King James Version

What Does John 11:25 Mean?

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

Context

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:

26

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

27

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **I am the resurrection, and the life.**—She has spoken of the resurrection as a truth which she believes, and as an event in the far-off future, so remote from the present life indeed, as to be powerless to comfort her now. The two first words of His answer, expressed in the fulness of emphasis, teach her that the resurrection is to be thought of as His person, and that it is to be thought of as actually present. “*I,*”—his words mean—“and none beside Me, am the Resurrection. I *am* the Resurrection—a. present life, and not simply a life in the remoteness of the last day.” In the same sense in which He has declared Himself to be the Water of Life and the Bread of Life, supplying in Himself every need of spiritual thirst and spiritual hunger, He declares Himself to be the Resurrection, revealing in His own person all that men had ever thought and hoped of a future life, being Himself the power which shall raise them at the last day, and could therefore raise them now. This is because He is also “the Life,” and therefore every one in communion **He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.**—Better, *though he have died* . . . She thinks and speaks of Lazarus as dead. He asserts that in the true thought of the spiritual life the fact of physical death does not interrupt that life.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 11:25 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

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