Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 11:43

"And when he had thus spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth." — John 11:43 (ASV)

Having uttered this prayer, Jesus addressed the dead man. He had said on a previous occasion that a time would come when all who were in their graves would hear his voice (5:28). This occasion was a remarkable demonstration of that authority. The words spoken were brief and direct, and can be paraphrased, “Lazarus! This way out!” as if Jesus were directing someone lost in a gloomy dungeon. The creative power of God reversed the process of corruption and quickened the corpse into life. The effect was startling. The dead man appeared at the entrance to the tomb, still bound by his graveclothes. Jesus then ordered that he be released from the wrappings and returned to normal life. It was a supreme demonstration of the power of eternal life that triumphed over death, corruption, and hopelessness.