the significance of the term "awake" in this verse, indicating a future resurrection for all believers at the return of Jesus. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' power over death and his promise of eternal life to those who believe in him.