John 11:43
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φωνῇ
voice
G5456
φωνῇ
voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
4 of 9
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
μεγάλῃ
with a loud
G3173
μεγάλῃ
with a loud
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
5 of 9
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
Cross References
Acts 9:40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.Acts 9:34And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.Acts 3:12And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
Historical Context
Jewish belief held that the soul departed definitively after three days (Lazarus was dead four days, v. 39), making this miracle irrefutable. The loud voice countered any claim that Lazarus merely appeared dead. Contemporary Jewish literature mentions similar attempts by others—all fraudulent.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritually dead areas of your life need to hear Christ's command, 'Come forth'?
- How does Christ's power to raise the physically dead encourage faith in spiritual regeneration?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The 'loud voice' demonstrates Christ's authority over death—He commands as Creator. Calling 'Lazarus' by name is significant: had He merely said 'Come forth', all the dead might have risen. This foreshadows John 5:28-29 where all in graves will hear His voice. The present tense urgency emphasizes immediate obedience even from death. This miracle provides irrefutable proof of Christ's claim: 'I am the resurrection and the life' (11:25).