Devine Scripture

John 11:44

What does John 11:44 mean?

A plain-English look at John 11:44 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 11:44 means

Lazarus emerges, still bound hand and foot with grave-clothes, his face wrapped with a napkin. The details certify the reality of his prior death and the completeness of the miracle. He did not slowly recover; he responded to a call from the grave. Jesus then instructs, “Loose him, and let him go,” inviting others to participate in the release of the once-dead man into normal life. The sign is bodily and public, showing that Jesus gives real, tangible life. The grave’s bindings remain as evidence until removed, underscoring that the same voice that summons also sets free.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he who was dead came out, with linen bands folded tightly about his hands and feet, and a cloth about his face. Jesus said to them, Make him free and let him go.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he who died came forth, being bound feet and hands with grave-clothes, and his visage with a napkin was bound about; Jesus saith to them, `Loose him, and suffer to go.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And presently he that had been dead came forth, bound feet and hands with winding bands. And his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus said to them: Loose him and let him go.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the dead came forth, bound feet and hands with graveclothes, and his face was bound round with a handkerchief. Jesus says to them, Loose him and let him go.

Context

This verse confirms the success of Jesus’ command and concludes the miracle with practical instructions. The witnesses now see and touch the evidence of life restored. The next verses will describe the divided reactions: many believe, while others report the event to the Pharisees, triggering a council. The sign has accomplished its purpose of revelation, but it will also precipitate the final opposition that leads to Jesus’ death.

v.43And when he had thus spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

v.44This passage

v.45Many therefore of the Jews, who came to Mary and beheld that which he did, believed on him.

Cross references

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

  • 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.

  • Psalms 33:9

    For he spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.

  • John 11:39

    Jesus saith, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time the body decayeth; for he hath been dead four days.

  • Philippians 3:21

    who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself.

  • Acts 20:9

    And there sat in the window a certain young man named Eutychus, borne down with deep sleep; and as Paul discoursed yet longer, being borne down by his sleep he fell down from the third story, and was taken up dead.

  • Revelation 1:18

    and the Living one; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.

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