The quiet moment of reflection that returns each year reminds me how “He Is Risen” vs “He Has Risen” still shapes how people understand faith, tradition, and language, and how the meaning of a single phrase can guide us.
I’ve heard this expression in many places, from Easter mornings when bells rang across the old church, to times when I sat quietly, listening to that familiar line that still resounds today. Its strength, its strange mix of older English forms, its past participles, and its sacred history always made me pause. The way this wording connects faith, tradition, linguistic history, and spiritual memory has followed me since I first explored its etymological roots as a young Christian, guided by a former teacher who opened my eyes to how phrases survived centuries of worship, debate, and cultural expression.
When I studied how different traditions used the wording of He in sacred writing, I noticed how even details like “145” marking manuscript variations showed a slow evolution of nuances linked to the resurrection. These threads intersect with message, context, and the old grammatical debates that shaped how people see a completed action versus a continuing state.
In many churches, this small difference turned into A Complete Guide for understanding how liturgical patterns, Christ’s ongoing nature, and religious history shaped this powerful line. Even today, theology, older texts, and modern usage help speakers explain why some remain confused and others find clarity as they discover, learn, and try to use the phrase correctly in their own traditions.
Why the Phrase “He Is Risen” vs “He Has Risen” Matters
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith. Because of that, the wording people use to declare it carries emotional, theological, and historical weight. Many readers notice that Easter banners often say “He is risen”, while modern Bible translations tend to use “He has risen.”
This difference raises questions like:
- Which phrase is grammatically correct?
- Why do older Bibles choose one form while newer ones choose another?
- Does the choice affect the meaning of the resurrection story?
- Should you follow tradition or follow modern grammar?
Those questions matter because language does more than communicate facts. It shapes how people experience sacred ideas. This is why understanding the difference between “He is risen” and “He has risen” helps writers, pastors, students, teachers, and everyday Christians communicate the resurrection clearly and meaningfully.
The Origin and Meaning of “He Is Risen”
When people first encounter “He is risen”, they often assume it breaks the rules of modern grammar. That assumption comes from reading a centuries-old phrase through a modern lens. In reality, “He is risen” uses a grammatical pattern that was perfectly normal in Early Modern English.
Archaic Perfect Tense Construction
In 1500s–1600s English, speakers often used “to be” as the auxiliary verb for certain past participles, especially verbs involving motion or change of state.
Examples include:
- “Christ is born.”
- “The sun is set.”
- “She is gone.”
- “The king is come.”
This structure signaled that an action had been completed and its state was currently true. That nuance made “He is risen” a natural and expressive choice.
Why “He Is Risen” Appears in Older Translations
The King James Version (1611) used English that matched the time. Because “is risen” fit the grammatical rules and stylistic preferences of that era, it became the standard liturgical phrase. Over time it took on deep emotional and spiritual resonance.
State Emphasis
“He is risen” emphasizes the present state of Christ:
He is — at this very moment — in a risen state.
That is why many hymns and liturgies prefer it. It feels celebratory, triumphant, immediate.
The Modern-Grammar Perspective: Understanding “He Has Risen”
Modern English relies on a different system to express completed actions. Today, we use the present perfect tense, formed with “has” or “have” + past participle.
Examples:
- “She has gone home.”
- “The sun has set.”
- “The team has won the game.”
In contemporary grammar, “He has risen” follows this standard pattern.
Why Modern Translations Prefer “He Has Risen”
Bible translations from the 20th and 21st centuries follow current English usage to stay accessible. As a result, versions like:
- NIV (New International Version)
- ESV (English Standard Version)
- NLT (New Living Translation)
use “He has risen.”
These translations aim to balance accuracy and clarity. Modern readers naturally understand the timing and meaning of the phrase because it matches how English speakers express recent past actions with continuing significance.
Action Emphasis
“He has risen” highlights the completed action of the resurrection. It communicates:
He has risen from the dead — and that fact continues to matter.
The tone feels modern, clear, and grammatically aligned with everyday speech.
Language Shift: From Archaic English to Contemporary English
The difference between the two phrases reflects a major shift in English grammar over several centuries.
How English Changed
Between 1400 and 1700, English transformed dramatically. As time passed:
- The auxiliary “to be” faded from perfect constructions.
- The auxiliary “to have” expanded in use.
- Word order became more fixed.
- Verb forms simplified.
- Archaic vocabulary disappeared.
This transition created clear differences between Early Modern English and today’s English.
Examples of Structural Change
| Early Modern English (1500s) | Modern English |
| He is come. | He has come. |
| The day is arrived. | The day has arrived. |
| Christ is born. | Christ has been born. |
| The hour is passed. | The hour has passed. |
“He is risen” fits right into this earlier pattern.
Movement and Change-of-State Verbs
Old English and Middle English used “to be” with verbs like:
- rise
- go
- fall
- come
- appear
- arrive
As English evolved, this rule faded. Today those verbs use “has.” That evolution explains why modern grammar feels at odds with older biblical phrasing.
Influence of Christian Tradition and Liturgical Language
Even as English evolved, religious expressions often stayed the same. Christianity preserves certain phrases because they carry sacred familiarity and emotional power.
Why “He Is Risen” Survived the Language Shift
Several forces kept it alive:
- Hymns and worship music repeat it every year.
- Printed church materials use it on banners, bulletins, and Easter cards.
- Liturgical traditions rely on memorable rhythm and sound.
- Cultural memory preserves phrases that feel timeless.
Religious language tends to resist change because tradition helps shape identity and continuity.
Fixed Expressions in Faith Communities
Many Christian expressions preserve older grammar:
- “Peace be with you.”
- “Blessed art thou.”
- “Glory be to God.”
- “Thy kingdom come.”
“He is risen” lives in the same category: beloved, reverent, and stylistically elevated.
Aesthetic and Emotional Pull
“He is risen” feels poetic and triumphant. The rhythm of the phrase gives it a chant-like quality, which explains why people still use it, even if they speak modern English all day long.
Scriptural Evidence: Bible Translation Comparison
Different Bible translations render the resurrection phrase in different ways. Some follow traditional English. Others follow modern grammar. Some aim for literal accuracy from the Greek. Others aim for readability.
Here is a clear comparison:
Bible Translation Table
| Translation | Matthew 28:6 | Style |
| King James Version (KJV) | “He is not here, for He is risen” | Archaic, formal |
| English Standard Version (ESV) | “He is not here, for He has risen” | Literal but modern |
| New International Version (NIV) | “He is not here; He has risen” | Modern, readable |
| New Living Translation (NLT) | “He isn’t here! He has risen” | Dynamic, conversational |
| New King James Version (NKJV) | “He is not here; for He is risen” | Traditional but updated vocabulary |
What the Original Greek Says
The Greek verb in the resurrection passages is ἠγέρθη (ēgerthē), a passive aorist verb usually translated as:
- “He has been raised”
- “He was raised”
English translators adapt this tense in different ways:
- KJV uses “is risen” based on older English patterns.
- Modern versions use “has risen” to match contemporary grammar.
Both reflect legitimate translation strategies.
Theological Implications of Each Wording
Language carries meaning, but the shift from “is risen” to “has risen” does not alter core Christian doctrine. Still, each expression highlights a different nuance.
What “He Is Risen” Emphasizes
This form underscores the present reality of Christ’s resurrection. It reads like a proclamation:
He is risen — and this truth defines the world right now.
It calls attention to the state of being alive rather than the moment it happened.
What “He Has Risen” Emphasizes
This form stresses the action of rising from the grave. It recognizes the resurrection as a completed historical event with ongoing consequences:
He has risen — the action is finished, and the results continue.
Both Are Theologically Sound
Doctrinal clarity does not depend on auxiliary verbs. The New Testament presents the resurrection as both:
- A completed event
- A present reality
Because of that, both phrases express truth in different but compatible ways.
Read More: “Introduction To” vs “Introduction Of”: The Complete Guide
Usage in Modern English: Accuracy vs Tradition
Choosing between these phrases depends on your audience, tone, and goal. Modern writing uses “He has risen.” Traditional writing or liturgical speech uses “He is risen.”
Use “He Has Risen” When You Want:
- modern grammar
- academic neutrality
- clarity for general readers
- consistency with modern translations
- contemporary tone
- natural flow in everyday writing
Use “He Is Risen” When You Want:
- liturgical tone
- emotional resonance
- poetic rhythm
- connection to historic worship
- emphasis on Christ’s living state
- traditional Easter greetings
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Phrase | Best Contexts | Tone |
| He is risen | Hymns, church liturgy, Easter greetings, traditional writing | Sacred, poetic, triumphant |
| He has risen | Modern writing, teaching materials, academic works, Bible studies | Clear, modern, grammatically standard |
This balance allows both phrases to thrive without competing.
“He Is Risen” in Contemporary Culture
Despite modern grammar trends, “He is risen” remains culturally dominant during the Easter season.
You see it on:
- Church banners
- Social media posts
- Greeting cards
- Sermons
- Easter art
- Songs and hymns
- Videos and devotionals
Why It Still Resonates
People prefer phrases that feel timeless. “He is risen” carries the rhythm and emotional weight of centuries of worship. It feels alive, hopeful, and victorious. The sound pattern makes it easy to chant, celebrate, and remember.
Case Study: Easter Social Media Trends
Every Easter, the phrase “He is risen” consistently outranks “He has risen” across platforms like:
- YouTube
- X (formerly Twitter)
Its viral use shows how tradition continues influencing digital expression.
How to Choose the Right Phrase (Practical Guide)
Here is a simple way to decide which phrase to use without confusion.
Choose “He Has Risen” If:
- you are writing for a broad online audience
- you want grammatical clarity
- the tone should be modern
- the setting is educational or academic
- you follow current Bible translations
Choose “He Is Risen” If:
- you are writing for a Christian audience on Easter
- you want traditional or liturgical tone
- you prefer poetic rhythm
- you are quoting hymns or classic translations
- you want a bold proclamation
Quick Decision Chart
| Situation | Best Phrase |
| Modern article or blog | He has risen |
| Easter greeting | He is risen |
| Sermon outline | Both work depending on tone |
| Academic paper | He has risen |
| Hymn writing | He is risen |
| Bible study on translation differences | Use both |
This selective approach keeps your writing both accurate and meaningful.
Conclusion
The phrases He Is Risen and He Has Risen carry deep layers of history, faith, and linguistic meaning. One reflects an older English structure that describes a state of victory, while the other follows modern grammar to show a completed action. Yet both point to the same truth that Christians have celebrated for centuries. When people use either phrase today, they’re not just repeating words — they’re connecting with tradition, belief, and the emotional force that has shaped worship through generations. Understanding both forms helps you appreciate not only the grammar behind them but also the spiritual power and cultural memory they represent.
FAQs
1. Is “He Is Risen” grammatically correct?
Yes. It comes from older English grammar where “is” was used with past participles to show a state, not an action. It is still correct in a liturgical or traditional context.
2. Why do some people prefer “He Has Risen”?
Because it follows modern English grammar rules. Many readers today find it clearer and more natural in everyday usage.
3. Which phrase is more common in churches today?
“He Is Risen” is still widely used in worship settings, hymns, and Easter services because of its strong tradition and emotional resonance.
4. Do both phrases mean the same thing?
Yes. They express the same core belief about the resurrection, even though the grammar differs.
5. Can I use either phrase in writing?
Absolutely. Choose “He Is Risen” for traditional or spiritual tone, and “He Has Risen” for modern conversational writing. Both are acceptable depending on your purpose.
