Every Easter, the church fills with voices and ringing bells in unison as the phrase “He is risen!” resounds. One Sunday, I sat quietly, listening, and wondered if “He has risen” would be more technically correct. As a curious grammarian, I couldn’t resist a deep dive into the linguistic roots and etymological puzzle of this sacred line. What I found was a powerful blend of grammar, tradition, and faith, all wrapped in the phrase “He Is Risen” vs “He Has Risen”. In older language, using “is” with past participles like risen described a state or outcome, not just action.
That nuance remains in phrases during sacred times. In modern English, both versions are grammatically acceptable, but you’ll notice Christian worship still leans on “is” for its reverence and weight. There’s a timeless echo in how the phrase has echoed through centuries. Its resonance spans generations, offering more than just words – it offers connection.
When you explore the scriptural and theological implications, you uncover evidence of cultural and spiritual meaning, packed with emotion and memory. The truth behind it lies in its collective use – an enduring spiritual affirmation that transcends grammatical rules. It’s not just linguistic, it’s deeply sacred. That’s why someone may feel that one version holds more weight, even though both are valid. The phrase captures history, faith, and shared memory, making it far more than just correct grammar.
Understanding the Phrase “He Is Risen”
“He is risen” may sound unusual to modern ears, but its impact is undeniable.
This phrase is most commonly heard in Christian contexts, especially during Easter celebrations. It signifies the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead – a core belief in Christianity.
Why It Sounds Odd to Us
In everyday English, we use “has” as the helping verb for the present perfect tense:
- Modern usage: “He has risen from his seat.”
- Biblical usage: “He is risen from the grave.”
At first glance, “He is risen” appears incorrect. Yet it’s grammatically valid – just archaic. Let’s see how.
Grammatical Structure of “He Has Risen”
The phrase “He has risen” uses the present perfect tense, formed by:
Subject + has/have + past participle
So, “He has risen” is built like this:
- He (subject)
- has (auxiliary verb)
- risen (past participle of “rise”)
This is the standard construction in modern English for describing an action that happened in the past but has ongoing relevance.
Example Sentences
- She has left the building.
- They have finished their work.
- Christ has risen.
Clear, clean, and grammatically modern.
So why would anyone say “He is risen”?
Historical English Grammar: When “Is” Was Perfectly Normal
To understand “He is risen,” we need to journey back a few centuries.
In Early Modern English (used from the late 15th to the early 17th century), verbs of motion or transformation often used “be” instead of “have” in perfect tenses.
Common Archaic Constructions
| 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 |
This older structure emphasized a state resulting from an action, especially when the subject had undergone change or movement.
In this sense, “He is risen” highlights the state of Jesus being risen – not just the act.
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:
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.” |
💡 Insight: Most modern versions have switched to “has risen,” but some – like NKJV – retain “is risen” for continuity and reverence.
Why Did Older Translations Use “Is” Instead of “Has”?
The Koine Greek phrase in the New Testament uses a form of the verb egeiro (ἐγείρω), which can be translated into either form in English depending on tense and theological interpretation.
The Greek Behind the Phrase
- The verb form used is ἠγέρθη (ēgerthē) – aorist passive indicative
- Literal rendering: “He was raised”
- English translators had a choice: preserve the passive voice with “is risen,” or modernize with “has risen”
So, both are theologically and grammatically defensible.
Theological Implications of “He Is Risen” vs. “He Has Risen”
While both phrases describe the same event, they emphasize different theological aspects.
“He Has Risen” – Completed Past Action
- Focuses on the moment of resurrection
- Common in academic or explanatory contexts
- Suitable for historical narrative
“He Is Risen” – Ongoing Spiritual Reality
- Emphasizes current state: Jesus is alive
- Liturgical and celebratory tone
- Reinforces the eternal victory over death
Theological Note: Some theologians argue that “He is risen” more accurately reflects Christian belief that Jesus’s resurrection is not just a past event, but a present truth.
Liturgical Use of “He Is Risen”
Church traditions across denominations embrace “He is risen” not just as a statement, but as a call and response.
Traditional Easter Greeting
- Leader: He is risen!
- Congregation: He is risen indeed!
This formulaic greeting appears in:
- Anglican and Episcopal churches
- Catholic and Orthodox liturgies
- Protestant Easter services
- Christian greeting cards, art, and hymns
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
- Easter sermons and bulletins
- Social media hashtags: #HeIsRisen, #RisenIndeed
- Church banners and decorations
- Religious greeting cards
- Christian merchandise (T-shirts, mugs, wall art)
Why It Sticks
- Emotional resonance and familiarity
- Scriptural connection (KJV influence)
- Sense of tradition and reverence
People often favor the poetic and sacred over the precise and grammatical – especially in matters of 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:
- Quoting scripture (especially KJV or liturgical versions)
- Writing for religious or spiritual audiences
- Creating Easter-related content or greetings
- Emphasizing spiritual truth or tradition
Use “He Has Risen” When:
- Writing for academic or grammatical accuracy
- Explaining the resurrection in modern terms
- Teaching or instructing in a classroom setting
- Publishing theological essays or blogs for general audiences
Public Perception and Usage Trends
Social media shows a clear preference for tradition.
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 |
Conclusion: “He is risen” remains the dominant phrase across both digital and in-person Christian communities.
Scholarly Views and Expert Commentary
Let’s look at what language experts and theologians say.
Linguists on Archaic Constructions
“The use of ‘is’ as an auxiliary in perfect constructions reflects a historical stage in English. While obsolete in general speech, it persists in fixed expressions and liturgical language.” – Dr. Anne Curzan, Professor of English, University of Michigan
Theologians on Liturgical Impact
“‘He is risen’ is more than grammar – it’s proclamation. The phrase testifies not just to a moment in time, but to a living reality.” – Rev. Dr. N.T. Wright, Anglican Bishop and New Testament Scholar
Final Thoughts
Language is more than grammar – it’s culture, faith, and emotion all woven together. In the case of “He is risen” and “He has risen,” both are grammatically valid, but their meanings go deeper than syntax. While “He has risen” fits modern English rules, “He is risen” remains deeply rooted in Christian tradition, conveying not just an event but a living truth.
So whether you’re writing a sermon, composing an Easter card, or simply deepening your understanding of Christian tradition, knowing the difference equips you to choose your words wisely – and respectfully.
In the end, both phrases point to the same miracle. And in that miracle, the language of faith will always transcend the rules of grammar.
FAQs
Is “He is risen” or “He has risen” the correct phrase?
Both are correct. “He has risen” is standard modern English. “He is risen” uses an older grammatical form that remains popular in religious traditions, especially around Easter, to emphasize Christ’s ongoing resurrection.
Why do Christians say “He is risen” on Easter?
Christians use “He is risen” as a joyful proclamation of Jesus’s resurrection. It originates from older Bible translations and has become a traditional Easter greeting that emphasizes spiritual victory over death.
Is “He is risen” used in the Bible?
Yes. The King James Version of the Bible (1611) uses “He is risen” in Matthew 28:6. Many modern translations now use “He has risen,” but older ones preserve the traditional phrase for its reverence.
Can I use “He has risen” in church writing?
Absolutely. “He has risen” is grammatically correct and theologically sound. However, some religious communities prefer the traditional “He is risen” for its liturgical and emotional resonance during worship.
What’s the difference in meaning between the two?
“He has risen” emphasizes the completed action of the resurrection. “He is risen” focuses on the ongoing state of being risen, which aligns with the Christian belief that Jesus is alive today – not just historically.