Who in the Bible was resurrected from the dead?

Who in the Bible Was Resurrected from the Dead?

Below is a detailed exploration of individuals whom the Bible specifically records as brought back to life. Each recorded event underscores a broader scriptural theme of divine power over death and the promise of hope for believers.

1. Resurrections in the Old Testament

A. The Widow of Zarephath’s Son (1 Kings 17:17–24)

This event took place during a severe famine. The prophet Elijah, staying with the widow and her son in Zarephath, encountered tragedy when the boy became ill and died. Elijah cried out to God, and the child’s life returned.

• “Then the LORD heard the voice of Elijah, and the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived.” (1 Kings 17:22)

This portrayal offers a clear instance of divine intervention, testifying that God alone has mastery over life and death.

B. The Shunammite Woman’s Son (2 Kings 4:18–37)

In a similar account, the prophet Elisha stayed with a hospitable Shunammite family. When the woman’s son died unexpectedly, she quickly sought Elisha’s help. Elisha prayed and stretched himself over the boy, and his life was restored.

• “He got up again and walked back and forth in the house. Then he went up and stretched himself upon the boy once more, and the boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.” (2 Kings 4:35)

C. The Man Thrown into Elisha’s Tomb (2 Kings 13:20–21)

Even after Elisha’s death, God used the prophet’s legacy to demonstrate His power. A group of men, startled by a band of raiders, hastily threw a dead man’s body into the tomb of Elisha. Upon touching Elisha’s bones, the man revived.

• “But when the body touched the bones of Elisha, the man came to life and stood up on his feet.” (2 Kings 13:21)

These Old Testament accounts—recorded in Hebrew manuscripts carefully preserved and passed down—provide early glimpses of a pattern: God’s sovereignty extends over every dimension, even death.

2. Resurrections in the Ministry of Jesus

A. Jairus’s Daughter (Mark 5:21–43)

A synagogue ruler named Jairus begged Jesus to come heal his dying daughter. By the time Jesus arrived, the girl had passed, and the mourners had gathered. Yet Jesus declared she was not dead but sleeping. Taking her by the hand, He restored her life.

• “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” (Mark 5:41)

Her resurrection became a sign of Jesus’ compassionate authority, revealing the power of His spoken word.

B. The Widow of Nain’s Son (Luke 7:11–17)

While approaching the gates of Nain, Jesus encountered a funeral procession for a widow’s only son. Moved with compassion, He touched the coffin, commanded the son to arise, and he sat up.

• “Young man, I say to you, get up!” (Luke 7:14)

This public miracle stirred the crowd to glorify God and spread news of Jesus throughout the region.

C. Lazarus (John 11:1–44)

Perhaps the most detailed and dramatic resurrection apart from Jesus’ own, this account focuses on Lazarus, a beloved friend of Jesus, who had been in the tomb four days. Mourners believed the situation was hopeless. Yet Jesus stood at Lazarus’s grave and prayed:

• “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43)

Immediately, Lazarus emerged, still wrapped in grave clothes. Many eyewitnesses believed in Jesus after witnessing the miracle. The event emphasizes Jesus as “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).

3. Resurrections at the Moment of Jesus’ Death

The Many Saints in the Holy City (Matthew 27:52–53)

At the moment Jesus yielded His spirit on the cross, a supernatural occurrence took place:

• “The tombs broke open, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. After Jesus’ resurrection, when they had come out of the tombs, they entered the holy city and appeared to many people.” (Matthew 27:52–53)

Though brief and somewhat mysterious, this account highlights the cosmic impact of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. It proclaims the triumph of life over death as part of the atoning sacrifice that extends salvation to humankind.

4. Resurrections in the Early Church

A. Tabitha (Dorcas) (Acts 9:36–42)

Tabitha, a disciple known for her charitable deeds, died and was mourned by her community. The apostle Peter was summoned, prayed, and turned to her body:

• “Tabitha, get up!” (Acts 9:40)

She opened her eyes, and many came to faith on witnessing this miracle. This underscores how God continued His life-giving power beyond the Gospels, through the church.

B. Eutychus (Acts 20:7–12)

While Paul was teaching late into the night, a young man named Eutychus fell asleep, dropped from the third story, and was presumably killed by the fall. Paul went down, embraced him, and the young man came back to life.

• “Paul went down, threw himself on the young man, put his arms around him, and said, ‘Do not be alarmed, for he is still alive.’” (Acts 20:10)

Early believers recognized that the gospel they proclaimed was accompanied by powerful manifestations.

5. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

No discussion of biblical resurrection is complete without highlighting the ultimate reality: Jesus’ own resurrection. The Gospel accounts (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20–21) record that on the third day after His crucifixion, He rose bodily from the dead:

• “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He lay.” (Matthew 28:6)

Historical investigation supports that His followers, who had been shattered by the crucifixion, boldly proclaimed they had seen the risen Lord. Manuscript evidence tracing the accounts in 1 Corinthians 15:3–8 indicates that believers were testifying to the Resurrection from the earliest days. This event remains central, signifying that Jesus is the conqueror of death and the source of salvation for all who believe.

6. The Unique Significance of These Resurrections

All individuals resurrected (except Jesus, who rose to eternal life as the “firstfruits” of the resurrection) eventually died again. Their restorations serve as miraculous signs pointing to God’s power, fulfilled in Jesus, who rose never to die again.

Moreover, these accounts are firmly rooted within the broader testimony of decades—and in some cases centuries—of manuscript transmission, archaeological corroboration, and consistent scriptural narratives that emphasize God’s authority over creation.

7. Concluding Hope

The biblical record of these resurrections points to a consistent message: death is not the final word for those who trust in the Creator. The scriptural promise (1 Corinthians 15:20–23) is that just as Christ has been raised, so, in due time, His followers will share in a resurrection to eternal life.

These powerful accounts encourage readers to embrace the reality of a living God who demonstrates sovereignty over all life. Each story summons a response of awe, trust, and hope, affirming that the One who created life can also restore it, ultimately to His glory.