John 11:19
And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
2 of 19
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 19
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐληλύθεισαν
came
G2064
ἐληλύθεισαν
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
6 of 19
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 19
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περὶ
concerning
G4012
περὶ
concerning
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Μαρίαν,
Mary
G3137
Μαρίαν,
Mary
Strong's:
G3137
Word #:
12 of 19
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
παραμυθήσωνται
comfort
G3888
παραμυθήσωνται
comfort
Strong's:
G3888
Word #:
14 of 19
to relate near, i.e., (by implication) encourage, console
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 19
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
περὶ
concerning
G4012
περὶ
concerning
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Job 2:11Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.John 11:31The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.1 Thessalonians 5:11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.Romans 12:15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.2 Corinthians 1:4Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.1 Thessalonians 4:18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Historical Context
Jewish mourning tradition required friends to visit the bereaved, especially during the first week. Formal consolation involved sitting with the grieving, often in silence, sharing their sorrow.
Questions for Reflection
- How do ordinary social customs serve extraordinary divine purposes?
- What does the community's support teach about the importance of presence in grief?
- In what ways can we be faithful witnesses to God's work in others' suffering?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Many Jews came to comfort Martha and Mary, demonstrating the family's social standing and the Jewish custom of mourning. The Greek verb suggests continuous action—they kept coming. This gathering becomes an audience for the miracle, providing numerous witnesses from Jerusalem itself. Their presence fulfills divine purpose: they would testify to religious leaders about what they witnessed. Even mourning customs serve God's sovereign plan.