Full List of Resurrections in the Bible
I have previously discussed how many future resurrections there are in the Bible, focusing specifically on the theology behind resurrection. However, I also thought it would be helpful to list all of the resurrections that are mentioned in Scripture for reference.
- Resurrection of the widow’s son in Zarephath (1 Kgs 17:17–22)
- Resurrection of the Shunammite’s son (2 Kgs 4:18–37)
- Resurrection of the man thrown into Elisha’s grave (2 Kgs 13:20)
- Resurrection of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:41)
- Resurrection of the young man at Nain (Luke 7:14)
- Resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:38–44)
- Resurrection of unknown saints during the crucifixion (Matt 27:52–53)
- Resurrection of Christ (Matt 28:1-6)
- Resurrection of Tabitha/Dorcas (Acts 9:36–42)
- Resurrection of Eutychus (Acts 20:7–12)
- Resurrection of the Church (i.e., Rapture, 1 Thess 4:13-18; 1 Cor 15:23)
- Resurrection of the Two Witnesses (Rev 11:7–11)
- Resurrection of OT Saints and Martyrs (Revelation 20:4)
- Resurrection of the Wicked (Revelation 20:5)
Given the helpful feedback I received on the list, I have also decided to include a list of “honorable mentions” which I personally don’t think are resurrections but have been thought so by some.
- Jonah and the fish (Jonah 1–2)
- Paul in the city of Lystra (Acts 14:19–20)
- The beast/head of the beast (Rev 13:3)
A couple notes of clarification on this list of possible (but unlikely) resurrections. First, some people assume Jonah may have been resurrected because of the connection Jesus makes in Matthew 12:40-41. However, the connection does not depend on the death of Jonah. Rather it is the time spent in the fish. There is nothing in Jonah or the gospels which make clear reference to the resurrection of Jonah. Yet, it of course remains possible.
Second, the story of Paul’s stoning in Acts 14. Although most people would argue against this being a true account of death and resurrection, the arguments for this as a resurrection could be summarized as follows. (1) When stoning is practiced, it was most often to the death. (2) The Jews would not have stopped until they were sure Paul was dead since they had been trying for awhile (cf. Acts 14:5).
Alternatively, it is probably easier to argue that Paul did not die in Acts 14 and was more likely a recipient of a divine healing instead. The text seems to go out of the way to tell us that Paul’s enemies left him “supposing that he was dead.” It seems it would have been much more clear for Luke to record that Paul had died if that was indeed the case!
Third (and finally), the “mortal wound” spoken of in Revelation 13:3 is not spoken of in absolute finality, but “as if” it had received a mortal wound. It is unlikely that this speaks of a resurrection, but I can see how this could be interpreted that way.
On another note, obviously a non-dispensationlists will likely reject the episode of the two witnesses in Revelation 11 as an actual resurrection. But, it seems to me there is no reason to reject the expectation of a revivification of two future prophets.
It is my goal that these lists approach a complete list of all the resurrections found in the Bible. So, if I’m missing anything please let me know so I can add it!
Photo by Moira Dillon on Unsplash
Peter Goeman
Peter serves at Shepherd's Theological Seminary in Cary, NC as the professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages. He loves studying the Bible and helping others understand it. He also runs The Bible Sojourner podcast and Youtube channel.
32 Comments
Chuck Cummings
I am looking for a specific reference in the New Testament for the resurrection of the Jews at the end of the tribulation and cannot find any reference other than the potential Matthew 24:31 verse which I know encompasses gathering them from all over the world. Luke says it is from one end of heaven also. The Rapture is before the Tribulation and Daniel 12:1-4 states that the Jews will be resurrected during the Tribulation. The Tribulation saints are raised after Jesus returns according to Revelation 20:4. Do you have any thoughts?
BJ
Thank you for your posts. QUESTION: In Matthew 12:40 is it possible Jesus was speaking on the authority and language of his Father when Jesus said “son of man” meaning literally a “son of Man’s”?
I asked this because God called Ezekiel a “Son of Man” several times in the old testament when God wanted Ezekiel to speak to dead bones, and they lived. I believe Jesus knew God the Father wanted Jesus to do the same in Matthew 12 :40 and speak to Lazarus’s dead bones and Lazarus would live. I believe this sign/miracle was a last stitch effort to prove to the “adulterous generation” which is the unbelieving Scribes and Pharisees that Jesus was not only the Son of Man but also the divine Son of God, their Messiah in the flesh as written by the prophets in the old testament. According to Martha, Lazarus was in the heart of the earth 3 days and 3 nights which equals a complete 4 days. Lazarus’ human body decayed. Jesus’ human body did not decay. Counting from Good Friday to very early Sunday morning, Jesus was resurrected from being only in the tomb for just 3 days and 2 nights at the most.
I believe in Matthew 12:40 Jesus was comparing one human body like Jonah’s to another human body like Lazarus. Jesus predicted that NO other visible SIGN/miracle would be given to the Pharisees and other non-believers, other than Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Simply because the Pharisees refused to believe all the other signs, wonders and miracles Jesus had already performed during his 3 year ministry.
Keep in mind, when God rose Jesus from the dead in his glorified body, Jesus, by choice, only appeared to his disciples and 500 plus believers/followers. Jesus did not let the Pharisees see this Sign/miracle of him in his glorified body. I believe Jesus was very disappointed in the Pharisees disbelief and blasphemous comments denouncing that he is their Messiah and powerful enough to ressurect Jonah, Lazarus and himself from the earth. Still Jesus loved the Jewish leaders and gentiles Jewish nation and wanted all to accept him as the Son of Man and the divine Son of God. Sadly, the Jewish leaders and others only accepted him as just a son of Man’s (a good prophet) and not as the divine Son of God in the flesh.
These same types of resurrections will be repeated because the Bible says in Ecclesiasties “there is nothing new under the sun”. I believe Jonah is a type of the Rapture resurrection of the saints who are alive and remain as written in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. We shall be snatched out of the womb of the earth. Lazarus is a type of the Rapture resurrection of the dead bodies of the saints who will be raptured first and we will all meet the Lord in the air. The loud voice Lazarus heard saying “come forth” is the same loud voice believers today will hear saying “come up hither”. Again, like the Pharisees, the unbelievers of today will NOT see Jesus’ glorified body in the clouds during this global RAPTURE event.
After the rapture, God’s wrath and judgement will come upon all who are left on earth for the 7-year tribulation period. Destruction (Jacobs troubles) will come again for the Jewish nation just like Jesus predicted in the new testament which happened in 70 a.d. to the Jewish temple.
Let me know your comments. Thanks from BJ
Dave
Thank you for your interesting piece about the doctrine of the resurrection.
But I must disagree though. The scriptures defined what passes for a resurrection, and showed us that only two resurrections are recognized.
Resurrection requires a few conditions:
1. being brought back to life from the dead (this is a given)
2. having a new spiritual body (see 1 Cor 15:42,44)
3. not subject to physical death anymore (Rev 20:4-6)
4. involving all the tribes of people on earth (implied).
Thus the following examples do not qualify as resurrection, because the people so raised from the dead did not rise up with a new body, and they ended up dying a physical death afterwards:
Resurrection of the widow’s son in Zarephath (1 Kgs 17:17–22)
Resurrection of the Shunammite’s son (2 Kgs 4:18–37)
Resurrection of the man thrown into Elisha’s grave (2 Kgs 13:20)
Resurrection of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:41)
Resurrection of the young man at Nain (Luke 7:14)
Resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:38–44)
Resurrection of Tabitha/Dorcas (Acts 9:36–42)
Resurrection of Eutychus (Acts 20:7–12)
The resurrection of Jesus and the OT saints was a special case for sure. It was described as first fruit of the resurrection, but was not considered in scripture as a separate event from “the resurrection unto life”, which is the “first resurrection”. Maybe because it was a localized event that did not involve the entire world?
The two resurrections are either to life (the first), or to death (the second). And both involve people from all tribes and ethnicities.
Thank you.
Christina Kwarteng
I beg to differ, the resurrection refers to coming back to life in general. The first resurrection or the final resurrection which you are referring to has these conditions. In the Bible the act of restoring lazurus and others is referred to as a resurrection. The resurrection itself is an act of bringing someone who is dead back to life. That was the resurrection before Jesus’ resurrection, these resurrection needed the act of someone who was blessed by God and had his spirit in order to do it. It requires something that on God the father could give. After Jesus’ ressurection the father gave the Spirit more willingly in order to complete temporary resurrections. The Final resurrection which you mentioned is the one Jesu s will accomplish. So yes these count. Thank you.
Steve
Thank you for the list!
David Daniels
Thanks for this list. Thanks even more for the gracious way you respond to comments where you may not align with the person leaving the comment. Such a gracious model of Christian kindness.
Peter Goeman
Thank you for your encouragement, David. That is a blessing in and of itself. Glad the list was helpful for you!
Michael A Albert
Much thanks for the list and expository on it, though I am a few years down the road from your posting. I was looking for such a completed list, for a Bible study.
Peter Goeman
Glad to hear it was helpful, Michael!
DOUGLAS EATON
Moses was bodily resurrected – because Jude 9 states that there was a fight for the body
Gerard J Haughey
Paul died on the road to Damascus and was resurrected. Allow me to show this.
Acts 9: 4 He (Saul/Paul) fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord; Paul (post-resurrection name) replied?”
Paul says “Lord” because he is in the presence of Jesus – (see 2 Cor.5:8)
No one can see God and live (Exodus 33:20 for no one may see me and live).
Paul becomes the most influential writer and devoted preacher of Christ and the Gospel of Salvation through Jesus- This conversion of Saul to Paul is accomplished by God almost instantaneously barring the time of the visit with Him.
So, what is it to die and be returned that made the difference with Paul’s conversion? Scripture clearly tells us the answer.
John 12:24 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
What is John 12:24 saying here? Draw your attention to the words “except a man die”, “it abideth alone”, and “bringeth forth much fruit”. These words speak to a “resurrection” taking place. The order these words are spoken are reveal a return from death and not just a return but also “a return no longer alone”. What does this refer to? The man who died and is returned returns with the Holy Spirit indwelling – the person is no longer alone. This is a scripturally revealed way that God anoints His preachers and true priests. The fruit of resurrected men anointed by God is to preach the Gospel ad nauseam because God is in them.
All things aside, Eternal Life is the only thing worth living for and God knows this and Jesus is the only Way to Eternal Life. Jesus is “the Life” and “the Resurrection”.
Steve
God is invisible – He cannot be seen. Jesus has the same God we do and he defined his God as the Father – the only true God. So Paul wasn’t resurrected on the basis of seeing Jesus.
Dorcas
How about Moses?
He was at the transfiguration of Jesus with Elijah,
so he must have been resurrected.
Peter Goeman
That’s a great thought and certainly possible! My thought though is that he was appearing in spirit and will be united with his body during the final resurrection.
Steve
Moses and Elijah weren’t resurrected – it was a vision as we are told.
Paul
Wouldn’t the “Resurrection of the Church” and the “Resurrection of OT Saints and Martyrs” be the same resurrection? Especially in reference to 1 Corinthians 15:23 “But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.”
That just seems like that would include everyone at the same time.
Peter Goeman
Thanks for reading, Paul. It depends on one’s eschatological viewpoint. Many people would view the resurrections in 1 Cor 15:23 as a once for all resurrections (cf. Dan 12:3). Some, like myself, would hold to a multi-stage resurrection, where 1 Thess 4:13-18/1 Cor 15:23 are the church, Rev 20:4 speaks of another resurrection, and Rev 20:5 speaks of another. There are debates around that, certainly, but it does seem to be different circumstances.
ATD
This is a helpful list, Peter.
Chad Garinger
What about the Valley of Dry Bones in Ezekiel?
Peter Goeman
Thanks for the input, Chad. I agree that is talking about resurrection, but since it is talking about the nation of Israel itself I decided to not include it. Perhaps I should have, or maybe I need to retitle the post, individual resurrections!
Fred Vose
You missed a resurrection.
Peter Goeman
I’ll have to take your word for it! Let me know which one when you get a chance.
Kezia Ryan
The 8th resurrections was Jesus’ and 8 is Jesus’ number. There are 14 in all which is God’s number (7) times two.
Shelley Creeger
Jesus’ Resurrection was actually #7 because the saints in Jerusalem weren’t resurrected until after Jesus was resurrected. Still great because the #7 means spiritual perfection (attained completeness) God’s Seal, Fulness.
Peter Goeman
That would assume Matthew is talking about the resurrections out of order, which doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.
Dan Nichols
I’ve heard that Jonah may have experienced a death and resurrection while in the fish. Thoughts??
Peter Goeman
Hey Dan,
I have actually heard that bought up from time to time and even had a friend who was quite convinced of that. However, I’m not convinced–yet I’m thinking about adding it to my list since some people do say so!
I think it mainly hinges on the comparison that Jesus himself makes between himself and Jonah. Some people say the comparison would have to assume that Jonah died so that the “sign of Jonah” would be the death and resurrection after 3 days. However, the sign is apparently the connection with the 3 days and not the death. It would have been very easy to point out Jonah had died in either Jonah or the gospels if that had been the case. That’s my quick thought process at least. It certainly seems Jonah is alive and praying the psalms while he is in the fish.
Hope you are doing well! Really good to hear from you.
Thomas H Franseen
There are actually indications in the Psalms I think it is that Jonah actually died – you would have to do the research.
Peter Goeman
I guess I’ll have to take your word for it, Thomas.
Mark
What about the resurrection of the army in Ezekiel 37? “The foot bone’s connected to the leg bone…etc.”.
Peter Goeman
Someone else mentioned that too! Great thought! I agree that is talking about resurrection, but since it is talking about the nation of Israel itself I decided to not include it. Perhaps I should have, or maybe I need to retitle the post, individual resurrections!
Alan
Thank you for the list.
By your current understanding, for followers of Yahshua (aka, “Jesus”), will there be two remaining resurrections, one for those “pelekizio(ed)” (Rev 20:4) (i.e., the “first resurrection”) and then a second “general” resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked (Rev 20:5)?