New Testament
John 11:33
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When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he groaned in his spirit and was troubled.
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When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
What John 11:33 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a deeply emotional moment for Jesus. He observes Mary, the sister of Lazarus, crying over her brother's death, and the Jews who are mourning with her. This sight moves Jesus profoundly; he groans in his spirit, indicating a deep inner turmoil. The word 'groaned' suggests a strong emotional response, reflecting his compassion and empathy for their pain. Jesus, fully aware of his power to raise Lazarus from the dead, still feels the weight of human sorrow and loss. This moment highlights the humanity of Jesus, showing that he is not detached from our suffering but is deeply affected by it. His troubled spirit signifies the reality of grief and the impact of death, even as he prepares to demonstrate his authority over it. This passage invites us to understand that it is okay to grieve and that Jesus shares in our sorrows, offering comfort and hope in times of distress.
How to apply John 11:33 to your life
When we encounter grief, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus understands our pain. It’s important to allow ourselves to feel and express our emotions. We can also support others in their times of sorrow, reflecting the compassion that Jesus showed.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Raising Lazarus (John 11:1–44)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 11:33 mean?
John 11:33 describes Jesus witnessing the grief of Mary and the mourners over Lazarus's death. His groaning in spirit shows his deep empathy and connection to human sorrow, emphasizing that he feels the weight of their pain.
What is the significance of Jesus groaning in John 11:33?
Jesus groaning in John 11:33 signifies his profound emotional response to the suffering around him. It highlights his compassion and humanity, showing that he is not indifferent to our grief.
How does John 11:33 relate to the theme of empathy?
John 11:33 illustrates empathy by showing Jesus sharing in the sorrow of those mourning Lazarus. His reaction demonstrates that he understands human grief and is moved by the pain of others.
What can we learn from John 11:33 about dealing with grief?
John 11:33 teaches us that it is natural to grieve and express our emotions. It reassures us that Jesus understands our pain and invites us to support one another in times of sorrow.
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