The phrase you hear every Easter—“He is risen!”—is one of the most powerful declarations in Christianity. But have you ever wondered whether it should be “He is risen” or “He has risen”? At first glance, this might seem like a small grammatical detail, yet it sparks passionate debates among scholars, theologians, and everyday believers alike.
Understanding the difference is not just about grammar; it’s about history, tradition, theology, and even the way we experience one of Christianity’s most celebrated moments—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Choosing the right phrase can affect how your message resonates, whether you’re preaching in church, writing an Easter greeting, or sharing on social media.
In this article, we will dive deep into both phrases, explore their historical and theological roots, break down their grammar, and help you understand which one might feel most natural in modern English—all while keeping things easy to read and follow.
Why This Question Even Matters
You might be thinking, “Does it really matter which one I say?” Surprisingly, yes. The choice between “He is risen” and “He has risen” affects:
- Meaning and emphasis – One emphasizes the ongoing state, the other emphasizes the completed action.
- Tradition and memory – People have been using “He is risen” for hundreds of years, making it part of Christian culture.
- Clarity for readers and listeners – Language evolves, and some phrases feel more natural than others to modern audiences.
Even subtle grammar differences can influence how someone perceives your message. In faith contexts, precision matters, but understanding context matters even more.
The Short Answer (For Readers in a Hurry)
Here’s the simple truth: both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different nuances:
- “He is risen” – Emphasizes the current state. Jesus is alive now, and this phrasing has a traditional, timeless feel.
- “He has risen” – Highlights the completed action. Jesus has completed the act of rising, which sounds natural in modern English.
Both are widely understood, and neither is grammatically wrong in its own context. Choosing one depends on tone, audience, and tradition.
Grammatical Breakdown of “He Is Risen”
The phrase “He is risen” might sound unusual because it doesn’t follow the typical modern English structure. Let’s break it down:
- Verb Tense: This is an example of an archaic perfect tense, where “is” acts as an auxiliary verb.
- Passive Voice: Technically, it’s a passive construction. Jesus is the subject who has experienced an action—rising from the dead.
- Formal Tone: Because English no longer uses this structure widely, it carries a poetic and ceremonial tone, which is why it remains popular in liturgies and hymns.
Example in context:
“He is risen indeed!” – a common response in Easter celebrations.
This phrasing highlights the ongoing reality of the resurrection. Jesus is not only risen; He continues to be alive, which aligns perfectly with Christian theology.
Grammatical Breakdown of “He Has Risen”
Modern English prefers the present perfect tense:
- Structure: “He has risen” combines “has” + past participle to indicate a completed action with relevance to the present.
- Tone: It feels natural, straightforward, and easy to understand for contemporary readers.
- Focus: Emphasizes the event itself—the act of resurrection—rather than the ongoing state.
Example:
“He has risen from the tomb, just as He promised.”
This phrasing fits well in modern Bible translations, casual conversation, and journalistic writing, while still conveying the miracle of resurrection clearly.
Key Grammar Difference Between “Is” and “Has”
To make this crystal clear, here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Phrase | Tense | Focus | Tone | Example Use |
| He is risen | Archaic perfect | Current state | Formal, traditional | Church liturgy, hymns |
| He has risen | Present perfect | Completed action | Natural, modern | Modern translations, social media posts |
“Is risen” → Focus on the reality now.- “Has risen” → Focus on the action that happened.
Understanding this nuance helps you communicate more effectively without changing the theological meaning.
Which Phrase Appears in the Bible?
Original Bible texts were not in English, which adds another layer:
- Greek wording: In the New Testament, the resurrection accounts use perfect tense verbs indicating completed action with ongoing effect.
- Translations differ:
- KJV (King James Version): “He is risen”
- NIV (New International Version): “He has risen”
Both capture the essence of the resurrection accurately. The difference comes from translator preference and language evolution, not theology.
“He Is Risen” in Historical Christian Tradition
The phrase “He is risen” has deep roots in church history:
- Early Church Liturgy: Used in the 4th century during Easter celebrations.
- Dominant Greeting: “Christ is risen!” / “He is risen indeed!” became standard in Eastern and Western Christian traditions.
- Musical and Liturgical Influence: Hymns, Easter prayers, and early sermons preserved the phrase across centuries.
Using “He is risen” today connects us directly to hundreds of years of Christian heritage.
“He Has Risen” in Modern English Usage
Language changes, and modern readers often feel “He has risen” is easier to understand:
- Conversational Tone: Fits better in everyday speech.
- Bible Influence: Modern translations, like the ESV and NIV, prefer this form.
- Social Media and Writing: The structure aligns with current English grammar, making posts and messages clearer.
Read More” Combating or Combatting: Which One Is Correct (and Why Both Spellings Exist)
How Major Bible Translations Phrase It
Here’s a comparison of popular translations:
| Translation | Phrase Used | Notes |
| KJV | He is risen | Classic, poetic |
| NIV | He has risen | Modern, natural |
| ESV | He has risen | Accurate, readable |
| NRSV | He is risen | Maintains traditional flavor |
| NASB | He has risen | Literal and modern |
Notice how translations balance tradition, readability, and theological accuracy.
Theological Meaning Behind Each Phrase
While grammar differs, theology remains consistent:
- Both affirm the resurrection: Jesus is alive.
- Both communicate hope and salvation: Central to Easter and Christian faith.
- Nuance:
- “Is risen” → emphasizes eternal life.
- “Has risen” → emphasizes the historical event.
The choice doesn’t change doctrine—it only changes tone and emphasis.
Which One Did Jesus’ Followers Likely Say?
We can never know the exact English words, but context gives clues:
- Cultural Context: Jesus’ followers spoke Aramaic or Greek, not English.
- Translation Effect: English phrases are interpretations of what they proclaimed.
- Focus on Meaning: They celebrated Jesus’ living presence, not the grammar of English.
So, whether you say “is risen” or “has risen”, you’re carrying forward the original message.
Common Myths and Misunderstandings
- “One phrase is wrong” – False; both are correct.
- “Grammar proves theology” – False; meaning is the focus, not wording.
- “Only traditional phrasing is valid” – False; modern phrasing works perfectly.
These myths persist because of emotional attachment and misunderstandings of English grammar evolution.
Which Phrase Should You Use Today?
It depends on context:
- Church Setting: “He is risen” aligns with tradition and liturgy.
- Writing/Publishing: “He has risen” is easier for modern readers.
- Casual Conversation: Either works; “has risen” feels natural.
- Social Media: “He has risen” avoids sounding archaic while staying faithful to meaning.
Examples of Correct Usage in Sentences
- Liturgical: “He is risen indeed! Let us rejoice in His victory over death.”
- Modern Writing: “Jesus has risen, fulfilling the promise of salvation.”
- Social Media: “Happy Easter! He has risen!”
- Personal Greeting: “He is risen! Wishing you joy and peace today.”
Why People Still Debate This Phrase
- Emotional Attachment: Tradition carries weight.
- Language Evolution: English grammar changes over centuries.
- Social Media Amplification: Small differences get magnified online.
Despite debates, both phrases successfully communicate the miracle of resurrection.
Does One Phrase Sound More Powerful?
- “Is risen” → Sounds majestic and timeless, often used in ceremonial contexts.
- “Has risen” → Sounds direct and relatable, perfect for modern storytelling.
Rhythm, tone, and cultural familiarity all influence which phrase resonates more in your audience’s mind.
Linguistic Perspective: How English Has Changed
- Older English: “Is risen” was common in Middle and Early Modern English.
- Today: Present perfect (“has risen”) dominates casual and written English.
- Effect: Archaic structures remain in religion, literature, and poetry, while modern forms dominate conversation.
What Linguists and Theologians Agree On
- Meaning and doctrine are unchanged.
- Tone and emphasis differ slightly.
- Choosing the phrase depends on context, audience, and tradition.
Final Verdict: Is One More Correct Than the Other?
- Both are correct.
- Traditional settings → use “He is risen.”
- Modern usage → “He has risen” works well.
- Precision is nice, but the message of resurrection is what matters most.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between reorder and re-order may seem minor, but it plays a big role in professional writing, grammar consistency, and content accuracy. While both forms are technically correct, modern English language usage clearly favors reorder without a hyphen, especially in American English and digital content writing. Most contemporary style guides,best practices, and online publications recommend using reorder because it aligns with simplified spelling trends and improves readability.
The hyphenated form re-order still appears in older texts, British English, or situations where clarity is needed to avoid confusion. However, for most writers, bloggers, students, and professionals, sticking with reorder ensures consistency and aligns with modern grammar rules. By choosing the correct form based on context, audience, and writing purpose, you can write with confidence and clarity every time.
FAQs
Is “reorder” or “re-order” correct?
Both are correct, but reorder is the preferred modern spelling, especially in American English and online writing.
Is “re-order” still used today?
Yes, re-order is still used in British English, formal writing, or older publications, but it is becoming less common.
Do grammar checkers accept both forms?
Most grammar tools accept both, but they often suggest “reorder” for consistency and simplicity.
Can “reorder” be a noun and a verb?
Yes, reorder works as both a verb (to arrange again) and a noun (a new order or arrangement).
