John 11:38
Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
Original Language Analysis
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
1 of 18
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 18
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
3 of 18
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
ἐμβριμώμενος
groaning
G1690
ἐμβριμώμενος
groaning
Strong's:
G1690
Word #:
4 of 18
to have indignation on, i.e., (transitively) to blame, (intransitively) to sigh with chagrin, (specially) to sternly enjoin
ἑαυτῷ
himself
G1438
ἑαυτῷ
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
6 of 18
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ἔρχεται
cometh
G2064
ἔρχεται
cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
7 of 18
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μνημεῖον·
the grave
G3419
μνημεῖον·
the grave
Strong's:
G3419
Word #:
10 of 18
a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
John 11:33When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,Matthew 27:60And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.Isaiah 22:16What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, as he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, and that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?John 20:1The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.Luke 24:2And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
Historical Context
Cave tombs were common in Judea's limestone hills. Families reused them, placing bodies on shelves until decomposition, then collecting bones in ossuaries. Rolling stones sealed entrances against animals and grave robbers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' approach to Lazarus' tomb preview His own resurrection?
- What does Christ's sustained emotion teach about the importance of feeling deeply?
- In what ways does Jesus confront death as divine warrior on our behalf?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus again groans deeply (same term as v. 33), demonstrating sustained emotional engagement. He comes to the tomb, a cave with a stone barrier, typical of first-century Jewish burial. Christ's approach to the tomb symbolizes His confrontation with death itself. The scene previews His own tomb experience—cave sealed by stone, soon to be opened in resurrection. Jesus' groaning may reflect righteous anger at death's power and Satan's temporary victory through sin. He approaches as divine warrior about to plunder death's domain.