Resurrections in the Bible
Quick Summary
Resurrection stories appear throughout the Bible, from Elijah and Elisha raising children to life, to Jesus raising Lazarus, to the climactic resurrection of Jesus himself. These stories reveal God’s power over death, God’s compassion for suffering people, and God’s promise of renewal. Each resurrection points forward to the hope that death does not have the final word.
Introduction
The Bible is not shy about the reality of death. It speaks of grief, sorrow, endings, and the fragility of life. Yet woven through its chapters are moments when death’s finality is disrupted. A child is lifted from a prophet’s arms. A widow’s son is restored. A beloved friend walks out of a tomb still wrapped in linens. And at the center of it all, Jesus rises from the grave, reshaping history and hope.
Resurrection is not only a New Testament theme. Long before Jesus walked the earth, God’s people witnessed signs of divine power breaking into scenes of heartbreak and loss. These resurrection stories echo across Scripture as declarations that God is near, God is compassionate, and God is stronger than the grave.
This post gathers the major resurrection stories in Scripture, tracing how each one contributes to the Bible’s unfolding promise of new life.
Resurrection Stories in the Old Testament
Elijah Raises the Widow’s Son (1 Kings 17:17–24)
During a devastating famine, the widow’s only son dies. Elijah carries the boy to the upper room and cries out to God. Life is restored. The story reveals God’s compassion toward the vulnerable and God’s willingness to hear the cries of the faithful.
Elisha Raises the Shunammite Woman’s Son (2 Kings 4:18–37)
The child dies suddenly, and the mother refuses to accept death as the final word. She seeks out Elisha, who prays and stretches himself over the child. The boy sneezes and comes to life. This story highlights persistent faith and God’s responsiveness.
A Man Restored to Life When He Touches Elisha’s Bones (2 Kings 13:20–21)
In a brief but striking account, a dead man is placed in Elisha’s tomb, and when his body touches the prophet’s bones, he revives. Even in death, God’s power is active.
Resurrection Stories in the Gospels
Jesus Raises Jairus’ Daughter (Matthew 9:18–26; Mark 5:21–43; Luke 8:40–56)
A synagogue leader’s daughter dies before Jesus arrives. Jesus enters the room, takes her by the hand, and speaks gentle words of life. The story reveals Jesus’ authority, tenderness, and disregard for cultural boundaries around death.
Jesus Raises the Widow’s Son at Nain (Luke 7:11–17)
A widow accompanies her only son to burial. Jesus meets the funeral procession, touches the bier, and speaks to the young man. He sits up and begins to speak. Compassion is at the heart of this resurrection.
Jesus Raises Lazarus (John 11)
Lazarus is four days in the tomb when Jesus arrives. Jesus weeps with the grieving, prays, and calls Lazarus to come out. This story reveals Jesus as the resurrection and the life, and it anticipates his own resurrection.
The Resurrection of Jesus
The Empty Tomb (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20)
Jesus’ resurrection is the turning point of Scripture. It is not only a miracle but the foundation of Christian faith. The empty tomb, the angelic announcement, and the stunned disciples all declare that death has been defeated.
Jesus Appears to His Followers (Luke 24; John 20–21; Matthew 28)
Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, to Thomas, and to many others. These appearances strengthen faith, restore hope, and commission the church.
Resurrection Stories in the Book of Acts
Read More: The Miracles in Acts
Peter Raises Tabitha (Dorcas) (Acts 9:36–42)
Tabitha, known for her generosity, dies unexpectedly. Peter is called, and after prayer, she rises. Many in Joppa come to faith through this miracle.
Paul Raises Eutychus (Acts 20:7–12)
During Paul’s late-night teaching, a young man named Eutychus falls from a window and dies. Paul embraces him, and life returns. The community is relieved and strengthened.
Resurrection Imagery and Future Hope
Ezekiel’s Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37)
Though not a literal resurrection narrative, this vision of dry bones coming to life symbolizes Israel’s restoration. It reflects God’s power to revive what appears hopeless.
The Final Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18)
The New Testament consistently points toward a future resurrection. Jesus’ resurrection is the firstfruits of the life God promises to all who belong to Christ.
Why These Stories Matter
They reveal God’s compassion.
From widows to grieving parents to overwhelmed disciples, resurrection stories show God’s concern for human suffering.
They reveal God’s power.
Death, the greatest enemy, does not have the final authority.
They point toward Jesus.
Every Old Testament resurrection looks forward to the day when Jesus will conquer death fully.
They shape Christian hope.
Resurrection is not only a past event but a future promise. Christians live in expectation of life made new.
FAQs
Are all biblical resurrection stories literal?
Most are presented as historical narratives. Ezekiel’s vision is symbolic, pointing toward restoration rather than describing a literal event.
Did other ancient cultures have resurrection stories?
Some cultures told myths of dying and rising gods, but the biblical accounts differ in setting, purpose, and historical grounding.
Why do resurrection stories matter for faith today?
They remind believers that God’s power meets human need, that death does not define the end of the story, and that hope is rooted in Christ’s victory.
