John 11:12 《sleep》

    In this story, Jesus' disciples told him that their friend Lazarus had died and was lying in a tomb. When Jesus arrived at the tomb, He told Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha, not to be sad because Lazarus was only "sleeping".

    But when Jesus said "sleeping", He didn't mean that Lazarus was actually sleeping. He meant that Lazarus was dead. In the past, people used the word "sleep" to talk about death.

    Jesus used this word to make Mary and Martha feel better and to teach them an important lesson. He wanted them to know that death isn't the end, but rather a time of waiting for a special moment called the resurrection. This is when people who have died come back to life.

    Jesus wanted them to understand that although death can be sad and painful, there is still hope. This is an important part of the Christian faith and something we can hold on to when we face the loss of a loved one.

Different versions of the Bible talk about <sleep>:

Online Catholic Bible :

https://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=50&bible_chapter=11

He said that and then added, 'Our friend Lazarus is at rest; I am going to wake him.'

ESV :

After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.”

NIV :

After he had said this, he went on to tell them, 'Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.'

NASB :

This He said, and after this He *said to them, 'Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going so that I may awaken him from sleep.'

CSB :

He said this, and then he told them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I'm on my way to wake him up."

NLT :

Then he said, 'Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up.'

KJV :

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.

Picture :

https://www.bible.gallery/art/carl-bloch/raising-of-lazarus/842