Few Christian expressions carry the emotional weight and historical depth of “He is risen” and “He has risen.” You’ve seen both. You’ve heard both. And if you’ve ever wondered which one is “right,” you’re not alone.
Both phrases have shaped Easter sermons, hymns, and theological discussions for centuries. They also challenge modern writers because English has changed dramatically since early Bible translations first introduced these lines.
This guide breaks the topic wide open. You’ll learn the grammatical, historical, and theological layers behind each phrase so you can confidently choose the one that fits your message, your audience, and your purpose.
And we’ll do it in a clear, friendly, and deeply researched way—just like a good conversation over coffee.
He Is Risen: What the Phrase Actually Means
The expression “He is risen” is more than an old-fashioned Easter greeting. It’s loaded with ancient grammar, tradition, and theological emphasis.
The Literal Meaning of “He Is Risen”
At face value, the phrase uses “is” + past participle, a structure that looks odd to modern readers. But in earlier stages of English, this construction was common—especially in contexts involving movement or a change of state.
Think of it as:
“He is in the state of having risen.”
It doesn’t simply describe an event. It proclaims a reality.
This is why believers shout it as a declaration, not a description. It’s short, punchy, and emphatic—perfect for public worship and celebration.
Historical-Linguistic Background
Early English often used “is” where modern English uses “has.” For example:
| Old/Middle English | Modern English Equivalent |
|---|---|
| He is come. | He has come. |
| Christ is born. | Christ has been born. |
| The king is arrived. | The king has arrived. |
The early translators kept this traditional structure because it echoed the style of older European languages—especially Latin and German.
He Has Risen: The Modern English Form
The Literal Meaning of “He Has Risen”
This phrase uses the present perfect tense, which expresses an action completed in the past with continuing relevance now.
In simple terms:
It happened, and it still matters.
That makes “He has risen” feel natural to modern ears. It follows the grammatical pattern English speakers hear every day:
- She has left.
- The sun has risen.
- He has finished.
Why It’s Considered Standard Today
English shifted away from “be” verbs as auxiliaries centuries ago. By the 1800s, “has/have” became the only accepted form for perfect tense in everyday usage.
So if you’re writing a book, article, academic paper, or modern devotional, “He has risen” fits smoothly into contemporary grammar.
How Religious Tradition Shaped Popular Usage
Liturgical Origin of “He Is Risen”
Churches preserved the older phrase intentionally. It shows up in:
- classic hymns
- ancient liturgies
- centuries-old translations
- Easter proclamations
Many Christians grow up hearing the Easter call-and-response:
Leader: He is risen!
Congregation: He is risen indeed!
It’s tradition in its purest form—unchanged, unforgettable, and emotionally powerful.
Cultural Weight and Emotional Impact
“He is risen” doesn’t just inform—it celebrates.
The phrase feels sacred. Poetic. Timeless.
It carries history in its bones.
For many believers, it sounds like victory.
Scriptural Translation Evidence Across Major Versions
Different Bible translations reflect different goals: accuracy, readability, or preservation of tradition.
Here’s a simplified look at how translations approach these phrases:
| Translation Type | Typical Phrase Used | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional/Liturgical | He is risen | Preserves older English; maintains liturgical continuity. |
| Modern/Contemporary | He has risen | Fits current grammar and readability standards. |
| Dynamic/Thought-for-Thought | He has risen | Prioritizes clear modern expression. |
What These Differences Reveal
- Translators aren’t disagreeing on theology—they’re choosing how best to express the Greek meaning for their audience.
- Both phrases correctly convey the Resurrection.
- The choice reflects language evolution, not doctrinal variation.
Theological Implications of Each Phrase
“He Is Risen” as a Statement of Ongoing Reality
This version emphasizes the current state of Jesus:
- He is alive.
- He is victorious over death.
- He is risen—not just historically, but eternally.
It highlights the continuing effect of the Resurrection.
“He Has Risen” as a Completed Action
This focuses on the historical event:
- It happened.
- It changed everything.
- The resurrection is a completed, factual moment in time.
This framing appeals to theologians, teachers, and writers who want chronological clarity.
Why Some Theologians Prefer One Over the Other
Preference for “He is risen”:
- Strong liturgical resonance
- Christ’s eternal state emphasized
- Deep rootedness in church history
Preference for “He has risen”:
- Grammatically standard in modern English
- Strong alignment with Greek perfect tense
- Clear for contemporary readers
Both are theologically sound. The emphasis simply shifts.
Modern English, Historical Context, and Shifting Usage
Why Everyday English Moved Away from “Is Risen”
Language evolves. Over the centuries:
- Auxiliary verbs changed
- Sentence structures simplified
- Irregular forms corrected themselves
- Archaic grammar faded out
Writers no longer say:
- “The ship is sunk.”
- “The bride is come.”
- “The rains are fallen.”
English streamlined these into forms with “has.”
Why Some Phrases Stay Frozen in Time
Religious expressions often resist linguistic change:
- “Peace be with you.”
- “Blessed art thou.”
- “Amen and amen.”
- “He is risen.”
These phrases survive because they carry identity, culture, and shared memory. They’re not just words—they’re heritage.
“He Is Risen” in Contemporary Society
Digital Age Usage Trends
Every Easter, searches for “He is risen” spike online. Social media posts—especially Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest—still overwhelmingly use the traditional phrase.
Why?
Because it sounds like Easter.
It’s short, rhythmic, and celebratory—perfect for:
- Easter captions
- Church graphics
- Sermon slides
- Holiday messages
Why the Phrase Still Resonates
“He is risen” feels timeless. It links believers to generations of Christians who celebrated Resurrection Sunday with the same declaration.
It’s poetic, it’s powerful, and it’s deeply emotional.
Choosing the Right Phrase: Practical Guidelines
When to Use “He Is Risen”
Use this version when you want:
- A traditional tone
- A liturgical or church-oriented voice
- Emotional resonance
- Easter greeting cards
- Hymns, devotionals, worship content
This version shines in religious contexts.
When to Use “He Has Risen”
Choose this version when you want:
- Modern, clean grammar
- Clarity for new readers
- Academic or educational writing
- Blog posts or books written in contemporary style
It communicates the same message—just in modern English.
How to Decide in Mixed Contexts
Ask yourself:
- Who is my audience?
- Do I want a traditional tone or a modern one?
- Am I teaching, celebrating, or explaining?
If you’re aiming for warmth and tradition, pick “He is risen.”
If you’re aiming for clarity and modern readability, go with “He has risen.”
FAQs
What is the difference between “He is risen” and “He has risen”?
“He is risen” is a traditional, older English expression. “He has risen” uses modern grammar. Both mean the Resurrection happened.
Is “He is risen” grammatically correct?
Yes—it’s correct in older English, and still correct in liturgical or traditional settings today.
Why is “He is risen” used in churches?
Churches preserve phrases that carry history, emotion, and theological weight. “He is risen” is part of centuries of Christian tradition.
Should I use “He has risen” in modern writing?
Yes, if you’re aiming for modern, clear English. It fits contemporary grammar better.
Does choosing one phrase over the other change the theological meaning?
No. Theology stays the same. The difference is about tone, emphasis, and grammatical style.
Conclusion
Whether you say “He is risen” or “He has risen,” you’re declaring the same life-changing truth. One expression carries the weight of history, while the other carries the ease of modern clarity.
Both honor the Resurrection. Both celebrate victory over death.
Choose the version that matches your purpose, your voice, and your audience—but know that the message remains powerful and unchanged.
Aiden Brooks is an educational writer dedicated to simplifying grammar for learners of all levels. He creates clear, practical explanations that help students read, write, and understand English with confidence.
