John 11:12

12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will get better.”

John 11:12 Meaning and Commentary

John 11:12

Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep
Soundly, quietly, and comfortably, and takes rest in it:

he shall do well;
or "be saved" from the disease; he will be delivered from it; he will recover out of it; it is a sign the distemper is leaving him, and he is growing better, and will be restored to his health again: the Ethiopic version renders it by many words, "he will be well", and "will awake", and "will live". Sound sleep is a sign of health. This they said to, put off their master from going into Judea, fearing the danger he would be exposed unto.

John 11:12 In-Context

10 But if anyone walks at night, he will stumble, because he has no light.”

11 After He had said this, He told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up.”

12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will get better.”

13 They thought that Jesus was talking about actual sleep, but He was speaking about the death of Lazarus.

14 So Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead,