John 11:32
Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Μαρία,
Mary
G3137
Μαρία,
Mary
Strong's:
G3137
Word #:
3 of 28
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
ὡς
when
G5613
ὡς
when
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
4 of 28
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἦλθεν
was come
G2064
ἦλθεν
was come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
5 of 28
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
9 of 28
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἰδοῦσα
and saw
G1492
ἰδοῦσα
and saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
10 of 28
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 28
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
εἰς
at
G1519
εἰς
at
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 28
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 28
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
λέγουσα
saying
G3004
λέγουσα
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
17 of 28
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 28
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
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
19 of 28
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
John 11:21Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.Luke 17:16And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.Luke 8:41And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:Luke 5:8When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
Historical Context
Falling at someone's feet was ancient Near Eastern gesture of respect, supplication, and worship. Mary's posture toward Jesus acknowledges His authority and deity.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the sisters' identical words but different postures teach about diverse worship expressions?
- What does Mary's prostration teach about humility in approaching Christ with grief?
- In what ways does your temperament shape how you approach Jesus in difficulty?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Mary's words exactly echo Martha's (v. 21), suggesting the sisters discussed this repeatedly during Jesus' absence: 'If only He had been here.' Her falling at His feet demonstrates humility and worship, contrasting Martha's standing conversation. Mary's posture reflects her contemplative nature (Luke 10:39). Both sisters express identical faith and disappointment, showing how different personalities process identical grief. Jesus accepts both approaches—Martha's active dialogue and Mary's prostrate worship.