John 11:41
Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
Original Language Analysis
ἦρεν
lifted
G142
ἦρεν
lifted
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
1 of 24
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
12 of 24
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἦρεν
lifted
G142
ἦρεν
lifted
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
13 of 24
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοὺς
his eyes
G3788
ὀφθαλμοὺς
his eyes
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
15 of 24
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Πάτερ
Father
G3962
Πάτερ
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
19 of 24
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
εὐχαριστῶ
I thank
G2168
εὐχαριστῶ
I thank
Strong's:
G2168
Word #:
20 of 24
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
22 of 24
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
Matthew 11:25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.John 17:1These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:Psalms 123:1Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.Luke 10:21In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.Philippians 4:6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Historical Context
Lifting eyes toward heaven was common Jewish prayer posture, acknowledging God's dwelling. Jesus' Aramaic term 'Abba' (Father) revolutionized prayer, expressing intimate relationship unavailable under old covenant.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' upward gaze teach about the posture of effectual prayer?
- How does thanksgiving before visible answer demonstrate perfect faith?
- In what ways can we cultivate Jesus' confidence in prayer already heard?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
They remove the stone at Jesus' command. Jesus lifts His eyes upward, signifying prayer to the Father. His posture demonstrates dependence and communion, modeling prayer for disciples. The address 'Father' reflects intimate relationship, not formal religious distance. Thanksgiving precedes petition—'I thank thee that thou hast heard me'—expressed in past tense, showing confidence that prayer was already answered. This demonstrates perfect faith: Jesus thanks God before the visible result. His prayer life models the believer's confident access to God.