Devine Scripture

John 11:43

What does John 11:43 mean?

A plain-English look at John 11:43 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 11:43 means

With prayer concluded, Jesus cries with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” The authority is unmistakable: He addresses a dead man by name and commands his return to life. The loudness is not for lack of power but for public testimony. This is the decisive moment when the resurrection and the life speaks into the realm of death. The command is simple and sovereign. By naming Lazarus, Jesus makes the miracle specific and personal. The grave must yield its captive to the word of the Son, revealing the glory of God in an act beyond all human ability.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when he had thus spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when he had thus spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then he said in a loud voice, Lazarus, come out!

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And these things saying, with a loud voice he cried out, `Lazarus, come forth;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

When he had said these things, he cried with a loud voice: Lazarus, come forth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And having said this, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

Context

After framing the sign with thanksgiving and its purpose for belief, Jesus issues the life-giving command. The narrative has been building to this point through delay, dialogue, tears, and prayer. The next verse will testify that the dead man obeyed the command, emerging still wrapped. This will be followed by instructions to free him, turning the gathered mourners into participants in the final act of liberation.

v.42And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the multitude that standeth around I said it, that they may believe that thou didst send me.

v.43This passage

v.44He 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.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Kings 4:33

    He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto Jehovah.

  • Acts 9:40

    But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

  • 1 Kings 17:21

    And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto Jehovah, and said, O Jehovah my God, I pray thee, let this child’s soul come into him again.

  • Luke 7:14

    And he came nigh and touched the bier: and the bearers stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

  • Acts 3:6

    But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.

  • Acts 9:34

    And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ healeth thee: arise, and make thy bed. And straightway he arose.

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