Had spoken (ειρηκε). Past perfect of ειπον (ερω). The disciples had misunderstood Christ's metaphor for death.

That…

They thought that he had spoken of taking rest in sleep.—These words rule out the thought that they really understood that Lazarus…

But I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spoke of his death: bu…

St. John Chrysostom: After comforting His disciples in one way, He comforts them in another by telling them they were not goin…

In order to explain his action, Jesus decided to educate his disciples by informing them that Lazarus was asleep and that he intended to wake him. …

However Jesus spoke of his death
Under the figurative phrase of sleeping:

Since we are sure to rise again at the last, why should not the believing hope of that resurrection to eternal life make it as easy for us to put o…

1. Above, our Lord mentioned His intention of going to the place where Lazarus had died; now He reveals His intention to raise him.

   T…