He Is Risen vs He Has Risen is a phrase that often confuses English learners, writers, and even native speakers because both forms refer to the same event—the resurrection of Christ but differ in grammar, tone, and context. While “He is risen” is traditional and archaic, “He has risen” is modern and grammatically standard. Understanding when to use each phrase is important for clear communication, whether in writing, speaking, or religious contexts.
In this guide, we will explain the meaning, grammar rules, historical background, religious significance, and practical examples of both forms. We’ll also cover common mistakes, modern English perspectives, and provide helpful tips for learners, writers, and anyone interested in English grammar or Christian traditions. He Is Risen vs He Has Risen
What Does “He Is Risen” Mean?
The phrase “He is risen” is a traditional Christian expression used to declare the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Grammatically, it is an archaic construction that uses the auxiliary verb “is” with a past participle, a structure that was common in Early Modern English.
Unlike modern grammar, where we use “has” with the past participle to form the present perfect, older English sometimes used “be + past participle” for verbs that indicate motion or change. This is why “He is risen” emphasizes the state of having risen rather than just the action itself. He Is Risen vs He Has Risen
Examples
- “Christ is risen from the dead on the third day.”
- “He is risen indeed, let us rejoice and celebrate!”
- “The tomb is empty because He is risen.”
What Does “He Has Risen” Mean?
On the other hand, “He has risen” is the modern English equivalent, using the present perfect tense. This construction combines the auxiliary “has” with the past participle “risen”. It is grammatically standard in contemporary English and is widely used in writing, translations, and modern speech.
While “He is risen” emphasizes the state of being risen, “He has risen” emphasizes the completed action of rising. Both convey the same theological truth, but the choice between them depends on context, audience, and tone.
Examples
- “He has risen, and we celebrate His resurrection today.”
- “The Savior has risen, fulfilling the prophecy of salvation.”
- “Rejoice, for He has risen and brings hope to all believers.”
Key Differences Between “He Is Risen” and “He Has Risen”
Understanding the distinction between these two phrases can help avoid confusion. Here’s a clear comparison: He Is Risen vs He Has Risen
| Feature | He Is Risen | He Has Risen |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar | Archaic “be + past participle” | Modern present perfect tense |
| Emphasis | State of being risen | Completed action with ongoing relevance |
| Context | Traditional liturgy, hymns, older Bible translations | Modern writing, contemporary Bible translations, daily usage |
| Example | “Christ is risen indeed!” | “He has risen, and the prophecy is fulfilled.” |
Summary: Use “He is risen” for liturgical, historical, or traditional contexts. Use “He has risen” for modern English usage, everyday writing, or formal texts.
Why “He Is Risen” Sounds Archaic But Still Matters Today
The phrase “He is risen” may sound unusual or old-fashioned to modern readers, but it has deep historical and religious significance. In Early Modern English, verbs that expressed motion or change often used “be + past participle” instead of the modern “has/have + past participle.” This is why older Bible translations, like the King James Version, say “He is risen” instead of “He has risen.”
Despite being archaic in terms of modern grammar, “He is risen” remains widely used in Christian traditions, particularly during Easter services, hymns, and liturgical texts. The phrase emphasizes the state of having risen, rather than the action itself, giving it a solemn and poetic tone that resonates in religious contexts.
Examples of Usage:
- “Christ is risen from the dead, alleluia!”
- “He is risen indeed, let all believers rejoice!”
How to Use “He Has Risen” Correctly in Modern Writing
While “He is risen” is traditional, “He has risen” is the grammatically standard form in modern English. Using the present perfect tense (has + past participle), this phrase emphasizes that the action of rising is complete and relevant to the present.
This form is preferred in:
- Modern Bible translations like the NIV or ESV
- Contemporary Christian literature and writing
- Educational content for English learners or grammar lessons
Tips for Correct Usage:
- Use “He has risen” in modern writing to ensure clarity for readers unfamiliar with archaic forms.
- Integrate it into sentences naturally:
- “He has risen, fulfilling the prophecy of salvation.”
- “The Savior has risen, bringing hope to the faithful.”
- Avoid using “He is risen” in casual modern contexts unless quoting a traditional source.
Common Mistakes with “He Is Risen” and “He Has Risen”
Even experienced writers can confuse these phrases. Understanding common mistakes helps ensure correct and meaningful usage:
- Mixing archaic and modern forms incorrectly:
- ❌ “He has is risen from the dead.”
- ✅ “He has risen from the dead.”
- Using “He is risen” in informal contexts:
- ❌ “He is risen from the chair.”
- ✅ “He has risen from the chair.”
- Ignoring theological context in liturgy:
- ❌ “Christ has risen indeed!” (grammatically correct, but less traditional)
- ✅ “Christ is risen indeed!” (traditional Easter greeting)
Key Tip: Use “He is risen” for traditional, religious, or liturgical contexts and “He has risen” for modern, educational, or everyday writing. This ensures both grammatical correctness and contextual appropriateness.
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Historical and Linguistic Background
The usage of “He is risen” comes from Early Modern English, when verbs that expressed motion or change sometimes took “be” instead of “have” to form perfect tenses. This is why older Bible translations, such as the King James Version (KJV), use “He is risen”, reflecting the grammar of the time.
Over the centuries, English shifted to the modern standard of using “have” with past participles, which is why “He has risen” appears in contemporary translations such as NIV (New International Version) and ESV (English Standard Version).
Key Point: Both forms are grammatically correct within their historical context, but modern English favors “has risen” for clarity and consistency. He Is Risen vs He Has Risen
Religious and Cultural Context
While grammar explains the difference, culture and religion explain why both forms persist.
Liturgical Usage
- In Christian churches, “He is risen” is a traditional Easter greeting, often paired with “He is risen indeed!”
- Hymns, sermons, and liturgical texts continue to use this form for its solemnity and historical significance.
Modern Usage
- Today, “He has risen” is used in modern English writing, Bible translations, and contemporary Christian literature.
- It’s more familiar to general readers and grammatically standard, making it ideal for teaching, articles, or everyday communication.
Modern Grammar Perspective
For ESL learners, writers, or anyone studying English grammar, it’s important to know why “He has risen” is preferred in contemporary writing.
- “Has risen” follows present perfect rules: auxiliary has + past participle risen.
- “Is risen” is grammatically correct historically but may confuse modern readers unfamiliar with archaic forms.
- In formal or educational contexts, teaching “He has risen” ensures clarity and adherence to modern grammar.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even advanced writers make mistakes with these phrases. Common pitfalls include:
- Using “He is risen” in informal modern writing
- ❌ “He is risen from the office meeting today.”
- ✅ “He has risen from the meeting.”
- Confusing the theological greeting with modern grammar
- ❌ “Christ has risen indeed!” (acceptable but less traditional in liturgy)
- ✅ “Christ is risen indeed!” (traditional, formal greeting)
- Mixing present perfect and archaic constructions incorrectly
- ❌ “He has is risen” (grammatically incorrect)
Memory Tip: Use “is risen” for liturgical or historical context; use “has risen” for modern, everyday, and teaching purposes.
Examples in Sentences and Contexts
Everyday English
- “He has risen early this morning to start his work.”
- “The champion has risen to the top of the leaderboard.”
Religious / Liturgical
- “Christ is risen from the dead, alleluia!”
- “He is risen indeed, let all believers rejoice.”
Modern Writing
- “He has risen to the occasion in leading the team.”
- “The Savior has risen, fulfilling prophecy.”
Comparison Table – Traditional vs Modern Usage
| Phrase | Grammar | Context | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| He Is Risen | Archaic be + past participle | Liturgical, hymns, KJV Bible | “He is risen indeed!” |
| He Has Risen | Present perfect | Modern writing, translations | “He has risen, and the prophecy is fulfilled.” |
FAQs
Q1: Which is correct: He Is Risen or He Has Risen? A: Both are correct. “He is risen” is traditional/archaic; “He has risen” is modern and grammatically standard.
Q2: Can “He Is Risen” still be used in modern English? A: Yes, especially in liturgical, historical, or religious contexts, but it may feel archaic in everyday English.
Q3: Why do older Bibles use “He Is Risen”? A: Early Modern English used “be + past participle” for motion/change verbs, which is reflected in translations like the KJV.
Q4: When should I use “He Has Risen” in writing? A: Use it in modern texts, teaching, articles, or when writing for general audiences who may not be familiar with archaic forms.
Q5: What is the difference in meaning between the two phrases? A: “He is risen” emphasizes the state of being risen, while “He has risen” emphasizes the completed action.
Additional Insights
- He Is Risen Indeed – common traditional response to the Easter greeting.
- British vs American English Usage – subtle style differences, mostly in religious writing.
- Easter Sermon and Greeting Phrases – examples for church or community settings.
- Grammar Notes for ESL Learners – simple guide on choosing between archaic and modern forms.
Conclusion
In conclusion:
- “He Is Risen” → traditional, archaic, liturgical form, emphasizing the state of resurrection.
- “He Has Risen” → modern, grammatically standard form, emphasizing the completed action.
- Both are theologically correct, but context determines which form is appropriate.
- For modern writing, teaching, and general usage, “He has risen” is preferred. For liturgical greetings, hymns, and historical texts, “He is risen” remains powerful and meaningful.
By understanding the grammar, historical background, religious context, and modern usage, you can confidently use these phrases in writing, teaching, or speaking, ensuring clarity and respect for tradition.
