John 11:17
Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
Original Language Analysis
Ἐλθὼν
came
G2064
Ἐλθὼν
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
1 of 13
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
when Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
when Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 13
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
αὐτὸν
that he
G846
αὐτὸν
that he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 13
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
ἡμέρας
days
G2250
ἡμέρας
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
8 of 13
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ἔχοντα
had
G2192
ἔχοντα
had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
10 of 13
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Historical Context
First-century Jewish burial was immediate due to climate. The four-day period exceeded any doubt about death's reality. Bethany's proximity to Jerusalem (v. 18) meant many witnesses to verify the miracle.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the four-day detail strengthen our faith in the miracle's authenticity?
- What does God's precise timing teach about His sovereignty in our lives?
- In what ways do specific historical details confirm Scripture's reliability?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus arrives to find Lazarus four days dead, confirming He delayed purposefully. Jewish tradition held the soul lingered three days; the fourth day marked irreversible death and bodily decay. This timing eliminates any naturalistic explanation (coma, mistaken death). The specific detail authenticates the account and magnifies the miracle. Four days also suggests Jesus received the message, waited two days, then traveled two days—perfect divine timing.