John 11:23
Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῇ
unto her
G846
αὐτῇ
unto her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 8
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 8
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Ἀναστήσεται
shall rise again
G450
Ἀναστήσεται
shall rise again
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
5 of 8
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Resurrection hope was debated in first-century Judaism. Pharisees affirmed it (Acts 23:8), while Sadducees denied it. Jesus' statement engages this theological landscape.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' ambiguous promise test and develop Martha's faith?
- What does this teach about God's promises operating beyond our initial understanding?
- In what ways do partial revelations prepare us for fuller truth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' promise 'Thy brother shall rise again' is deliberately ambiguous, capable of two interpretations: general resurrection at the last day, or immediate resurrection. This ambiguity tests Martha's faith and understanding. Christ's words are absolutely true either way, demonstrating how divine truth operates on multiple levels. The promise's openness draws out Martha's theology (v. 24) before revealing fuller truth. This pedagogical method develops faith through progressive revelation.