New Testament

John 11:35

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In John 11:35, the phrase "Jesus wept" is the shortest verse in the Bible, yet it carries profound meaning.

Author
John the apostle
Written
Around AD 85-95
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
All believers
Compare the same verse— read both and see which one you understand first.
ClearClear Bible Translation

Jesus wept.

KJVKing James Version

Jesus wept.

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Verse Analysis

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.

Key themes

Related topics

compassion, grief, empathy

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.

Curated for this public verse page. John Summary

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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