John 11:31
The 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.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
6 of 32
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 32
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
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκίᾳ
the house
G3614
οἰκίᾳ
the house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
10 of 32
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παραμυθούμενοι
comforted
G3888
παραμυθούμενοι
comforted
Strong's:
G3888
Word #:
12 of 32
to relate near, i.e., (by implication) encourage, console
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 32
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
ἰδόντες
when they saw
G1492
ἰδόντες
when they saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
14 of 32
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Μαρίαν,
Mary
G3137
Μαρίαν,
Mary
Strong's:
G3137
Word #:
16 of 32
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
17 of 32
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ταχέως
hastily
G5030
ταχέως
hastily
Strong's:
G5030
Word #:
18 of 32
briefly, i.e., (in time) speedily, or (in manner) rapidly
ἀνέστη
she rose up
G450
ἀνέστη
she rose up
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
19 of 32
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἠκολούθησαν
followed
G190
ἠκολούθησαν
followed
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
22 of 32
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
23 of 32
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
λέγοντες,
saying
G3004
λέγοντες,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
24 of 32
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
25 of 32
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὑπάγει
She goeth
G5217
ὑπάγει
She goeth
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
26 of 32
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
27 of 32
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μνημεῖον
the grave
G3419
μνημεῖον
the grave
Strong's:
G3419
Word #:
29 of 32
a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)
Historical Context
Visiting the tomb to weep was customary Jewish mourning practice, especially during the first week. Professional mourners often accompanied families, and friends showed respect by joining tomb visits.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use even human misunderstanding to accomplish His purposes?
- What does the mourners' unintended witness role teach about divine sovereignty?
- In what ways might God be using your current circumstances for purposes beyond your knowledge?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The mourners misinterpret Mary's swift departure, assuming she goes to weep at the tomb, a common mourning practice. Their mistaken assumption leads them to follow, inadvertently becoming witnesses to the miracle. This demonstrates divine providence—even misunderstanding serves God's purposes. Their presence ensures multiple Jerusalem witnesses to Lazarus' resurrection. God's sovereignty orchestrates circumstances so that even unintended actions fulfill His design.