John 11:13

13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought He referred to the rest taken in ordinary 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 He said this, and afterwards He added, "Our friend Lazarus is sleeping, but I will go and wake him."

12 "Master," said the disciples, "if he is asleep he will recover."

13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought He referred to the rest taken in ordinary sleep.

14 So then He told them plainly,

15 "Lazarus is dead; and for your sakes I am glad I was not there, in order that you may believe. But let us go to him."