He Is Risen or He Has Risen – Which Is Correct?

The phrase “He is risen” echoes through churches, Easter sermons, and Christian hymns worldwide. It is a declaration of faith, victory, and hope. But some people argue that “He has risen” is the more grammatically correct way to express this idea. If both phrases refer to Jesus’ resurrection, why does one sound more natural in modern English?

This debate goes beyond grammar rules. It is tied to history, theology, linguistic evolution, and deep Christian traditions.

So, which phrase should you use—and does it even matter? In this article, we will break down:

• The grammatical differences between “He is risen” and “He has risen”
  
• Why older Bible translations use “He is risen” while modern ones say “He has risen”
  
• The theological implications of each phrase and why churches still prefer one over the other
  
• How language has evolved, and what this shift means for modern believers
  

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear, in-depth understanding of why this distinction exists—and why both phrases hold deep meaning in Christianity.

Understanding the Grammar – “He Is Risen” vs. “He Has Risen”

Language is constantly evolving, and the way we speak today is very different from how people spoke 500 years ago. To understand the difference between “He is risen” and “He has risen,” let’s break down their grammatical structure.

The Role of “Is” vs. “Has” in English Grammar

The difference between these two phrases boils down to verb tenses and auxiliary verbs.

• “He is risen” follows an older English structure where “is” was commonly used as an auxiliary verb for certain past actions.
  
• “He has risen” follows the modern English rule, using “has” to form the present perfect tense, which describes a completed action with present relevance.
  

Key Difference:

• “Is risen” suggests an ongoing state—Jesus remains risen.
  
• “Has risen” focuses on the act of rising—it already happened.
  

So, while modern grammar favors “He has risen”, the theological meaning behind “He is risen” makes it significant.

Historical Usage of “Is Risen” in Older English

If you’ve ever read Shakespeare, the King James Bible, or old literature, you might notice phrases like:

• “He is come” instead of “He has come”
  
• “She is fallen” instead of “She has fallen”
  
• “They are departed” instead of “They have departed”
  

This is because, in older English, the verb “to be” (is/was) was often used as a helping verb instead of “has” for intransitive verbs (verbs that don’t take an object).

• In Middle English and Early Modern English, people commonly said things like “He is gone” instead of “He has gone.”
  
• Over time, English grammar shifted, and the helping verb “is” was replaced with “has” in most cases.
  

But why didn’t “He is risen” change? Because religious language tends to resist change. Many liturgical and biblical phrases remain unchanged even as the rest of the language evolves.

Biblical Context – Which Phrase Appears in Scripture?

“He Is Risen” in the King James Bible

The reason “He is risen” remains so popular is largely because of its presence in the King James Bible (KJV), first published in 1611.

• Matthew 28:6 (KJV): “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.”
  
• This translation follows the grammatical structure of its time, using “is risen” instead of “has risen.”
  

Because the King James Bible influenced Christian language for centuries, the phrase became deeply embedded in hymns, sermons, and church traditions.

Modern Translations – “He Has Risen” in Newer Bibles

Most modern Bible translations use “He has risen” because it follows current English grammar.

• Matthew 28:6 (NIV): “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”
  
• Matthew 28:6 (ESV): “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.”
  

These translations aim for clarity and readability, but many churches still prefer the familiar wording of the KJV.

Theological Significance of “He Is Risen”

Present Continuous Meaning – Jesus’ Resurrection as an Ongoing Reality

Many theologians argue that “He is risen” is more than just old grammar—it carries deep theological meaning.

• Saying “He is risen” suggests that Jesus is still alive and His resurrection is an ongoing truth.
  
• The phrase doesn’t just describe an event that happened 2,000 years ago—it declares a present reality.
  

This is why many pastors, churches, and hymn writers continue using “He is risen.”

“He Has Risen” – Emphasizing the Completed Act of Resurrection

• “He has risen” is a grammatically correct, factual statement—Jesus did rise from the dead.
  
• But it may not carry the same continuous theological meaning as “He is risen.”
  

While both are correct, the theological weight of “He is risen” keeps it alive in Christian tradition.

Usage in Christian Traditions and Easter Celebrations

Why Churches Still Say “He Is Risen”

If you’ve ever attended an Easter service, you’ve probably heard this traditional greeting:

 Person 1: “He is risen!”
  Person 2: “He is risen indeed!”

This call-and-response tradition dates back to early Christianity and is still widely practiced today.

Common Usage in Hymns, Sermons, and Worship Songs

Many Christian hymns and worship songs preserve “He is risen”:

• “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” – A famous Easter hymn that includes:
  “Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!”
  
• Handel’s Messiah contains the powerful declaration:
  “He is risen from the dead.”
  

Because of its use in worship and music, “He is risen” has stayed a powerful Easter proclamation.

The Linguistic Shift – Why Most People Say “He Has Risen” Today

Evolution of English Since the 17th Century

• English has evolved significantly over the past 400 years.
  
• Most phrases using “is” as an auxiliary verb have disappeared—except for certain religious phrases.
  

While most people naturally say “He has risen” in casual speech, liturgical language often resists grammatical change.

Does It Matter Which One You Use?

Both “He is risen” and “He has risen” are correct, but they serve different purposes.

• For modern grammar clarity → Use “He has risen”
  
• For theological and traditional reasons → Use “He is risen”
  

Both phrases point to the same truth—the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which remains the foundation of Christian faith.

Conclusion: He Is Risen vs. He Has Risen

The difference between “He is risen” and “He has risen” is rooted in both grammar and tradition, with each phrase carrying its own weight. While modern English grammar leans toward “He has risen” as the standard usage, “He is risen” remains deeply entrenched in Christian tradition and theology.

• “He is risen” emphasizes the ongoing reality of Jesus’ resurrection, a statement that’s as powerful today as it was 2,000 years ago.
  
• “He has risen” focuses on the completed act of Jesus’ rising, a fact that believers hold with reverence.
  

Both expressions declare the same truth: Jesus rose from the dead, and this victory over death is the cornerstone of Christian faith. Whether you use one phrase or the other, the essential message remains unchanged.

The continued use of “He is risen” in church liturgies, hymns, and Easter services helps preserve the theological and historical significance of the resurrection, while “He has risen” may offer a clearer, more grammatically conventional approach for modern English speakers.

In the end, the phrase you choose should align with your beliefs, traditions, and how you want to celebrate the power of the resurrection. Both are valid, but both remind us that Jesus lives—today, tomorrow, and forever.

FAQs: He Is Risen vs. He Has Risen

1. Why is “He is risen” used instead of “He has risen” in many churches?

“He is risen” is deeply tied to historical Christian liturgy and reflects the ongoing reality of Jesus’ resurrection. This phrase is used to emphasize that Jesus’ resurrection is not just a past event, but a present truth. Churches continue to use it because it captures the living power of Christ’s resurrection.

2. Is there a difference in meaning between “He is risen” and “He has risen”?

Yes, while both phrases mean the same thing in the context of the resurrection, “He is risen” suggests an ongoing state, as if Jesus remains risen, whereas “He has risen” focuses on the completed action of Jesus rising from the dead. The difference is subtle but significant in its theological implications.

3. Which phrase is more grammatically correct?

In modern English, “He has risen” is considered the grammatically correct form since it uses the present perfect tense, which indicates an action completed in the past but still relevant today. However, “He is risen” follows an older English structure that still holds theological importance.

4. Why do some Bible translations use “He is risen” and others say “He has risen”?

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible uses “He is risen” because it reflects the grammar and linguistic style of its time (early 1600s). More modern translations like the NIV or ESV use “He has risen” to align with contemporary grammar conventions.

5. Does it matter which phrase I use in my own speech or worship?

The phrase you use largely depends on personal preference, tradition, and theological perspective. “He is risen” might resonate more deeply for those who value theological continuity with Christian history, while “He has risen” may be more suitable for clarity and modern understanding.

6. Why do churches still use “He is risen” in Easter services?

“He is risen” is a traditional call-and-response greeting in many Christian communities, particularly during Easter services. This practice reminds believers of the ongoing power of Christ’s resurrection and creates a sense of unity and continuity with the early church.