Three People Who Died Twice in the Bible

 

Lazarus of Bethany

First Death:
Lazarus, the beloved brother of Mary and Martha, became gravely ill and died. By the time Jesus arrived, he had already been in the tomb for four days.

“Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out...” – John 11:43-44

Second Death:
Though the Bible doesn’t record the moment of Lazarus's second death, we know he eventually died again. His resurrection was temporary—a sign of Jesus' power over death, but not a permanent escape from mortality.

Spiritual Insight:
Lazarus’s story reminds us that Jesus holds power over life and death—and points to the greater resurrection to come for all who believe in Him.

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2. The Widow’s Son in Zarephath (Elijah's Miracle)

First Death:
This young boy, son of a widow who had sheltered the prophet Elijah, died suddenly. The widow cried out in grief and confusion, wondering why her child had been taken.

“Then he stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried out to the Lord... and the boy’s life returned to him.” – 1 Kings 17:21-22

Second Death:
As with Lazarus, the boy eventually died again—no longer recorded in Scripture, but we understand he was restored to a natural human life, not an eternal one.

Spiritual Insight:
This early resurrection foreshadowed God’s compassion and His readiness to answer the prayers of the faithful. It was also the first recorded resurrection in the Bible.

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3. Tabitha (Also Called Dorcas)

First Death:
Tabitha, a beloved disciple known for her acts of charity and kindness, fell sick and died. The Christian community in Joppa mourned deeply—and sent for Peter.

“Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed... ‘Tabitha, get up.’ She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.” – Acts 9:40

Second Death:
As with the others, Tabitha eventually passed away again—her temporary resurrection pointing to a more eternal hope.

Spiritual Insight:
Her life (and resurrection) became a powerful testimony, bringing many in Joppa to faith in Jesus.

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Why This Matters

These weren’t resurrections unto eternal life—they were resuscitations that served a divine purpose at a specific time. These moments:

• Demonstrated God's power over death.

• Offered hope to grieving hearts.

• Pointed forward to the ultimate resurrection through Christ.

Their stories remind us that while physical death is inevitable, eternal life is promised through faith in Jesus.

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” – John 11:25