Paragraph 11:11–16
Jesus explained to his disciples that Lazarus had died and that he now wanted to go to Bethany in Judea.
11:11a
After He had said this, He told them: These words introduce what Jesus said next, addressing a different topic. Use the phrase or phrases that are natural in your language. For example:
Jesus said this and then added (Good News Translation)
He told them: The pronoun he refers to Jesus and the pronoun them refers to his disciples or followers.
Our friend Lazarus: This phrase refers to Lazarus as a good friend to them all. The pronoun Our is inclusive.
has fallen asleep: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as has fallen asleep has two possible meanings. It can be a euphemism, a polite way of saying “he died,” and this is what Jesus meant. It can also be understood literally, meaning “gone to sleep.” That is how the disciples understood it. It is good to translate it literally because the disciples understood it that way. Try to use an expression that could also refer to dying.
11:11b
but: This word indicates contrast. The contrast is between Lazarus having fallen asleep and Jesus waking him up.
I am going there: Jesus indicated that he would travel to where Lazarus was. He was in the village of Bethany in Judea, not far from Jerusalem.
to wake him up: This phrase refers literally to waking someone from sleep. This is how the disciples understood it. However, Jesus was speaking figuratively and meant that he would bring Lazarus back to life. You should translate this literally, because that is how the disciples understood him. Try to use an expression that could also have the figurative meaning of restoring someone to life.
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