John 11:14

14 Then said Jesus to them 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 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleepeth he will do well.

13 Now Jesus spoke of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking rest in sleep.

14 Then said Jesus to them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless, let us go to him.

16 Then said Thomas, who is called Didymus, to his fellow-disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.