John 11:34
And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τεθείκατε
have ye laid
G5087
τεθείκατε
have ye laid
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
4 of 11
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 11
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
λέγουσιν
They said
G3004
λέγουσιν
They said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 11
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 #:
7 of 11
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 #:
8 of 11
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἔρχου
come
G2064
ἔρχου
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
9 of 11
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
Jewish burial involved placing bodies in cave tombs or hewn rock chambers. The question's simplicity reflects Jesus' humble participation in human processes despite His divine power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' question demonstrate His voluntary human limitations in the incarnation?
- What does His engagement with mourning customs teach about incarnational ministry?
- In what ways does Jesus' 'Come and see' invitation apply to evangelism today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus asks where Lazarus was laid, demonstrating His human knowledge operating within incarnational limitations. Though omniscient as God, Jesus chose experiential knowledge as man. This question serves pedagogical purpose, drawing the crowd to the tomb and heightening anticipation. It also shows Jesus' respectful engagement with mourning customs. The invitation 'Come and see' brings witnesses to the miracle site, ensuring testimony's credibility.