John 11:14

14 So then Jesus said 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 The followers said, "But Lord, if he is only asleep, he will be all right."

13 Jesus meant that Lazarus was dead, but his followers thought he meant Lazarus was really sleeping.

14 So then Jesus said plainly, "Lazarus is dead.

15 And I am glad for your sakes I was not there so that you may believe. But let's go to him now."

16 Then Thomas (the one called Didymus) said to the other followers, "Let us also go so that we can die with him."