King James Version

What Does John 11:23 Mean?

John 11:23 in the King James Version says “Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.” — study this verse from John chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.”

John 11:23 · KJV

Context

21

Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

22

But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

23

Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.

24

Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

25

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' promise 'Thy brother shall rise again' is deliberately ambiguous, capable of two interpretations: general resurrection at the last day, or immediate resurrection. This ambiguity tests Martha's faith and understanding. Christ's words are absolutely true either way, demonstrating how divine truth operates on multiple levels. The promise's openness draws out Martha's theology (v. 24) before revealing fuller truth. This pedagogical method develops faith through progressive revelation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Resurrection hope was debated in first-century Judaism. Pharisees affirmed it (Acts 23:8), while Sadducees denied it. Jesus' statement engages this theological landscape.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' ambiguous promise test and develop Martha's faith?
  2. What does this teach about God's promises operating beyond our initial understanding?
  3. In what ways do partial revelations prepare us for fuller truth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
λέγει1 of 8

“saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῇ2 of 8

“unto her”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὁ3 of 8
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς4 of 8

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Ἀναστήσεται5 of 8

“shall rise again”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

ὁ6 of 8
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφός7 of 8

“brother”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

σου8 of 8

“Thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 11:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 11:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 11:43-44

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