John 11:13
Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
Original Language Analysis
εἰρήκει
spake
G2046
εἰρήκει
spake
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
1 of 18
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 18
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θανάτου
death
G2288
θανάτου
death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
7 of 18
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 18
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
ἐκεῖνοι
they
G1565
ἐκεῖνοι
they
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
9 of 18
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ἔδοξαν
thought
G1380
ἔδοξαν
thought
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
11 of 18
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
12 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
John wrote his Gospel decades after these events with full knowledge of their significance. His editorial comments help readers avoid the disciples' misunderstandings and grow in understanding.
Questions for Reflection
- How do John's clarifications help us properly interpret Jesus' teaching?
- What role does retrospective understanding play in spiritual maturity?
- In what ways does Scripture interpret Scripture, clarifying earlier statements?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John, writing retrospectively, clarifies the misunderstanding for readers. This editorial comment distinguishes between the disciples' understanding and reality. Jesus spoke of death's sleep (koimesis), but they thought natural sleep (hupnos). This hermeneutical note teaches proper biblical interpretation: understanding Jesus' words requires spiritual perception. John's clarification demonstrates the Gospel's catechetical purpose—teaching proper understanding of Christ's teaching.