John 11:13

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

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 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.

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