King James Version

What Does John 11:31 Mean?

John 11:31 in the King James Version says “The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went... — study this verse from John chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.

John 11:31 · KJV


Context

29

As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.

30

Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.

31

The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.

32

Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

33

When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled , was troubled: Gr. he troubled himself


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The mourners misinterpret Mary's swift departure, assuming she goes to weep at the tomb, a common mourning practice. Their mistaken assumption leads them to follow, inadvertently becoming witnesses to the miracle. This demonstrates divine providence—even misunderstanding serves God's purposes. Their presence ensures multiple Jerusalem witnesses to Lazarus' resurrection. God's sovereignty orchestrates circumstances so that even unintended actions fulfill His design.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Visiting the tomb to weep was customary Jewish mourning practice, especially during the first week. Professional mourners often accompanied families, and friends showed respect by joining tomb visits.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use even human misunderstanding to accomplish His purposes?
  2. What does the mourners' unintended witness role teach about divine sovereignty?
  3. In what ways might God be using your current circumstances for purposes beyond your knowledge?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
τὸ1 of 32

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὖν2 of 32

then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

Ἰουδαῖοι3 of 32

The Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

τὸ4 of 32

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄντες5 of 32

were

G5607

being

μετ'6 of 32

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτῇ7 of 32

her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐν8 of 32

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τὸ9 of 32

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οἰκίᾳ10 of 32

the house

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

καὶ11 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παραμυθούμενοι12 of 32

comforted

G3888

to relate near, i.e., (by implication) encourage, console

αὐτῇ13 of 32

her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἰδόντες14 of 32

when they saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὸ15 of 32

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Μαρίαν,16 of 32

Mary

G3137

maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females

ὅτι17 of 32

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ταχέως18 of 32

hastily

G5030

briefly, i.e., (in time) speedily, or (in manner) rapidly

ἀνέστη19 of 32

she rose up

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

καὶ20 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐξῆλθεν21 of 32

went out

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἠκολούθησαν22 of 32

followed

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

αὐτῇ23 of 32

her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

λέγοντες,24 of 32

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὅτι25 of 32

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὑπάγει26 of 32

She goeth

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

εἰς27 of 32

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ28 of 32

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μνημεῖον29 of 32

the grave

G3419

a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)

ἵνα30 of 32

to

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

κλαύσῃ31 of 32

weep

G2799

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

ἐκεῖ32 of 32

there

G1563

there; by extension, thither


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 11:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 11:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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