John 11:14

14 So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead.

John 11:14 Meaning and Commentary

John 11:14

Then said Jesus unto them plainly
Without a figure, when he perceived they did not understand him, and yet it was a very easy and usual metaphor which he had made use of; but such was the present stupidity of their minds, that they did not take in his meaning: wherefore, without reproaching them with it, he said to them in so many words,

Lazarus is dead.
The Persic version reads, "Lazarus is dead indeed", as he really was.

John 11:14 In-Context

12 His disciples replied, "Lord, if he's sleeping, he will get better."

13 Jesus had been speaking about the death of Lazarus. But his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.

14 So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead.

15 For your benefit, I am glad I was not there. Now you will believe. But let us go to him."

16 Then Thomas, who was called Didymus, spoke to the rest of the disciples. "Let us go also," he said. "Then we can die with Jesus."