John 11:31
What does John 11:31 mean?
A plain-English look at John 11:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 11:31 means
The Jews consoling Mary see her rise quickly and follow, thinking she is heading to the tomb to weep. Their assumption is natural, given the customs of mourning. Yet, in God’s providence, this misreading gathers a crowd to Jesus. Sorrow draws companions, and those companions will become witnesses. The verse highlights how ordinary human responses can be woven into God’s plan to reveal His Son. What begins as support for a grieving friend becomes participation in a moment where death’s grip will be challenged before many eyes.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The Jews then who were with her in the house, and were consoling her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up quickly and went out, followed her, supposing that she was going unto the tomb to weep there.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The Jews then who were with her in the house, and were consoling her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up quickly and went out, followed her, supposing that she was going unto the tomb to weep there.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then the Jews who were with her in the house, comforting her, when they saw Mary get up quickly and go out, went after her in the belief that she was going to the place of the dead and would be weeping there.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862the Jews, therefore, who were with her in the house, and were comforting her, having seen Mary that she rose up quickly and went forth, followed her, saying--`She doth go away to the tomb, that she may weep there.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The Jews therefore, who were with her in the house and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up speedily and went out, followed her, saying: She goeth to the grave to weep there.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The Jews therefore who were with her in the house and consoling her, seeing Mary that she rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, She goes to the tomb, that she may weep there.
Context
This follows the notice that Jesus is still outside the village and Mary has gone to Him. The mourners’ following ensures that the next interaction between Mary and Jesus happens in public. The next verse will capture Mary’s heartfelt lament at Jesus’ feet, which in turn will move Jesus deeply. The scene is now communal and emotionally charged, readying the reader for the Lord’s visible compassion and the transition to the tomb.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 2:15
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, and he himself is judged of no man.
- Genesis 37:35
And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down to Sheol to my son mourning. And his father wept for him.
- John 11:19
and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother.
- 2 Samuel 12:16
David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 11
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 11.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Resurrection
The resurrection is a foundational truth of Christian faith, offering hope for eternal life and victory over death through Jesus Christ.
Topic
Bible Verses About Sadness
Sadness is a universal human experience, often leading us to seek comfort and understanding in God's Word.
Topic
Bible Verses About What Happens After Death
The Bible offers comfort and clarity regarding what happens after death, pointing to God's ultimate plan for humanity.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.