The term "stinketh" is famously associated with the account of the raising of Lazarus in the Gospel of John. This archaic term is derived from the King James Version of the Bible and is used to describe the state of Lazarus' body after being dead for four days. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage with more contemporary language, but the essence of the narrative remains the same.

Biblical Context:

In John 11:39 , Jesus arrives at the tomb of Lazarus, who had been dead for four days. When Jesus instructs those present to remove the stone from the entrance of the tomb, Martha, the sister of Lazarus, expresses her concern: "Lord, by now he stinks. It has already been four days." This statement underscores the reality of death and decay, emphasizing the miraculous nature of what Jesus is about to do.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Lazarus' body "stinking" serves several theological purposes. Firstly, it highlights the finality and hopelessness of death from a human perspective. By the fourth day, Jewish belief held that the soul had definitively left the body, making any hope of resuscitation impossible. This sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His divine authority over life and death, affirming His identity as the "resurrection and the life" (John 11:25).

Secondly, the detail of the stench underscores the authenticity of the miracle. It dispels any notion that Lazarus was merely unconscious or in a temporary state of death. The decomposition of his body confirms that he was truly dead, making his return to life a powerful testament to Jesus' divine power.

Cultural and Historical Insights:

In the ancient Jewish context, burial customs were swift, typically occurring on the day of death to prevent the onset of decay. The mention of the stench would have resonated with contemporary audiences, who were familiar with the rapid progression of decomposition in the hot climate of the region. This cultural understanding amplifies the miraculous nature of Lazarus' resurrection.

Spiritual Lessons:

The account of Lazarus and the mention of his body "stinking" serve as a profound reminder of the transformative power of Christ. It illustrates that no situation is beyond the reach of Jesus' redemptive power. For believers, it is a call to trust in Jesus' ability to bring life and hope into the most desperate and decayed circumstances.

Furthermore, this narrative invites reflection on the spiritual state of humanity. Just as Lazarus was physically dead and decaying, so too are individuals spiritually dead in their sins without Christ. The miracle of Lazarus' resurrection is a foreshadowing of the spiritual resurrection available to all who believe in Jesus, who brings life to those who are spiritually dead.

Conclusion:

The term "stinketh," while archaic, captures the stark reality of death and the miraculous power of Jesus Christ. It serves as a vivid reminder of the hope and life that Jesus offers, transcending the decay and hopelessness of the world.

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke vii. 2, Etc. ; on the Three Dead ...
... In such sort buried, as was said of Lazarus, "By this time he stinketh." [3208]
That heap placed upon the grave, is this stubborn force of habit, whereby the ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xlviii on the words.htm

John xi. 30, 31
... him from the tomb, knew from the grave-clothes [1744] that it was he; that his sisters
were not left behind; that one of them said, "He now stinketh, for he ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxiii john xi 30.htm

John xi. 1, 2
... 1671] but not death. On this account He tarried so long, that corruption
began, and they said, "He now stinketh.". Ver.7. "Then saith ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxii john xi 1.htm

Even Now
... objected to the stone being removed; and, strong in the admitted facts of the case,
she urged her reason and said, "Lord, by this time he stinketh." Well, but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/even now.htm

The Resurrection of Lazarus, Four Days Dead
... Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith
unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. ...
/.../the life of jesus christ for the young/the resurrection of lazarus four.htm

The Open Grave at Bethany
... Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith
unto Him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the open grave at bethany.htm

The Resurrection of Lazarus. --The Prayer of Christ. (John, xi. ...
... lifted from the grave, Martha, [626] whose heart fluctuated between hope and fear,
gave new utterance to her doubts: "Lord, by this time he stinketh; [627] for ...
/.../section 233 the resurrection of.htm

Jesus the Resurrection and Life.
... Jesus saith, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith
unto Him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. ...
/.../xxiii jesus the resurrection and.htm

Passages Referring to Bethany in the Sacred Narrative.
... Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith
unto Him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. ...
/.../macduff/memories of bethany/passages referring to bethany in.htm

Matt. viii. 14
... For the other stinketh a few [1174] days, but this for the whole of his life
exhales evil odors, having a mouth more foul than sewers. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxvii matt viii 14.htm

Stinketh (5 Occurrences)
...Stinketh (5 Occurrences). ... Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him,
Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. (KJV YLT). ...
/s/stinketh.htm - 8k

Stink (11 Occurrences)

/s/stink.htm - 10k

Stinking (1 Occurrence)

/s/stinking.htm - 7k

Bringeth (313 Occurrences)
... Exodus 16:20 and they have not hearkened unto Moses, and some of them do leave of
it till morning, and it bringeth up worms and stinketh; and Moses is wroth ...
/b/bringeth.htm - 37k

Sir (90 Occurrences)
... John 11:39 Jesus saith, 'Take ye away the stone;' the sister of him who hath died --
Martha -- saith to him, 'Sir, already he stinketh, for he is four days dead ...
/s/sir.htm - 32k

Redemption (46 Occurrences)
... Lo, by My rebuke I dry up a sea, I make rivers a wilderness, Their fish stinketh,
for there is no water, And dieth with thirst. (YLT). ...
/r/redemption.htm - 48k

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