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Joh_11:23-24. Jesus understood her, and promises ἀναστήσεται ὁ ἀδ . σου ! He meant[81] to carry out the purpose stated in Joh_11:11, but expressed Himself ambiguously—no doubt intentionally—in order to lead the faith of Martha away from her merely personal interest, and to raise it rather to the higher general domain of the one thing that is needful. His words might as easily denote a raising up to be accomplished at once, as the resurrection at the last day. Martha ventures to take it only as a consolatory word of promise relatively to Lazarus’ participation in this latter resurrection; she had previously dared to hope for so much, that she was not now able to interpret so indefinite a reply in her own favour. Accordingly, her response expresses the resignation of disappointment, which would now so naturally present itself to her mind; at the same time, it was an answer full of submission, and not one of “as it were further inquiry” (De Wette, compare Calvin).
[81] That is, He meant the raising of Lazarus, which actually afterwards took place, and which was the fulfilment of the ἐξυπνίζειν ; παλίνορσος ἐγείρεται , Nonnus. Quite in opposition to the progress and connection of the narrative, with its beautiful significance, is Hengstenberg’s remark: “Jesus means specially the resurrection at the last day, and along therewith, also, His transference to Paradise.” The soul of the deceased must already have been in Paradise, Luk_23:43.