King James Version

What Does John 11:44 Mean?

John 11:44 in the King James Version says “And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesu... — study this verse from John chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

John 11:44 · KJV


Context

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.

46

But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Lazarus emerges from the tomb still bound in burial wrappings, requiring human assistance for full liberation. Jesus commands 'Loose him, and let him go,' delegating final ministry to bystanders. This demonstrates partnership between divine power (resurrection) and human service (unwrapping). Lazarus' emergence while bound proves resurrection authenticity—no fraud could walk while wrapped. The image of bound resurrection previews our spiritual state: made alive but needing sanctification's progressive loosing from sin's grave clothes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish burial involved wrapping the body in linen strips with spices between layers, and a separate face cloth. This explains why Lazarus needed help removing the bindings.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the imagery of bound resurrection illustrate our spiritual condition?
  2. What does Jesus' delegation of the 'loosing' teach about human participation in spiritual freedom?
  3. Who in your life needs help being 'loosed' from spiritual grave clothes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

And

G2532

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

ἐξῆλθεν2 of 26

came forth

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

3 of 26
G3588

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

τεθνηκὼς4 of 26

he that was dead

G2348

to die (literally or figuratively)

δεδεμένος5 of 26

bound

G1210

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

τοὺς6 of 26
G3588

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

πόδας7 of 26

foot

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

καὶ8 of 26

And

G2532

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

τὰς9 of 26
G3588

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

χεῖρας10 of 26

hand

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

κειρίαις11 of 26

with graveclothes

G2750

a swathe, i.e., winding-sheet

καὶ12 of 26

And

G2532

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

13 of 26
G3588

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

ὄψις14 of 26

face

G3799

properly, sight (the act), i.e., (by implication) the visage, an external show

αὐτὸν15 of 26

him

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

σουδαρίῳ16 of 26

with a napkin

G4676

a sudarium (sweat-cloth), i.e., towel (for wiping the perspiration from the face, or binding the face of a corpse)

περιεδέδετο17 of 26

was bound about

G4019

to bind around one, i.e., enwrap

λέγει18 of 26

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

αὐτὸν19 of 26

him

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

20 of 26
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς21 of 26

Jesus

G2424

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

Λύσατε22 of 26

Loose

G3089

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

αὐτὸν23 of 26

him

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

καὶ24 of 26

And

G2532

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

ἄφετε25 of 26

let him

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

ὑπάγειν26 of 26

go

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), 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 11:44 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 11:44 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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