Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of John - Chapter 11 - Verse 44

11:44
And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Meaning

This verse from the Bible recounts the miraculous event of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. When Lazarus emerged from the tomb, he was still bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was covered with a napkin. Jesus then instructed those around him to "loose him, and let him go." This moment symbolizes the power of Jesus over death and the new life he brings to those who believe in him. By commanding Lazarus to be released from his burial garments, Jesus illustrates his authority to overcome even the finality of death. The act of unbinding Lazarus also serves as a metaphor for the freedom and new beginning that believers experience when they place their trust in Jesus. This verse is a testament to the transformative power of Christ and his ability to bring life out of death, hope out of despair, and healing out of brokenness.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of the verse "And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go." highlights the power of Jesus over death and the significance of liberation. The resurrection of Lazarus demonstrates Jesus' authority to conquer death and bring forth life. In a theological context, the story symbolizes the ultimate victory over death through Jesus Christ. The act of unbinding Lazarus from his graveclothes can also be seen as a metaphor for freeing individuals from the bondage of sin and death, offering spiritual liberation and new life. Furthermore, word studies of key terms in this passage, such as "bound," "graveclothes," "napkin," and "loose," can provide deeper insights into the cultural and historical contexts of the narrative, enhancing our understanding of the events and teachings recorded in the Bible.

American Standard Version

He that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes; and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
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