What does John 11:33 mean?

Explanation

John 11:33 captures a profound moment of emotional response from Jesus to the suffering of others.

This verse occurs in the context of the story of Lazarus, whom Jesus raises from the dead.

Mary, the sister of Lazarus, has come to meet Jesus, crying over her brother's death, and those who have accompanied her are also weeping.

Seeing their pain, Jesus is deeply moved.

The expression "groaned in the spirit" suggests an inward agitation, reflecting a profound emotional response to their grief.

The Greek term that is translated as "groaned" can also carry the sense of being indignant or angry, possibly hinting at Jesus' reaction to the sorrow and suffering caused by death.

When it says He "was troubled," it implies that Jesus experienced a disturbance of spirit; His reaction was not just one of empathy, but also of a deeper, more complex emotional and spiritual reaction.

Historical Context

This verse is from the Gospel of John, which was written in the late first century AD, and reflects the cultural and religious practices of the Jewish people at the time.

Mourning a death was an intense and public affair in Jewish culture, with professional mourners often accompanying the grieving family.

The Gospel of John is part of the New Testament and was traditionally ascribed to the apostle John, although scholars debate the authorship.

This Gospel often highlights Jesus' divinity and includes several "signs" or miracles that demonstrate His power and authority, including the raising of Lazarus.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse can be viewed from several different angles.

One perspective is that it provides evidence of Jesus's humanity, He experiences and expresses emotions just like any other person.

Another insight is that Jesus's reaction signifies His empathy for the human condition; He understands and shares in human sorrow.

Additionally, his intense reaction may foreshadow His ultimate victory over death, as Jesus demonstrates His power over life and death in the resurrection of Lazarus.

The "groaning in the spirit" could even be seen as His anger toward death and the pain it causes, which ties into the Christian belief that death is an enemy defeated by Christ through His own death and resurrection.

Practical Applications

This verse can teach individuals to embrace empathy and compassion.

Just as Jesus was moved by the suffering of others, people are called to be sensitive to the pain around them.

It encourages believers to be present, emotionally available, and supportive in times of others' grief rather than distant or detached.

Moreover, it suggests that it is not un-Christian to feel deeply and to express those feelings; Jesus Himself set the example.

Cross-References

• John 11:35 – "Jesus wept."
• Romans 12:15 – "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep."
• Hebrews 4:15 – "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."

Language Study

In John 11:33, two Greek terms are particularly noteworthy:

"Groaned" (ἐνεβριμήσατο - enebrimēsato): This word carries connotations of emotional indignation or sternness and is sometimes used to imply a sense of anger or outrage.

"Troubled" (ἐτάραξεν - etaraxen): This verb can be translated as "disturbed" or "troubled," indicating a strong emotional response or agitation.

These words in their original language deepen our understanding of Jesus' response, showing that it wasn't a mere passing discomfort but a profound emotional reaction.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, many cultures had gods who were seen as distant from human emotions. The gods of Greek and Roman mythology, for example, often engaged in behaviors that were indifferent to human suffering.

In contrast, the portrayal of Jesus groaning in the spirit and being troubled shows a deity deeply connected with human emotions, which is a distinguishing feature of Christianity compared to some ancient religions.

Scientific Perspectives

A scientific perspective might examine the emotional response of Jesus as indicative of psychological phenomena understood today.

Empathy, for example, is a recognized psychological response whereby individuals vicariously experience the emotions of others.

The description of Jesus's reactions in John 11:33 could be seen to align with what is now known about the capacity for human empathy and the physical and emotional manifestations of emotional contagion, where one person's feelings can trigger similar emotions in others.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the sympathy and compassion of Jesus, indicating that he was truly "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief."

The Pulpit Commentary discusses Jesus's deep emotional response as being related to His divine indignation against the sin and unbelief that brought death into the world.

1. The Expositor's Bible Commentary suggests that Jesus’s reaction reflects His knowledge of the pain that death causes humanity and His anger against the tyranny of death, which He was soon to overcome through His own resurrection.

2. William Barclay's Daily Study Bible reinforces the notion that Jesus was moved not just because of Lazarus's death, but also by the sorrow that gripped Mary and the mourners, emphasizing His profound empathy for human suffering.