John 11:13

13 Jesus was talking about death, while his disciples thought he was talking about taking a nap.

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 He said these things, and then announced, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep. I'm going to wake him up."

12 The disciples said, "Master, if he's gone to sleep, he'll get a good rest and wake up feeling fine."

13 Jesus was talking about death, while his disciples thought he was talking about taking a nap.

14 Then Jesus became explicit: "Lazarus died.

15 And I am glad for your sakes that I wasn't there. You're about to be given new grounds for believing. Now let's go to him."