King James Version

What Does John 11:43 Mean?

John 11:43 in the King James Version says “And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. — study this verse from John chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 11:43 · KJV


Context

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.

44

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.

45

Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'loud voice' demonstrates Christ's authority over death—He commands as Creator. Calling 'Lazarus' by name is significant: had He merely said 'Come forth', all the dead might have risen. This foreshadows John 5:28-29 where all in graves will hear His voice. The present tense urgency emphasizes immediate obedience even from death. This miracle provides irrefutable proof of Christ's claim: 'I am the resurrection and the life' (11:25).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish belief held that the soul departed definitively after three days (Lazarus was dead four days, v. 39), making this miracle irrefutable. The loud voice countered any claim that Lazarus merely appeared dead. Contemporary Jewish literature mentions similar attempts by others—all fraudulent.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritually dead areas of your life need to hear Christ's command, 'Come forth'?
  2. How does Christ's power to raise the physically dead encourage faith in spiritual regeneration?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
καὶ1 of 9

And

G2532

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

ταῦτα2 of 9

when he thus

G5023

these things

εἰπὼν3 of 9

had spoken

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

φωνῇ4 of 9

voice

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

μεγάλῃ5 of 9

with a loud

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ἐκραύγασεν6 of 9

he cried

G2905

to clamor

Λάζαρε7 of 9

Lazarus

G2976

lazarus (i.e., elazar), the name of two israelites

δεῦρο8 of 9

come

G1204

here; used also imperative hither!; and of time, hitherto

ἔξω9 of 9

forth

G1854

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively


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 11:43 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 11:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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