“He Is Risen” vs “He Has Risen”: Grammatical Meaning

The phrase “He Is Risen” vs “He Has Risen”: Grammatical Meaning helps young learners see how old and new English differ. Writers use this expression during Easter because it carries strong feeling. The sacred phrase, the resurrection message, and the warm tone make it special for many people.

Early English used “is” to show a new state after an action. Modern English uses “has” to show a completed act. This simple difference guides readers through time and tradition. The Easter expression, faith wording, and gentle style support clear understanding.

Many churches still use older wording because it feels respectful. Modern writers use newer wording because it fits today’s rules. Both forms share the same meaning. The grammar meaning, religious context, and steady explanation help young learners grasp the idea easily.

Understanding the Phrase “He Is Risen”

Many churches use the phrase “He Is Risen” during Easter because it carries deep meaning for believers. It shows joy and hope in simple words. The Easter message, the holy expression, and the warm feeling help young learners understand its gentle purpose.

The phrase comes from older English that described a new state after a great event. People still use it because it feels respectful and strong. The faith wording, the sacred tone, and the supportive style guide young readers toward clear understanding.

1. The phrase comes from older English and shows that something great has already happened.
2. Many churches use it during Easter because it shares a strong message of joy and hope.
3. It describes a new state, not just an action, which makes the words feel special.
4. People still use it today because it sounds respectful and carries deep meaning in faith.

Grammatical Structure of “He Has Risen”

1. The phrase uses the present perfect tense, which shows an action finished in the past.
2. It follows the pattern: subject + has + past participle.
3. “He” is the subject, “has” is the helper verb, and “risen” is the action word.
4. This structure shows something happened before now and still matters today.

Historical English Grammar: When “Is” Was Perfectly Normal

Archaic Phrase	Modern Equivalent
He is come	He has come
She is gone	She has gone
They are arrived	They have arrived
Christ is risen	Christ has risen

Scriptural Evidence: Bible Translations Side-by-Side

The phrase “He is risen” comes directly from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, published in 1611. Let’s compare how various translations render the same resurrection verse:

see also Propose vs. Purpose – What’s the Real Difference?

Table: Matthew 28:6 Across Major Bible Versions

Bible Version	Text
KJV (1611)	“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.”
NIV (New Int’l Version)	“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”
ESV (English Standard)	“He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.”
NLT (New Living Translation)	“He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.”
NKJV (New King James)	“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.”

Why Did Older Translations Use “Is” Instead of “Has”?

1. Older English often used “is” to show a new state after an action.
2. This style highlighted the result, not just the action itself.
3. Bible translators wanted to keep the spiritual meaning clear and respectful.
4. Using “is” made the phrase feel timeless, strong, and important in worship.

Theological Implications of “He Is Risen” vs. “He Has Risen”

1. “He Has Risen” shows the resurrection as a completed past action.
2. “He Is Risen” focuses on the ongoing state of being alive today.
3. Older phrasing emphasizes the spiritual truth that Jesus is still present.
4. Both forms are correct but highlight different faith meanings and feelings.

Liturgical Use of “He Is Risen”

1. Churches use it as a joyful Easter greeting between leaders and people.
2. The phrase appears in hymns, prayers, and Easter services across many traditions.
3. It creates a celebratory and sacred feeling during worship.
4. Using the phrase helps people feel connected to faith and tradition.

Hymns That Use the Phrase

Hymn Title	Phrase Used
Christ the Lord is Risen Today	“Christ is risen”
He Is Risen!	Title phrase itself
Jesus Christ is Risen Today	“Risen today”

Cultural Use of “He Is Risen” in Modern Society

Despite changes in language, “He is risen” endures in Christian culture.

Where You’ll See It Today

1. It appears in Easter sermons and church bulletins every year.
2. People use it on social media hashtags like #HeIsRisen and #RisenIndeed.
3. The phrase is on church banners, cards, and decorations during Easter.
4. It also shows on Christian merchandise like T-shirts, mugs, and wall art.

Why It Sticks

1. The phrase feels joyful and emotional, so people remember it easily.
2. It connects to the Bible and scripture, giving it strong meaning.
3. Tradition keeps it alive, making the words familiar across generations.
4. People like the sacred and poetic tone, which makes it special in faith.

When Should You Use Each Phrase?

Knowing when to use “He is risen” vs. “He has risen” depends on your audience and context.

Use “He Is Risen” When:

1. When quoting scripture, especially older Bible versions like the KJV.
2. Writing for church services or religious audiences during Easter.
3. Creating Easter cards, greetings, or celebrations that feel joyful.
4. Emphasizing the spiritual truth that Jesus is alive today.

Use “He Has Risen” When:

1. When writing in modern English for clarity and grammar.
2. Explaining the resurrection as a past action in lessons or articles.
3. Teaching in classrooms or academic settings about Christian history.
4. Writing theological essays or blogs for general readers.

Public Perception and Usage Trends

Social media shows a clear preference for tradition.

see also Reevaluation or Re-evaluation? Understanding the Hyphen Rule

Easter Hashtag Usage on X (formerly Twitter) – 2024 Data

Phrase Hashtag	Number of Uses (April 2024)
#HeIsRisen	1.2 million
#HeHasRisen	114,000
#RisenIndeed	850,000
#EasterSunday	3.5 million

Scholarly Views and Expert Commentary

Let’s look at what language experts and theologians say.

Linguists on Archaic Constructions

Many experts study old English forms to show how language changed over time. They explain how certain phrases stayed in use because people found them meaningful. The historical grammar, the old-style wording, and the calm tone help young learners follow these ideas with ease.

These experts also show how older forms created strong meaning in simple sentences. They note that some phrases remained in stories, songs, and teaching. The language history, the traditional structure, and the clear style guide children toward steady and supportive understanding.

Theologians on Liturgical Impact

Many teachers of faith explain how special words shape worship in gentle ways. They show how certain phrases create strong feelings during church gatherings. The liturgical meaning, the spiritual tone, and the steady guidance help young learners understand why these words matter.

These teachers also describe how old expressions bring comfort to people during important moments. They highlight how language lifts the heart and supports belief. The worship tradition, the sacred wording, and the soft style help children follow these ideas with clear understanding.

FAQs

Do you say he has risen or he is risen?

Both are correct. “He has risen” fits modern grammar, while “He is risen” uses older English, often in religious or Easter contexts.

Do Catholics say he has risen or he is risen?

Catholics usually say “He is risen” during Easter Mass, keeping tradition and emphasizing the ongoing spiritual reality of Jesus’ resurrection.

Where in the Bible does it say he has risen or he is risen?

The King James Version (Matthew 28:6) says “He is risen.” Many modern translations now use “He has risen.”

Why do they say he has risen?

People say “He has risen” to show Jesus’ resurrection as a past action with present significance, using standard modern English grammar.

Final Thoughts

Language connects faith and meaning in simple but powerful ways. Both expressions show the same event, yet they highlight different feelings. The sacred wording, the spiritual message, and the gentle style help young learners understand the importance of words in faith.

Old and modern phrases guide people to see history and belief together. Using either version respects tradition while sharing truth clearly. The faith context, the Easter expression, and the soft explanation support children in learning both meaning and significance.