John 11:12

12 therefore said his disciples, `Sir, if he hath fallen asleep, he will be saved;'

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 and if any one may walk in the night, he stumbleth, because the light is not in him.'
11 These things he said, and after this he saith to them, `Lazarus our friend hath fallen asleep, but I go on that I may awake him;'
12 therefore said his disciples, `Sir, if he hath fallen asleep, he will be saved;'
13 but Jesus had spoken about his death, but they thought that about the repose of sleep he speaketh.
14 Then, therefore, Jesus said to them freely, `Lazarus hath died;
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.