John 11:36
Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!
Original Language Analysis
ἔλεγον
said
G3004
ἔλεγον
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἴδε
G1492
Ἴδε
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 8
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
6 of 8
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
Cross References
John 11:3Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.Revelation 1:5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,1 John 3:1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.Ephesians 5:25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Historical Context
Public weeping was culturally acceptable for both men and women in ancient Judaism. Jesus' tears would not have seemed weak but demonstrated proper human emotion and relationship depth.
Questions for Reflection
- How do Jesus' tears demonstrate His qualification as our sympathetic High Priest?
- What does Christ's weeping teach about the relationship between faith and emotion?
- In what ways should Jesus' tears shape Christian responses to death and grief?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Jews correctly interpret Jesus' tears as evidence of His love for Lazarus. Their observation affirms Christ's genuine humanity and emotional depth. These witnesses testify to authentic love, not pretense. However, they see only surface truth—Jesus weeps not merely for Lazarus but for all death's devastation. His tears demonstrate the Incarnate Word's complete identification with human sorrow. The shortest verse in Scripture (v. 35) carries enormous theological weight about Christ's compassionate high priesthood (Heb 4:15).