People say “He is risen” as a traditional Easter greeting in Christianity to proclaim that Jesus rose from the dead. It’s usually answered with “He is risen indeed” as a shared expression of faith and celebration.

Why the phrase matters

  • It refers to the resurrection of Jesus, which Christians see as the central event of Easter.
  • The wording is traditional and reverent, and it has been used in church greetings, hymns, and liturgy for a long time.
  • Some people prefer “He has risen” in modern English, but “He is risen” remains common in religious settings because of its older, more formal style.

In plain English

If someone says “He is risen,” they are basically saying:

Jesus has come back to life.

That is why the phrase is especially heard around Easter Sunday.

Quick note

The phrase is not just grammar trivia; for Christians, it is a declaration of hope, victory over death, and the belief that the resurrection is real and meaningful.