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Book of John - Chapter 11 - Verse 13

11:13
Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

Meaning

When Jesus spoke of his impending death to his disciples, they misunderstood his words and thought he was referring to taking rest in sleep. This misinterpretation highlights the difficulty the disciples had in fully grasping the gravity of Jesus' sacrifice. While they may have been aware of the concept of death, they were not able to comprehend that Jesus was speaking about his own death on the cross. This verse serves as a reminder of the limitations of human understanding and the need for spiritual discernment. It also underscores the unique nature of Jesus' mission on Earth and the significance of his ultimate sacrifice for the salvation of humanity.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse 'Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.', it is crucial to understand the context in which this statement was made. Jesus often spoke in parables and used metaphorical language to convey spiritual truths to his disciples. In this particular instance, Jesus was referring to his impending crucifixion and resurrection, a pivotal event in Christian theology. The misunderstanding by the disciples highlights the disconnect between Jesus' divine purpose and the limited human understanding of his mission. This verse underscores the importance of discerning the spiritual significance behind Jesus' words and actions, as they often carry deeper meanings than what is readily apparent.

American Standard Version

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