King James Version

What Does John 11:35 Mean?

John 11:35 in the King James Version says “Jesus wept.” — study this verse from John chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Jesus wept.”

John 11:35 · King James Version

Context

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!

37

And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
This verse, the shortest in Scripture, conveys profound theology through simplicity: 'Jesus wept' (edakrysen ho Iesous). The verb dakryo means to shed tears, indicating genuine emotional expression. This moment reveals Christ's full humanity - He experiences grief, sorrow, and compassion. The context shows Jesus approaching Lazarus' tomb, surrounded by mourning sisters and friends. Though Jesus knew He would raise Lazarus, He still wept. This demonstrates that foreknowledge of resurrection does not invalidate present sorrow. Jesus enters fully into human suffering rather than remaining emotionally distant. His tears reveal God's compassion for human pain. This verse also addresses potential misunderstandings of Jesus' divinity that might suggest impassibility - God suffers with His people. The tears authenticate Jesus' humanity against Docetic heresies that denied He truly experienced human emotions.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Jews observing Jesus' tears interpreted them as evidence of His love for Lazarus (11:36). In Greco-Roman culture, excessive emotional display was often viewed as weakness, particularly for men and leaders. Yet Jesus, secure in His identity, weeps openly. The Old Testament presents God as emotionally engaged - grieved by human sin (Genesis 6:6), moved by compassion (Hosea 11:8). Jesus embodies this divine compassion in human form. Hebrews 4:15 affirms that Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses, having been tempted in all ways. Early Christians found comfort that their High Priest understood suffering experientially. Church Fathers defended Christ's full humanity by pointing to this verse - He who is impassible in His divine nature experiences genuine emotion in His human nature. The verse remains powerful in pastoral ministry, assuring sufferers that God understands their pain.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Jesus weep if He knew He was about to raise Lazarus from death?
  2. What does Jesus' weeping teach us about the relationship between faith and emotion in the face of death?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 3 words
ἐδάκρυσεν1 of 3

“wept”

G1145

to shed tears

ὁ2 of 3
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς3 of 3

“Jesus”

G2424

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

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 11:35 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 11:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 19:41Hebrews 4:15John 11:33Isaiah 53:3Psalms 119:136Jeremiah 13:17

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