John 11:13

13 Now Yeshua had used the phrase to speak about El`azar's death, but they thought he had been talking literally about sleep.

John 11:13 Meaning and Commentary

John 11:13

Howbeit Jesus spake of his death
Under the figurative phrase of sleeping:

but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep;
in a literal and natural sense.

John 11:13 In-Context

11 Yeshua said these things, and afterwards he said to the talmidim, "Our friend El`azar has gone to sleep; but I am going in order to wake him up."

12 The talmidim said to him, "Lord, if he has gone to sleep, he will get better."

13 Now Yeshua had used the phrase to speak about El`azar's death, but they thought he had been talking literally about sleep.

14 So Yeshua told them in plain language, "El`azar has died.

15 And for your sakes, I am glad that I wasn't there, so that you may come to trust. But let's go to him."