Lazarus
They thought that Jesus was talking about actual sleep, but He was speaking about the death of Lazarus. John 11:13 · Berean Standard Bible
The narrator explains: Jesus was talking about Lazarus' death, but the disciples thought He meant ordinary sleep.
John steps in to make sure we don't make the same mistake the disciples did. Lazarus isn't napping—he's dead.
The narrator clarifies the misunderstanding between Jesus and His disciples.
John wants to make sure you don't miss the point. Lazarus has died. And Jesus is heading to Bethany to do something about it.
The narrator clarifies the misunderstanding: Jesus spoke of Lazarus' death (thanatos), but the disciples understood ordinary sleep (koimēsis).
John's editorial clarification serves the reader who might share the disciples' confusion. The juxtaposition of 'thanatos' (death) and 'koimēsis' (sleep) reinforces the Johannine theme that for Jesus, death has been redefined.
The narrator explains the gap between Jesus' intended meaning and the disciples' interpretation.
John interrupts to ensure readers understand what the disciples missed: when Jesus said 'sleep,' He meant death. The miracle ahead will justify His redefining vocabulary.
11After He had said this, He told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up.”
12His disciples replied, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will get better.”
13They thought that Jesus was talking about actual sleep, but He was speaking about the death of Lazarus.
14So Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead,
15and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
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