Reference

John 11:13

Death as Sleep
“Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.”
11

These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

12

Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.

13

Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

14

Then said Jesus unto 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 unto him.

Why This Verse Was Tagged

Death as Sleep
Keyword Match
80% relevance

This verse contains specific terms directly associated with this theme.

Counter-Arguments

The strongest case that this verse does not belong in this theme.

Death as Sleep

The verse explicitly states that Jesus was speaking of his death, and the disciples misunderstood him to be speaking of literal sleep. This distinction shows that death and sleep are not the same, but rather that one is a metaphor for the other, and the verse highlights the difference between the two concepts.

Death as Sleep
Death as Sleep

Cross-References

John 11:11Thematic

“These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.”

Matthew 9:24Thematic

“He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.”

Thematic Connections

Death as Sleep

Private Study Note