What does John 11:36 mean?

Explanation

John 11:36, found in the New Testament of the Bible, is a verse within the narrative about the death and resurrection of Lazarus, a friend of Jesus Christ.

The context is that Jesus has just arrived at the tomb of Lazarus, who had been dead for four days.

In the preceding verses, Jesus displays emotions when confronted with the grief of Lazarus’s sisters, Mary and Martha, and others who were mourning.

Upon witnessing Jesus’s emotional reaction, some of the Jews, who were also mourning, observed and commented, "Behold how he loved him!"

The literal interpretation of this verse is straightforward; it is an observation by some of the mourners about Jesus's apparent love for Lazarus, indicated by his emotional response.

However, the deeper significance could be manifold.

It can be seen as a testament to Jesus's humanity as he expresses grief, illustrating his ability to empathize and feel compassion.

It may also signify a deeper spiritual love, highlighting the intimate relationship between Jesus and his followers, which transcends physical death.

Historical Context

John 11:36 is part of the Gospel of John, written approximately between 90-100 A.D.

This Gospel differs from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) by focusing more on the spiritual and theological aspects of Jesus's life and ministry.

The raising of Lazarus is an event that is exclusive to John’s Gospel.

At the time, Jewish burial customs involved placing the body in a tomb with the entrance sealed by a stone.

Mourners would visit the tomb over several days.

The reference to Jesus's love for Lazarus should be understood in the context of a close-knit community where his public display of emotion was a sign of genuine affection and solidarity in mourning.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, different interpretations arise from this verse:

1. Humanity of Christ: It is an indication of the true humanity of Jesus, showing that he experienced a range of human emotions.
2. Divinity and Omnipotence: The scene sets the stage for the miracle of Lazarus's resurrection, which demonstrates not only Jesus's compassion but also his divine authority over life and death.
3. Foreshadowing of the Passion: Jesus's depth of feeling may foreshadow his own impending death, symbolizing the love he has for all humanity.

Different Christian traditions may place varying emphasis on these insights depending on their doctrinal stances about the nature of Jesus Christ.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, John 11:36 can offer several lessons for daily life:

• Empathy: It encourages individuals to express empathy and compassion for those who are grieving.
• Love: The verse serves as a reminder to show love and care not only during good times but also in moments of sorrow and loss.
• Hope: In the broader context of the narrative, it gives hope in the face of death, reassuring the belief in the resurrection and eternal life.

Cross-References

• John 11:3-5: "Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick."
• John 11:33-35: "When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled [...] Jesus wept."
• Romans 12:15: "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the key word is "εφίλει" (ephilei), translated as "he loved him." It comes from the verb φιλέω (phileō), which often denotes affectionate, brotherly love.

This is distinct from ἀγαπάω (agapaō), which is used in other contexts for a more unconditional, divine love.

The differentiation in the Greek terms for love is significant when deciphering the type of love Jesus felt for Lazarus.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this verse with ancient cultural practices, mourning for the dead was a significant event in many cultures. Like the Jewish customs, the Greeks and Romans also had elaborate rituals for mourning.

However, the idea of someone having the power to reverse death, as Jesus was about to do, is unique among these traditions. In religious texts of other faiths, the capacity to overcome death is generally reserved for divine figures or as an event in an eschatological context.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the emotional response of weeping is a complex human behavior tied to the experience of empathy and social bonding. Research in psychology interprets such responses as a means of communicating grief and fostering group cohesion.

While the resurrection event following this verse transcends current scientific understanding, the behaviors of mourning described are consistent with observed human behaviors around loss and community support.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians have elaborated on this verse:

• **Raymond E.

Brown** considers the emotion of Jesus central to understanding his character in John's Gospel.

• William Barclay suggests that the tears of Jesus demonstrate that God knows and shares in human suffering.
• **Craig S.

Keener** argues that Jesus’s emotions as depicted in John are consistent with his role as the revealer of God, displaying divine empathy.

Each commentator notes the significance of Jesus's emotions, not only as a window into his relationship with Lazarus but also as part of the larger theological message of the Gospel according to John.