John 11:13
What does John 11:13 mean?
A plain-English look at John 11:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 11:13 means
John interjects to explain the confusion: Jesus had spoken of Lazarus’s death, but the disciples thought He referred to literal rest. This editorial note honors Jesus’ intention and guards against misreading His words. It reminds us that Jesus often speaks with layers of meaning—earthly images that point to spiritual realities. By clarifying, John helps the reader track the unfolding lesson: death, to Jesus, is like sleep before His life-giving voice. The note also sets up the need for Jesus to speak plainly, demonstrating His patience with slow hearts and His commitment to ensure His followers truly understand what is at stake.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now Jesus had spoken of his death: but they thought that he spake of taking rest in sleep.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now Jesus had spoken of his death: but they thought that he spake of taking rest in sleep.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus, however, was talking of his death: but they had the idea that he was talking about taking rest in sleep.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but Jesus had spoken about his death, but they thought that about the repose of sleep he speaketh.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But Jesus spoke of his death: and they thought that he spoke of the repose of sleep.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that he spoke of the rest of sleep.
Context
The narrative pauses to interpret the misunderstanding for the reader. This bridge verse keeps the story clear and readies us for Jesus’ unambiguous declaration. The next line will state Lazarus’s death and the faith-oriented purpose of Jesus’ absence. By providing this explanation, John maintains narrative momentum while protecting Jesus’ metaphor from being flattened into mere confusion. It prepares for the sobering reveal and the disciples’ mix of fear and courage.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 9:24
he said, Give place: for the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
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