Every Easter morning, churches ring their bells and voices rise with the proclamation, “He is risen!” This timeless phrase has echoed through centuries of Christian worship, carrying with it not just a message of hope but a fascinating story of language, history, and theology.
While many now say “He has risen” to align with modern grammar, both expressions are correct—and deeply meaningful. One emphasizes the completed action of Jesus’s resurrection, while the other declares His living presence now. Understanding the difference isn’t just about grammar; it’s about appreciating a tradition that has shaped faith, scripture, and culture for generations.
Understanding the Grammar Behind “Risen”
The word “risen” is the past participle of the verb “rise,” which means to move upward or return to life. When paired with auxiliary verbs like “is” or “has,” it takes on subtle variations:
| Verb Form | Example Sentence | Meaning |
| Rise (present) | “I rise early every day.” | Ongoing action or habit. |
| Rose (past) | “She rose from her chair.” | Completed action in the past. |
| Risen (participle) | “He has risen.” | Action completed, with lasting relevance. |
This is where the nuance lies: “He has risen” emphasizes an event with ongoing significance, while “He is risen” describes a state of being alive right now.
“He Is Risen” – Rooted in Biblical Tradition
The phrase “He is risen” traces its popularity to the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, first published in 1611. Older English used “is” with certain past participles to describe a current state resulting from a past action. In this way, “He is risen” means, “He has risen and remains alive.”
| Phrase Source | Year | Context |
| King James Bible (Matthew 28:6) | 1611 | “He is not here: for he is risen…” |
| Church Liturgy | 17th c. | Traditional Easter proclamation |
| Orthodox Tradition | Ancient | “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!” |
This structure is archaic but deeply poetic, which is why it’s cherished during Easter services.
“He Has Risen” – A Modern Grammar Perspective
Modern English prefers “has” as the auxiliary for past participles. Saying “He has risen” emphasizes that the resurrection is a completed action. It’s grammatically straightforward and aligns with how we typically speak and write today.
Example:
“Jesus has risen from the grave, and His resurrection brings hope to all believers.”
Both versions are correct; your choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the action (He has risen) or the current state (He is risen).
King James Version and the Influence of 17th-Century English
The KJV Bible had a profound influence on English-speaking Christianity. In the 17th century, “is” was often paired with verbs of movement or transformation:
- “He is gone.”
- “She is come.”
- “He is risen.”
This pattern faded over time, but its religious use remains, adding a sense of reverence and permanence to the Easter greeting.
Why the Phrase “He Is Risen” Still Resonates Today
Despite being linguistically old-fashioned, “He is risen” continues to stir hearts. It’s a linguistic time capsule, connecting modern worshippers to centuries of Christian tradition. Many churches intentionally keep it alive to preserve the sacred sound of Easter morning liturgy.
How the Present Perfect Tense Shapes the Meaning
“He has risen” is in the present perfect tense:
- Auxiliary verb “has” + past participle “risen.”
- Implies an action completed with relevance now.
“He is risen,” while not present perfect, communicates a similar truth in a stylistically older form.
| Form | Structure | Emphasis |
| Present Perfect | has + past participle | Action completed, relevant today |
| Archaic Passive Use | is + past participle | State of being, ongoing significance |
Comparing Verb Tenses: Rise, Rose, and Risen
Here’s a quick refresher on the verb forms:
| Tense | Verb Form | Example |
| Base Form | rise | “I rise at dawn.” |
| Simple Past | rose | “He rose to greet her.” |
| Past Participle | risen | “He has risen from the dead.” |
Understanding these distinctions helps explain why both phrases are valid but stylistically different.
Grammar Table: Auxiliary Verbs and Their Functions
| Auxiliary Verb | Example | Function |
| is | “He is risen.” | Describes a state or condition |
| has | “He has risen.” | Describes a completed action |
| was | “He was risen.” (rare) | Historical or past state description |
Linguistic Nuances Between “Is” and “Has”
The choice between “is” and “has” isn’t just grammatical—it’s theological and stylistic. “Is” feels timeless and celebratory, while “has” sounds direct and contemporary.
Historical Usage Trends: A Century-by-Century Look
| Period | “He Is Risen” (%) | “He Has Risen” (%) |
| 1800–1850 | 87% | 13% |
| 1851–1900 | 75% | 25% |
| 1901–1950 | 54% | 46% |
| 1951–2000 | 39% | 61% |
| 2001–Present | 28% | 72% |
This table shows how modern English favors “has risen,” but religious communities maintain “is risen” for its poetic resonance.
Theological Significance: Emphasizing Life Over Death
Both phrases affirm the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but “is risen” highlights His living presence now, a powerful message of eternal victory.
Cultural and Artistic Influence of the Resurrection Phrase
Christian hymns, paintings, and literature often quote “He is risen” because it evokes a sense of awe. Examples include the hymn “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” and countless Easter sermons that begin with this proclamation.
Call-and-Response Tradition in Church Services
A beloved tradition is the Easter greeting:
- Leader: “Christ is risen!”
- Congregation: “He is risen indeed!”
This exchange dates back to early Christianity and remains a symbol of faith and unity.
Scriptural Foundations: Matthew 28:6 and Beyond
The earliest written account of Jesus’s resurrection is in Matthew 28:6:
“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.” (KJV)
This verse cemented the phrase’s place in Christian worship.
Greek Aorist Tense and Its Impact on English Translation
The New Testament was originally written in Greek. The resurrection was described using the aorist tense, which indicates a completed action. Translators in 1611 chose “is risen” to convey the enduring state rather than just the historical fact.
When to Use “He Is Risen” in Writing and Speech
- In religious contexts, Easter services, and hymns
- When quoting scripture or referencing liturgical traditions
- To evoke a formal, reverent tone
When “He Has Risen” is Preferred in Contemporary English
- In modern conversation, essays, and articles
- When emphasizing the completed action rather than the ongoing state
- In contexts where clarity and modern grammar matter
The Symbolism of Resurrection in Christian Worship
Both expressions point to a living Savior. Easter isn’t just a historical remembrance—it’s a celebration of Christ’s victory over death and the promise of eternal life.
Why Language Evolution Matters in Religious Contexts
Language evolves, but faithful expressions remain timeless. Understanding these shifts deepens our appreciation of scripture and tradition.
Synonym and Phrase Alternatives: Formal vs. Casual Expressions
| Formal/Traditional | Modern/Contemporary |
| “He is risen.” | “He has risen.” |
| “Christ is risen indeed!” | “Jesus rose from the dead.” |
| “The Lord is risen.” | “Jesus is alive today.” |
Table: Biblical Phrases vs. Modern Grammar Rules
| Biblical Expression | Modern Grammar Equivalent | Usage Context |
| “He is risen.” | “He has risen.” | Church, scripture quotes |
| “She is come.” | “She has come.” | Archaic English examples |
| “They are gone.” | “They have gone.” | Transition to modern usage |
Easter Greetings Around the World: Variations of the Phrase
| Language | Greeting Translation |
| Greek | “Christos Anesti!” (“Christ is risen!”) |
| Russian | “Christos Voskrese!” |
| Latin | “Christus Resurrexit!” |
| Spanish | “Cristo ha resucitado!” |
| French | “Le Christ est ressuscité!” |
How Writers Can Use These Phrases Creatively
Writers can quote “He is risen” to add gravitas and historical depth or use “He has risen” for clear storytelling. Both phrases are powerful literary tools.
The Enduring Relevance of Resurrection Language
No matter which phrase you choose, both proclaim the heart of Christianity: Jesus lives. The grammar is fascinating, but the message is eternal.
FAQs
Q1: Which is grammatically correct, “He is risen” or “He has risen”?
Both are correct. “He is risen” is traditional and poetic, while “He has risen” is modern and straightforward.
Q2: Why does the King James Bible say “He is risen”?
Because older English often used “is” with past participles to describe a present state resulting from a past action.
Q3: Should I use “He is risen” in everyday conversation?
Not usually. It’s best used in religious or liturgical contexts.
Q4: What tense is “has risen”?
Present perfect tense, indicating a completed action with present relevance.
Q5: What’s the significance of the Easter greeting?
It’s a joyful proclamation of Christ’s resurrection, connecting worshippers worldwide.
Conclusion
Both “He is risen” and “He has risen” proclaim the same life-changing truth: Jesus Christ is alive. The difference lies in grammar, style, and history, but both carry profound theological weight. “He is risen” connects us with centuries of Christian worship, while “He has risen” aligns with modern English. Whether in a hymn, a sermon, or a casual conversation, this phrase continues to inspire believers, reminding us of hope, triumph, and eternal life.
