What does John 11:31 mean?

Explanation

John 11:31 speaks of the events surrounding the death of Lazarus and the reactions of Mary and those around her.

In this particular verse, the focus is on the emotional response of Mary and how her actions were perceived by the Jews who were with her.

These Jews were likely friends and neighbors who had come to mourn with Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, as was the custom of the time.

As Mary quickly gets up and leaves the house, those who were there to comfort her assume she is going to the tomb to weep.

The verse captures the solemn atmosphere and the communal nature of mourning during that period. The assumption they make about where Mary is going reflects the common practice of visiting the burial site to grieve for the deceased.

However, unbeknownst to them, Mary was actually going to meet Jesus, who had just arrived in Bethany.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, Jewish mourning practices involved an immediate family 'sitting shiva', where they would remain at home and receive visitors who came to offer condolences for a period of typically seven days.

Mourners would often visit the grave to wean and pay respects.

The tombs were usually outside the village or town.

Bethany, the village where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived, was a small community near Jerusalem, and the customs there would have followed these typical Jewish practices.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse can be looked at through different lenses:

• Prefiguration of Resurrection: In the larger context of John 11, the story of Lazarus serves as a precursor to the resurrection of Jesus, signifying the power Jesus has over death.
• Comfort in Community: The verse also illustrates the importance of community in times of sorrow and the shared nature of grief.
• Misinterpretation of Actions: The Jews misinterpreted Mary's actions.

This can serve as a reminder that God's plans are not always immediately apparent to us.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of John 11:31 include:

• Recognizing the importance of supporting those who are grieving.
• Understanding that others may not always know the reasons behind our actions.
• The need to trust in God’s plans, even when they are not clear to us or others.

Cross-References

• John 11:19 - "And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother."
• Romans 12:15 - "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep."
• John 11:43-44 - "And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth."

Language Study

The key term in the original Greek of this verse is:

• "ἤγειρεν" (egeiren) - Often translated as "rose up" or "got up," indicating a sudden or hasty movement by Mary.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Mourning practices in ancient times often included communal aspects that are reflected in the verse.

In Greek and Roman traditions, mourning also involved visitations and expressions of grief.

Comparatively, Jewish mourning practices focused on community support and might include elements such as tearing one's clothing, fasting, and refraining from washing, as outward signs of inner sorrow.

Scientific Perspectives

The manifestation of grief as described in the verse is consistent with modern understandings of the psychological stages of grieving.

It is acknowledged that social support systems play a crucial role in the process of coping with loss, which is reflected in the Jewish customs of the time.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have different takes on this verse:

• Some emphasize the depth of Mary's grief, which compelled her to rise quickly and leave the house, indicating the intensity of her sorrow.
• Others highlight the compassion and empathy of the Jews who were present, noting this as an example of the cultural norms of the time that valued communal mourning and support.
• A few commentators point to this incident as a demonstration of misunderstandings that can occur in times of emotional distress, and how people may not recognize God's work in the moment.