King James Version

What Does John 11:34 Mean?

John 11:34 in the King James Version says “And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. — study this verse from John chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 11:34 · KJV


Context

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.

36

Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus asks where Lazarus was laid, demonstrating His human knowledge operating within incarnational limitations. Though omniscient as God, Jesus chose experiential knowledge as man. This question serves pedagogical purpose, drawing the crowd to the tomb and heightening anticipation. It also shows Jesus' respectful engagement with mourning customs. The invitation 'Come and see' brings witnesses to the miracle site, ensuring testimony's credibility.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish burial involved placing bodies in cave tombs or hewn rock chambers. The question's simplicity reflects Jesus' humble participation in human processes despite His divine power.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' question demonstrate His voluntary human limitations in the incarnation?
  2. What does His engagement with mourning customs teach about incarnational ministry?
  3. In what ways does Jesus' 'Come and see' invitation apply to evangelism today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
καὶ1 of 11

And

G2532

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

εἶπεν2 of 11

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ποῦ3 of 11

Where

G4226

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

τεθείκατε4 of 11

have ye laid

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

αὐτῷ5 of 11

him

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

λέγουσιν6 of 11

They said

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

αὐτῷ7 of 11

him

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

Κύριε8 of 11

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἔρχου9 of 11

come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ10 of 11

And

G2532

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

ἴδε11 of 11

see

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


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 11:34 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 11:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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