“He Is Risen” or “He Has Risen”

Every Easter season, you’ll often hear phrases like “He is risen” or “He has risen” echo through churches, greeting cards, and social media feeds. Though they may sound similar, there’s a subtle difference that can raise an interesting and sometimes complex question: which one is more correct? As someone who heard both expressions during childhood sermons and songs, I was always curious.

I found that these small differences point to larger grammatical rules, historical contexts, and theological implications that go beyond just language.

To explore the matter deeply, we need to look at both grammar and tradition. The phrase “He is risen” reflects older forms of English used in religious contexts, rooted in history and expressions of faith. In contrast, “He has risen” fits better with modern usage and follows standard grammatical patterns today. This article acts as an in-depth guide for anyone who’s ever wondered about these expressions. By examining their usage side-by-side, we discover a clear, definitive answer – that both have meaning, shaped by time, language, and belief.

Grammar Breakdown: “He Is Risen” vs “He Has Risen”

Let’s start with the core of the confusion-grammar. On the surface, “He is risen” might sound off to modern ears, but there’s more going on behind the scenes.

Auxiliary Verbs: “Is” vs “Has”

Both phrases use a helping verb (also called an auxiliary verb) to form a compound tense with the past participle “risen.”

“He is risen” uses the verb “to be.”
“He has risen” uses the verb “to have.”

In contemporary English, the perfect tense is typically formed with “has/have” + past participle:

“She has arrived.”
“They have finished.”

But English hasn’t always followed this pattern exclusively.

Historical Grammar: When “To Be” Was Common

In older English, particularly in Early Modern English (used from the late 1400s to the early 1700s), the verb “to be” was commonly used as the auxiliary for intransitive verbs of motion or change, such as:

come → “He comes.”
go → “She is gone.”
rise → “He is risen.”

This usage has largely faded from everyday speech but lingers in poetic, religious, and traditional expressions.

Modern Grammar: “Has Risen” as the Standard

Today, “has risen” is considered grammatically standard. It follows modern English norms:

Subject + auxiliary verb “has” + past participle = present perfect tense.
This construction shows an action that was completed recently or has relevance to the present.

💡 Example:
“He has risen from bed and is preparing breakfast.”

It feels natural in both written and spoken English.

Grammatical Comparison Table

Feature	He Is Risen	He Has Risen
Auxiliary Verb	“Is” (archaic/poetic)	“Has” (modern standard)
Grammatical Tense	Present Perfect with “be”	Present Perfect with “have”
Acceptability Today	Liturgical, traditional settings	All modern contexts
Feel/Tone	Reverent, timeless, exalted	Neutral, grammatical
Common in Speech?	Rare	Very common

Scriptural Origins: “He Is Risen” in the Bible

The most cited instance of the phrase “He is risen” comes from the King James Bible (1611), in Matthew 28:6:

“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.” -Matthew 28:6, KJV

This verse is foundational to Christian theology and has influenced language for centuries. But not all Bibles use the exact wording.

Comparing Translations

Here’s how different Bible translations render Matthew 28:6:

Bible Version	Matthew 28:6 Wording
King James Version (KJV)	“He is not here: for he is risen…”
New International Version (NIV)	“He is not here; he has risen…”
English Standard Version (ESV)	“He is not here, for he has risen…”
New Living Translation (NLT)	“He isn’t here! He is risen…”
The Message	“He is not here. He was raised…”

🔎 Insight:
Older translations like the KJV retain the archaic grammatical structure, which carries both poetic and theological weight.

Theological Implications: Language as a Reflection of Belief

Why does “He is risen” endure in Christian tradition despite its grammatical oddity?

Eternal Truth Over Past Event

In theological terms, “He is risen” isn’t just stating that Christ rose from the dead- it declares that He lives now. It emphasizes:

Ongoing life and divine power.
A timeless reality, not just a historical fact.
Present-tense reverence and immediacy.

💬 Theologian N.T. Wright wrote:

“The resurrection is not just a past event but the beginning of God’s new world.”

This concept fits perfectly with the phrase “He is risen,” which functions almost like a liturgical creed or proclamation.

Liturgical Usage in Christian Traditions

The phrase “He is risen” plays a vital role in church liturgies, particularly during Easter:

In Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Protestant Easter services.
Traditional call-and-response:
- Clergy: “He is risen!”
- Congregation: “He is risen indeed!”

This exchange isn’t just symbolic’s deeply embedded in the collective faith of millions.

Cultural and Historical Persistence

The phrase’s endurance can be traced back to several key moments:

How Language Preserves Tradition

Languages evolve, but religious expressions often resist change. Why?

They’re tied to ritual, memory, and emotion.
Changing them may feel like altering sacred ground.

🧠 Case Study: The Lord’s Prayer

KJV: “Our Father which art in heaven…”
Modern: “Our Father who is in heaven…”

Many churches still use the KJV version for its rhythm, familiarity, and sanctity.

“He is risen” functions similarly’s more than grammar; it’s heritage.

Modern Usage in Secular and Christian Contexts

Today, both “He is risen” and “He has risen” appear in various settings, from sermons to Facebook posts.

In Religious Contexts

Churches overwhelmingly use “He is risen” during Easter services.
Sermons and religious songs retain the phrase for its emotive impact.

🎶 Hymn Example:
“He is risen! He is risen!
Tell it out with a joyful voice!”

In Secular or Educational Contexts

Textbooks, academic papers, or journalistic articles often opt for “He has risen” to maintain grammatical precision.

✏️ Example in an educational setting:
“According to Christian doctrine, Jesus has risen from the dead.”

This variation aligns with contemporary grammar rules and avoids confusion for non-native English speakers.

Choosing the Right Phrase for Your Context

So, how do you know when to use “He is risen” vs “He has risen”? It depends on your audience and purpose.

Use “He Is Risen” When:

Writing or speaking in a religious, poetic, or ceremonial tone.
Quoting traditional scripture (especially KJV).
Creating Easter cards, banners, or hymn lyrics.

Use “He Has Risen” When:

Writing in a modern, academic, or journalistic style.
Teaching English or theology in formal education.
Engaging with a secular or diverse audience.

Usage Table

Context	Preferred Phrase	Reason
Easter sermon or hymn lyrics	He is risen	Liturgical tradition
Greeting card or social media	He is risen	Emotional and poetic impact
Academic theology paper	He has risen	Modern grammar accuracy
High school religious studies	He has risen	Clarity for student comprehension
Personal faith blog or devotion	Either	Depends on style and tone

Understanding Verbals: What’s a Past Participle?

To fully appreciate the structure, let’s look at the grammar element at the core of both phrases: risen.

What Is a Verbal?

A verbal is a verb form that functions as another part of speech. There are three types:

Gerunds (verb + -ing acting as a noun): “Running is hard.”
Infinitives (to + verb): “To rise is divine.”
Participles (used as adjectives or part of verb tenses): “Risen” is a past participle.

In “He has risen” and “He is risen,” “risen” is the past participle of “rise.”

Base Verb	Past Tense	Past Participle
rise	rose	risen

💡 Note: “Rose” and “risen” are not interchangeable. “He rose” is simple past. “He has risen” is present perfect.

So, Which Is It-“He Is Risen” or “He Has Risen”?

Both are correct, but they serve different purposes.

“He is risen” connects to centuries of Christian tradition, emphasizing the timelessness and emotional power of the Resurrection.
“He has risen” aligns with modern grammar and may be more appropriate in secular or academic writing.

⚖️ Use the one that best fits your tone, purpose, and audience.

Whether you prefer the reverent power of “He is risen” or the grammatical clarity of “He has risen,” both affirm the same truth pivotal cornerstone of Christian belief.

As with many elements of language, context is everything.

Sources & Further Reading

Cambridge Dictionary: Perfect Tenses
Oxford English Grammar Course, Advanced
Bible Gateway: Multiple Bible Versions of Matthew 28:6
N.T. Wright, Surprised by Hope
The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition

Want to share this article with your audience? Link to this post or quote the summary table with credit.

Final Thoughts

The question of whether to say “He is risen” or “He has risen” is more than a matter of grammar- it’s a reflection of faith, tradition, and evolving language. While “He has risen” aligns with modern grammatical standards, “He is risen” carries with it centuries of liturgical and theological weight.

In essence:

Use “He is risen” when you want to connect with Christian tradition, especially during Easter or in spiritual contexts.
Use “He has risen” when writing in modern English or addressing an audience unfamiliar with liturgical expressions.

Both affirm the same core belief in the resurrection. The choice simply depends on the tone and purpose of your message.

Language is a powerful vessel. In this case, it not only conveys a historical event but also sustains a timeless declaration of hope, renewal, and victory over death.

FAQs

What does “He is risen” actually mean?

“He is risen” is a liturgical phrase that declares the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Grammatically, it uses an archaic form of the present perfect tense where the auxiliary verb “is” (instead of “has”) is used with the past participle “risen.” It emphasizes not just that Jesus rose from the dead but that He remains alive, eternally present and active. The phrase is often used during Easter celebrations in Christian churches.

Is “He is risen” grammatically correct in modern English?

In modern English grammar, “He is risen” is considered archaic and nonstandard, as we typically use the auxiliary verb “has” with past participles (e.g., “He has risen”). However, “He is risen” is still correct within the context of historical or religious language. It is preserved in Christian liturgies, hymns, and Bible translations like the King James Version, where it carries poetic and theological weight.

Why do churches still say “He is risen” instead of “He has risen”?

Churches continue to use “He is risen” primarily for its theological richness and traditional resonance. The phrase emphasizes the enduring, ongoing life of Christ-not just a completed historical action. It’s also embedded in centuries-old Easter liturgy and hymns. Altering it to “He has risen” might technically align with modern grammar, but would lose the spiritual and cultural heritage tied to the original phrase.

Can I use “He has risen” in religious writing or speeches?

Yes, you absolutely can. “He has risen” is grammatically correct and widely understood. It’s often used in educational, theological, or modern Christian writing to maintain clarity for readers or listeners unfamiliar with archaic expressions. While it may lack the poetic feel of “He is risen,” it still communicates the core truth of the resurrection and is entirely acceptable in contemporary settings.

What other similar phrases use archaic grammar in religious or poetic language?

Many older English phrases-especially those found in scripture or hymnals-use archaic grammar. Some examples include:

“He comes” (instead of “He has come”)
“The Lord is nigh” (instead of “The Lord is near”)
“Thou art worthy” (instead of “You are worthy”)
“Great is thy faithfulness” (instead of “Your faithfulness is great”)

These phrases persist in religious and poetic contexts because of their rhythm, formality, and historical significance. They help maintain a sense of reverence and timelessness in worship and literature.