Book of John - Chapter 11 - Verse 17

When Jesus arrived at the tomb of Lazarus, he found that Lazarus had already been dead and buried for four days. In Jewish tradition, it was believed that the soul of a person lingered near the body for three days after death, hoping to return to the body. By the fourth day, the soul would depart, and the body would begin to decompose, thus signifying that there was no hope of resurrection. This detail is significant because it showcases the power of Jesus to perform a miraculous resurrection after the body had already begun to decay. This event serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority over death and his ability to bring life even to those who seem beyond hope. It also foreshadows his own resurrection, which would take place just a short time later. The four days that Lazarus had been dead symbolize the finality of death and the hopelessness that comes with it, making Jesus' subsequent miracle all the more remarkable.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already," it is crucial to understand the significance of the number four in biblical numerology. In the Bible, the number four often symbolizes creation, earth, and the material world. In this context, the fact that Lazarus had been dead for four days before Jesus arrived emphasizes the finality of his death and underscores the magnitude of the miracle that is about to take place. Additionally, the four-day period also aligns with Jewish belief at the time, which held that the soul of a deceased person lingered near the body for three days before departing. By waiting until the fourth day to raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus further emphasizes his divinity and power over death itself.