New Testament
John 11:35
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Jesus wept.
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Jesus wept.
What John 11:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In John 11:35, the phrase "Jesus wept" is the shortest verse in the Bible, yet it carries profound meaning. This moment occurs when Jesus arrives at the tomb of Lazarus, His friend who has died. Despite knowing He would soon raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus is deeply moved by the sorrow of those around Him. His tears reflect His compassion and empathy for human suffering. This verse highlights the humanity of Jesus, showing that He experiences grief and pain just like us. It also emphasizes the importance of mourning and the emotional connections we share with others. Jesus' tears remind us that it is okay to express our emotions and that God cares about our pain. This moment serves as a powerful reminder that even in times of sorrow, we are not alone; God is with us in our grief, sharing in our struggles and offering comfort.
How to apply John 11:35 to your life
When faced with loss or sadness, remember that it is okay to grieve. Jesus wept, showing us that expressing our emotions is a natural part of being human. Allow yourself to feel and share your pain with others, knowing that God understands and cares.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Raising Lazarus (John 11:1–44)
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Jesus
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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Plain Meaning
Jesus cried. He had just seen Mary and the other mourners weeping over Lazarus, and He wept with them. This is the shortest verse in the Bible, but it carries real weight: Jesus, who already knew He was about to raise Lazarus, still stopped and cried.
Read It in Context
Lazarus had been dead four days. Mary fell at Jesus's feet in grief. The crowd around her was also weeping. Verse 33 says Jesus groaned and was troubled when He saw them. His tears in verse 35 follow directly from that moment.
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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 11:35 mean?
John 11:35, which simply states 'Jesus wept,' signifies Jesus' deep compassion and empathy for those mourning the death of Lazarus. Despite knowing He would raise Lazarus, He was moved by the grief of others, highlighting His humanity.
What is the significance of Jesus weeping in John 11:35?
The significance of Jesus weeping in John 11:35 lies in His demonstration of genuine human emotion. It shows that Jesus understands our pain and sorrow, reminding us that it is natural to grieve.
Why did Jesus cry in John 11:35?
Jesus cried in John 11:35 because He was deeply affected by the sorrow of those around Him mourning Lazarus. His tears reflect His compassion and connection to human suffering.
What does the phrase 'Jesus wept' teach us?
The phrase 'Jesus wept' teaches us that expressing emotions is a natural part of being human. It encourages us to acknowledge our grief and reminds us that God cares about our struggles.
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