John 11:11

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Summary

These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

He saith

John 3:29

John 15:13

James 2:23

Sleepeth

1 Thessalonians 5:10

Bible References

He saith

The one who has the bride is the groom; but the best man, who stands up with him and listens to him [take his vows], is very happy when he hears him speak. So, [now] my joy is complete [i.e. over hearing about Jesus' ministry].

No one has [any] greater love than to give up his life for his friends.

So, the Scripture was fulfilled, which says [Gen. 15:6], "Abraham believed God and [so] God considered him righteous," and he was called God's friend.

Sleepeth

Now Jesus had been talking about Lazarus' death, but the disciples thought He was referring to normal sleep.

He said, "Stand back, for the young lady is not [permanently] dead, but [rather] is sleeping." And the people laughed at Him scornfully.

And when He entered [the house] He said to them, "Why are you making such a commotion and crying? The child is not [really] dead, but only sleeping."

Then he kneeled down and called out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold them responsible for this sin [of killing me]." And when he said this he fell asleep [in death].

Then [also], those who have died in [fellowship with] Christ are lost.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again [from the dead], [we also believe] that God will bring [back to life], along with Jesus, those in [fellowship with] Him who have fallen asleep [in death].

who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep [i.e., alive or dead], we could live together with Him.