Contradiction with Matthew 9:24
While John 11:11 refers to death as sleep in a more literal sense, Matthew 9:24 suggests a figurative use where Jesus states "the maid is not dead, but sleepeth," implying a misunderstanding by the people present.
Matthew 9:24: He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:5
John 11:11 refers to death as sleep with the expectation of awakening, whereas Ecclesiastes 9:5 states "the dead know not any thing," suggesting permanency in death.
Ecclesiastes 9:5: For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
Contradiction with Hebrews 9:27
John 11:11 implies a temporary state akin to sleep, while Hebrews 9:27 suggests a more final view with "it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment."
Hebrews 9:27: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 5:8
This verse supports a different perspective by expressing a desire "to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord," contradicting the 'sleep' idea of John 11:11 with an immediate transition to the afterlife.
2 Corinthians 5:8: We are confident, [I say], and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.