John 11:12

12 His disciples replied, "Lord, if he's 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 when he walks at night, he'll trip and fall. He has no light."

11 After he said this, Jesus went on speaking to them. "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep," he said. "But I am going there to wake him up."

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.