John 11:13

13 But Jesus spoke of his death, but *they* thought that he spoke of the rest of 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 These things said he; and after this he says to them, Lazarus, our friend, is fallen asleep, but I go that I may awake him out of sleep.
12 The disciples therefore said to him, Lord, if he be fallen asleep, he will get well.
13 But Jesus spoke of his death, but *they* thought that he spoke of the rest of sleep.
14 Jesus therefore then said to them plainly, Lazarus has died.
15 And I rejoice on your account that I was not there, in order that ye may believe. But let us go to him.
The Darby Translation is in the public domain.