Devine Scripture

John 11:33

What does John 11:33 mean?

A plain-English look at John 11:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 11:33 means

Seeing Mary and the accompanying Jews weeping, Jesus “groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.” His reaction is intense and multilayered: He is deeply moved by their sorrow and stirred by the reality and tyranny of death. This is no distant healer; He shares and feels the weight of loss. His disturbance also signals the confrontation that is coming—life against death. The verse reveals the compassionate heart of the Son of God and the seriousness with which He regards human suffering. He is moved not only to tears but to action that will display the glory of God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping who came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping who came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when Jesus saw her weeping, and saw the Jews weeping who came with her, his spirit was moved and he was troubled,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Jesus, therefore, when he saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, did groan in the spirit, and troubled himself, and he said,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Jesus, therefore, when he saw her weeping, and the Jews that were come with her weeping, groaned in the spirit and troubled himself,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Jesus therefore, when he saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, was deeply moved in spirit, and was troubled,

Context

Mary’s tearful lament before Jesus, witnessed by many, draws from Him a profound emotional response. This prepares the reader for the solemnity of what follows: He asks to be shown the tomb and will soon weep. The combination of compassion and agitation sets the tone for the authoritative command soon to be issued. The next verse moves the narrative toward the grave, drawing a direct line from sorrow to the place of death where Jesus will act.

v.32Mary therefore, when she came where Jesus was, and saw him, fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

v.33This passage

v.34and said, Where have ye laid him? They say unto him, Lord, come and see.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 12:15

    Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep.

  • Genesis 45:1

    Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.

  • Mark 9:19

    And he answereth them and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I bear with you? bring him unto me.

  • Hebrews 4:15

    For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

  • Genesis 43:30

    And Joseph made haste; for his heart yearned over his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.

  • Mark 14:33

    And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly amazed, and sore troubled.

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