John 11:25
What does John 11:25 mean?
A plain-English look at John 11:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 11:25 means
Jesus makes a breathtaking claim: “I am the resurrection, and the life.” He locates resurrection not merely in a future event but in His own person. He promises that the one who believes in Him, though physically dying, will live. Death cannot finally hold those united to Him. This is more than comfort; it is revelation of His divine authority over life and death. The promise anticipates His own victory over the grave and encompasses all who trust Him. Faith in Jesus brings a life that death cannot extinguish. He is not only a healer; He is life itself, given to believers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus said to her, I am myself that day and that life; he who has faith in me will have life even if he is dead;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus said to her, `I am the rising again, and the life; he who is believing in me, even if he may die, shall live;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus said to her: I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, although he be dead, shall live:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believes on me, though he have died, shall live;
Context
In response to Martha’s last-day expectation, Jesus centers everything on Himself. Verses 25–26 form the theological peak of the dialogue, moving from doctrinal hope to personal trust in the living Christ. The next verse will ask Martha directly whether she believes this, drawing out her confession. This declaration prepares the reader to interpret the coming sign at the tomb as a disclosure of Jesus’ identity and authority, not merely an act of compassion.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 26:19
Thy dead shall live; my dead bodies shall arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust; for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast forth the dead.
- John 5:21
For as the Father raiseth the dead and giveth them life, even so the Son also giveth life to whom he will.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:14
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also that are fallen asleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
- Romans 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.
- 1 Corinthians 15:18
Then they also that are fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
- Revelation 22:1
And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb,
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