The Raising of Lazarus
After four days in the tomb, Lazarus came forth at the command of Jesus.
Lazarus of Bethany fell sick and died. Jesus deliberately waited until he had been four days in the tomb before coming. He wept with Mary and Martha, then stood at the grave and cried, 'Lazarus, come forth.' The dead man came out, bound in graveclothes — and many of the Jews who saw it believed.
What Happened
Key KJV Scriptures
Spiritual Significance
Of all Jesus' miracles, this one most directly provoked the plot to kill Him (John 11:53). It is the climactic 'sign' of John's Gospel — a public preview of His own resurrection a few weeks later.
Lesson for Today
Jesus is not late even when He seems to be. Death itself obeys His voice; bring Him your impossible situations.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
How long was Lazarus dead before Jesus raised him?
Four days. By then Jewish custom believed the soul had departed and decay had begun (John 11:39).
Why did Jesus weep at Lazarus's tomb?
He wept in genuine sympathy with Mary and Martha and with all who grieve under death (John 11:33-35), even though He knew He would raise Lazarus moments later.
Related Bible Miracles
Angels, Demons & Spiritual Warfare
Continue your study into the unseen battle Scripture describes:
Jesus' Authority to Cast Out Demons
Jesus cast out demons with a word; He gave the same authority to His disciples and still delivers today through faith in His name.
Read moreThe Name of Jesus — Authority in Spiritual Warfare
The name of Jesus is not a magic word but the authority of the risen Christ, in which demons are cast out and prayers are heard.
Read moreBeelzebub — Prince of Devils
Beelzebub is a name for Satan as 'prince of devils,' which Jesus addressed when the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by demonic power.
Read moreAngels Ministered to Jesus (Wilderness & Gethsemane)
After temptation and in Gethsemane's agony, angels came and strengthened the Son of God — heaven's tender care for the suffering Saviour.
Read moreQuiz yourself on Bible miracles
Free KJV quizzes on Jesus' miracles and the supernatural acts of God in Scripture.
- Easy · 10 Qs
Mary, Mother of Jesus Quiz
The handmaid of the Lord — her faith, her song, and her Son.
Start quiz - Medium · 10 Qs
Jesus' Healings Bible Quiz
Blind eyes opened, lepers cleansed, and the sick made whole.
Start quiz - Medium · 10 Qs
Resurrection & Ascension Bible Quiz
Christ risen, seen by many, and taken up to heaven.
Start quiz
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
The Raising of Lazarus
After four days in the tomb, Lazarus came forth at the command of Jesus.
The Raising of Lazarus
John 11:1–44 • resurrection
The Resurrection of Jesus
On the third day Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin, death, and the grave.
John 11:25 Commentary
In-depth study • Resurrection and Life
John 11:25-26 Commentary
In-depth study • Resurrection & Life
Elisha and the Shunammite Woman
2 Kings 4:8-37 • Faith and Resurrection