John 11:24
Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 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
Οἶδα
I know
G1492
Οἶδα
I know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
4 of 13
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 13
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἀναστήσεται
he shall rise again
G450
ἀναστήσεται
he shall rise again
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
6 of 13
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀναστάσει
the resurrection
G386
ἀναστάσει
the resurrection
Strong's:
G386
Word #:
9 of 13
a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 24:15And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.Isaiah 26:19Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.Luke 14:14And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.Hosea 13:14I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.Psalms 17:15As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.Hosea 6:2After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.
Historical Context
The 'last day' was Pharisaic terminology for the final resurrection at Messiah's coming. Martha's confession shows her orthodox Jewish faith background and theological education.
Questions for Reflection
- How can correct theology become inadequate when it misses Christ's present power?
- In what ways do we relegate God's promises to distant future instead of present faith?
- What does Martha's orthodox belief teach about the relationship between sound doctrine and personal faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Martha affirms orthodox Jewish belief in future resurrection at the last day, based on Daniel 12:2 and Pharisaic teaching. Her theology is sound but incomplete—she expects distant future fulfillment, not present reality. This reveals how correct doctrine can miss Christ's immediate power. Jesus doesn't correct her theology but transcends it. Her statement sets up Jesus' revolutionary self-identification (v. 25), showing how Old Testament hope finds fulfillment in His person.