On Easter Sunday, as the bells rang through our church, I sat quietly, listening to the familiar phrase that always resounds: “He is risen.” The moment still gives me chills. The line’s strength isn’t just in its grammar—though that’s worth exploring—but in its enduring spiritual pull. I once wrestled with the question, “He Is Risen” or “He Has Risen” – Which is Correct? That one sentence, about 150 characters long, connects faith, tradition, and language.
As a lifelong Christian and former grammarian, I’ve dug into the linguistic roots, etymological layers, and sacred nuance of that line. Turns out, older English used “is” with past participles to describe a state—not just an action—which reveals the spiritual power in those three words.
This blend of sacred tradition, timeless reverence, and grammatical structure has survived centuries of Christian worship and debate. “He is risen” has an emotional echo that no modern version can replace. It captures generations of belief, cultural expression, and spiritual meaning in a way that feels deeply personal.
The affirmation isn’t only valid—it’s powerful. It speaks to a collective memory that transcends rules, leaving a resonance that continues to uncover new implications every time it’s spoken. Whether viewed through a theological or grammatical lens, the phrase’s weight is undeniable.
Understanding the Grammar Behind “He Is Risen” and “He Has Risen”
Let’s start with grammar—the foundation of any good language discussion. In modern English, the phrase “He has risen” uses the present perfect tense, formed by the auxiliary verb “has” plus the past participle “risen.”
- Present Perfect: Describes an action that occurred at an unspecified time in the past and is relevant to the present.
- Example: He has finished his homework.
So, logically, “He has risen” is grammatically correct in today’s usage.
But what about “He is risen”?
This phrase reflects an older grammatical structure where English once used “be” as the auxiliary verb instead of “have” in certain perfect tense constructions—especially with intransitive verbs of motion or change of state, like come, go, arrive, rise, fall, etc.
Examples of Archaic Usage with “Be” as Auxiliary
| Archaic Form | Modern Equivalent |
| He is come | He has come |
| She is gone | She has gone |
| They are fallen | They have fallen |
| He is risen | He has risen |
In earlier centuries, both forms were acceptable—but the “be + past participle” structure has largely fallen out of use, except in liturgy and religious texts.
Why “He Is Risen” Still Appears in Religious Texts
The phrase “He is risen” survives not because it’s grammatically current—but because it’s linguistically and theologically loaded with meaning.
It Comes from Early Modern English
The most well-known English Bible, the King James Version (1611), uses the phrase in Matthew 28:6:
“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.”
At the time, this phrasing was standard. In fact, in the 1600s, people frequently used “is” as the auxiliary for intransitive verbs when expressing completed actions.
Scriptural References: Comparing “He Is Risen” Across Bible Translations
Let’s look at how different Bible translations treat the same verse.
| Bible Translation | Matthew 28:6 Phrase |
| King James Version (KJV) | He is risen |
| New International Version | He has risen |
| English Standard Version | He has risen |
| New Revised Standard Version | He has been raised |
| American Standard Version | He is risen |
As seen here, more modern translations have updated the phrasing for grammatical accuracy. Still, many churches and individuals retain the older phrase out of tradition.
Theological Importance: Why “He Is Risen” Is More Than Grammar
For many Christians, “He is risen” isn’t just a grammatical construct—it’s a declaration of a current and eternal truth. It emphasizes that Jesus is not just someone who rose in the past, but is alive today.
- “He has risen” implies a past event.
- “He is risen” suggests a continuing state of resurrection.
This subtle nuance is crucial in theology. It reinforces the belief that Jesus is present, active, and eternal—not just a historical figure who completed an action in the past.
“Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!” – Traditional Easter greeting
The present tense “is” functions symbolically, proclaiming a living faith.
How English Has Changed Over Time
Language evolves. And the auxiliary “be” fell out of favor in perfect tenses between the 17th and 19th centuries. By the late 1800s, “He has risen” was standard English.
Here’s how it changed:
Auxiliary Verb Evolution Timeline
| Period | Auxiliary Used | Common Usage |
| 1500s–1700s | “be” | He is risen |
| 1800s–1900s | “has” | He has risen |
| Today | “has” | Preferred in modern grammar |
Yet despite the shift, many religious expressions have resisted modernization. Just like we still say “Hallowed be Thy name,” phrases like “He is risen” remain rooted in older, sacred language.
The Role of “He Is Risen” in Hymns, Liturgy, and Culture
Across hymns, sermons, Easter services, and even popular media, “He is risen” has become symbolic.
Common Places You’ll Find “He Is Risen”:
- Church bulletins
- Easter Sunday sermons
- Christian greeting cards
- Social media quotes
- Traditional hymns
Example from a hymn:
“He is risen! He is risen! Tell it out with joyful voice!”
People recognize and cherish the phrase because of its rhythm, familiarity, and emotional resonance. Even if it’s no longer common English, it still serves a powerful role in religious identity and cultural memory.
Modern Usage in Writing and Speech: Which One Should You Use?
So, let’s bring it back to practical English. Which one should you actually use?
It depends on your audience and your intent.
When to Use “He Has Risen”
- In academic papers
- In modern writing or blogs
- When emphasizing grammar and clarity
- In conversation outside religious context
When to Use “He Is Risen”
- In religious texts or ceremonies
- When quoting scripture (especially KJV)
- On Easter Sunday
- In hymn lyrics or historical references
Practical Comparison Table
| Phrase | Tone/Style | Best Used In |
| He is risen | Formal, Liturgical | Church, Hymns, Religious greeting |
| He has risen | Neutral, Modern | Academic, General conversation, Essays |
Bottom line: Both are correct—but each belongs in its own context.
What Grammar Guides and Style Manuals Say
Let’s see what modern style authorities have to say:
- APA Style: Encourages modern usage—“He has risen.”
- Chicago Manual of Style: Allows traditional phrasing when quoting sources like the Bible.
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Lists both as valid depending on context but categorizes “He is risen” as archaic or literary.
So while it’s not wrong, “He is risen” is no longer standard in most writing—unless used intentionally.
Why This Matters for Students, Teachers, and Professionals
For students writing papers, knowing when to modernize language and when to respect historical or cultural context is crucial. Teachers can use this example to show how language reflects society and belief systems. Professionals—especially in writing, media, or religious fields—should understand how phrasing choices affect tone, meaning, and reception.
Conclusion
In the end, both “He is risen” and “He has risen” are grammatically correct, but they’re not just about grammar. “He is risen” carries the weight of tradition, spiritual depth, and cultural memory that goes beyond modern usage. Its use in Christian worship reflects a state of resurrection, not just an event in the past. Whether you’re reflecting on language or faith, the phrase stands as a timeless affirmation of something living, sacred, and deeply meaningful.
Faqs
Q1: Is “He is risen” incorrect grammar?
No. While modern grammar often pairs “has” with past participles like “risen,” “is risen” is correct in older and sacred English usage. It reflects a state of being rather than just an action.
Q2: Why do churches still use “He is risen”?
Because it preserves a sense of reverence and tradition. The phrase emphasizes the living state of Christ’s resurrection and connects generations of believers.
Q3: Can I say “He has risen” instead?
Yes, it’s also grammatically correct and commonly understood. But in religious contexts, “He is risen” is more traditional and emotionally resonant.
Q4: What’s the difference in meaning between the two?
“He has risen” focuses on the completed action, while “He is risen” emphasizes the ongoing result or present state—Christ is alive now.
Q5: Which should I use in writing or worship?
If you’re writing formally or outside religious settings, “He has risen” may feel more natural. But in Christian worship, “He is risen” is the preferred phrase.
Additional Resources
- 🔗 BibleGateway – Compare Translations
- 🔗 Merriam-Webster – Definition of “Risen”
- 🔗 Grammarly Blog – Understanding Present Perfect Tense
- 🔗 King James Bible Online
