King James Version

What Does John 11:33 Mean?

John 11:33 in the King James Version says “When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was t... — study this verse from John chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 11:33 · KJV


Context

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

34

And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

35

Jesus wept.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' deep emotional response is profound. The Greek 'embrimaomai' (groaned in spirit) suggests intense indignation or strong emotion, possibly anger at sin and death. 'Troubled himself' indicates deliberate emotional engagement—Jesus chose to enter fully into human grief. His response shows both His humanity (genuine emotion) and deity (righteous anger at death's ravage). Christ doesn't merely sympathize; He shares our sorrow. This validates emotional expression in Christian faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The intense terminology reflects Jesus' full humanity. Greek philosophy often portrayed ideal men as emotionless, but Jesus models healthy emotional expression and righteous indignation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' emotional intensity teach about righteous anger at sin's effects?
  2. How does Christ's full entry into grief validate our own emotional responses to loss?
  3. In what ways should righteous indignation at death shape Christian ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
Ἰησοῦς1 of 18

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

οὖν2 of 18

therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ὡς3 of 18

When

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

εἶδεν4 of 18

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

αὐτῇ5 of 18

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

κλαίοντας6 of 18

also weeping

G2799

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

καὶ7 of 18

and

G2532

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

τοὺς8 of 18
G3588

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

συνελθόντας9 of 18

which came

G4905

to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)

αὐτῇ10 of 18

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

Ἰουδαίους11 of 18

the Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

κλαίοντας12 of 18

also weeping

G2799

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

ἐνεβριμήσατο13 of 18

he groaned

G1690

to have indignation on, i.e., (transitively) to blame, (intransitively) to sigh with chagrin, (specially) to sternly enjoin

τῷ14 of 18
G3588

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

πνεύματι15 of 18

in the spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

καὶ16 of 18

and

G2532

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

ἐτάραξεν17 of 18

was troubled

G5015

to stir or agitate (roil water)

ἑαυτόν·18 of 18
G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc


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 11:33 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 11:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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