The Lazarus Account Has No Explanation
In John 11, Jesus says Lazarus's sickness is 'not unto death' — then Lazarus dies.
John 11:4: 'When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God.' Jesus then stays two more days where he was (v6). By the time he arrives, Lazarus has been dead four days (v17). Martha says: 'Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died' (v21). Mary says the same thing (v32). Jesus wept (v35). The statement 'not unto death' is not explained in the text. It can be read as Jesus knowing the outcome and speaking of the ultimate result; it can be read as a flat statement that became apparently false until resolved by resurrection. The text does not offer the reader a key to its meaning.
Red Letter Sources
John 11:4
When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby .
Evidence Notes
The 'not unto death' statement (v4) and the two-day delay (v6) are followed by Lazarus having been dead four days (v17). The text does not explain the statement.
Correction Note
Source verses corrected 2026-06-19: John 11:6, 11:17, 11:21 moved to context_verses. 11:6 and 11:17 are narrator; 11:21 is Martha speaking. John 11:4 (Jesus's 'not unto death' statement) remains. Core claim survives.
