King James Version

What Does John 11:41 Mean?

John 11:41 in the King James Version says “Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I ...” — study this verse from John chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.”

John 11:41 · King James Version

Context

39

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

40

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

41

Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

42

And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

43

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

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
They remove the stone at Jesus' command. Jesus lifts His eyes upward, signifying prayer to the Father. His posture demonstrates dependence and communion, modeling prayer for disciples. The address 'Father' reflects intimate relationship, not formal religious distance. Thanksgiving precedes petition—'I thank thee that thou hast heard me'—expressed in past tense, showing confidence that prayer was already answered. This demonstrates perfect faith: Jesus thanks God before the visible result. His prayer life models the believer's confident access to God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Lifting eyes toward heaven was common Jewish prayer posture, acknowledging God's dwelling. Jesus' Aramaic term 'Abba' (Father) revolutionized prayer, expressing intimate relationship unavailable under old covenant.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' upward gaze teach about the posture of effectual prayer?
  2. How does thanksgiving before visible answer demonstrate perfect faith?
  3. In what ways can we cultivate Jesus' confidence in prayer already heard?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
ἦρεν1 of 24

“lifted”

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

οὖν2 of 24

“Then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τὸν3 of 24
G3588

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

λίθον4 of 24

“the stone”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

οὗ5 of 24

“from the place where”

G3757

at which place, i.e., where

ἦν6 of 24

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ὁ7 of 24
G3588

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

τεθνηκὼς8 of 24

“the dead”

G2348

to die (literally or figuratively)

κειμένος9 of 24

“laid”

G2749

to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively)

ὁ10 of 24
G3588

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

δὲ11 of 24

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἰησοῦς12 of 24

“Jesus”

G2424

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

ἦρεν13 of 24

“lifted”

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

τοὺς14 of 24
G3588

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

ὀφθαλμοὺς15 of 24

“his eyes”

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

ἄνω16 of 24

“up”

G507

upward or on the top

καὶ17 of 24

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν18 of 24

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Πάτερ19 of 24

“Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

εὐχαριστῶ20 of 24

“I thank”

G2168

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

σοι21 of 24

“thee”

G4671

to thee

ὅτι22 of 24

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἤκουσάς23 of 24

“thou hast heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

μου24 of 24

“me”

G3450

of me

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 11:41 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 11:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 11:25John 17:1Psalms 123:1Luke 10:21John 12:28-30Philippians 4:6

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