John 11:35
What does John 11:35 mean?
A plain-English look at John 11:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 11:35 means
“Jesus wept.” In two words, His true humanity and tender love are revealed. He shares the sorrow of His friends and feels the sting of death, even as He knows He will shortly reverse it. His tears are not a sign of helplessness but of compassionate solidarity. They sanctify grief, showing that faith and tears can coexist. The weeping Savior is about to speak a life-giving word, but He first enters the pain fully. This verse reassures us that the Lord who conquers death is also the Lord who cares deeply for those who mourn.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus wept.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus wept.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus wept.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Jesus himself was weeping.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus wept.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Jesus wept.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus wept.
Context
Having asked to be shown the tomb, Jesus pauses and weeps. This display of emotion becomes a catalyst for differing reactions among the onlookers. The next verses will record some who interpret His tears as love and others who question why He did not prevent the death. This mixture of responses further intensifies the scene, just before Jesus approaches the tomb and commands the stone to be taken away.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Lamentations 1:16
For these things I weep; mine eye, mine eye runneth down with water; Because the comforter that should refresh my soul is far from me: My children are desolate, because the enemy hath prevailed.
- Luke 19:41
And when he drew nigh, he saw the city and wept over it,
- Isaiah 53:3
He was despised, and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and as one from whom men hide their face he was despised; and we esteemed him not.
- Romans 9:2
that I have great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart.
- Job 30:25
Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? Was not my soul grieved for the needy?
- Jeremiah 9:1
Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!
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.