What does John 11:38 mean?

Explanation

John 11:38 describes a moment of deep emotion for Jesus as He approaches the tomb where Lazarus has been laid to rest.

The verse indicates that Jesus is visibly moved, as He "groans in himself" upon reaching the gravesite.

The mention of the "groaning" denotes a profound inner turmoil or distress, which suggests Jesus' empathy and shared sorrow with those mourning Lazarus' death.

The fact that Lazarus’ tomb is described as a cave with a stone laid over it is significant as it emphasizes the finality of death at that time, symbolizing that Lazarus was truly separated from the living.

Historical Context

At the time of Jesus, burial practices, particularly among Jews, often involved placing the deceased in caves or in a tomb hewn out of rock.

These tombs would be sealed with stones to prevent animals and grave robbers from entering.

The sealing of the tomb with a stone was also an indication that the mourning period had begun.

Such tombs were common in the region around Jerusalem, where this event is believed to have taken place.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse provides insight into the humanity of Jesus. His groaning signifies His compassion and reveals that He experiences and responds to human suffering. Within Christian theology, this contributes to the understanding of Jesus being both fully divine and fully human.

Additionally, the setting of this scene anticipates the resurrection of Lazarus, pointing to Jesus' power over life and death, an important cornerstone in Christian faith that foreshadows Jesus' own resurrection.

Practical Applications

This verse can serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy and sharing in others’ grief.

It also exposes the value of acknowledging and expressing emotions, highlighting that even Jesus did not hide His feelings in moments of pain.

In practical terms, this could encourage individuals to support and comfort those who are mourning, and also to be honest with their own feelings in times of distress.

Cross-References

• John 11:35 "Jesus wept."
• Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep."
• John 5:28-29 "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life..."
• Ezekiel 37:12-14 "Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves..."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word translated as "groaning" is "ἐμβριμάομαι" (embrimaomai), which can be taken to mean a strong expression of feeling, outrage, emotional indignation, or deep moaning.

The word "groaning" in English may not fully capture this intensity.

The term used for "grave" is "μνημεῖον" (mnemeion), which refers to a monument for the dead, often a sepulchral cave.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of ancient cultures, burial practices often held deep spiritual and religious significance.

The Egyptians, for example, had elaborate tombs and believed in an afterlife where the tomb served as a gateway.

In comparison, the Jewish faith at the time of Jesus also held a belief in a future resurrection.

The act of visiting tombs and the mourning rituals were important aspects of respecting and remembering the deceased.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, the description of Lazarus' tomb may offer insights into the burial customs and materials available for tombs during the era in question.

The stone covering implies that the community had the means to cut sizable rocks, which also required considerable effort to move, indicating a communal effort in burial practices.

Additionally, the decomposition of a body within a sealed tomb is a process that can be examined by forensic science to understand the conditions of ancient burials.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have interpreted John 11:38 in the light of its immediate context, the pending miracle of Lazarus' resurrection. They note Jesus' emotional response as a prelude to demonstrating His divine authority.

Some focus on the significance of Jesus' emotions as a model of compassionate leadership and a contradiction to any notions that grief is a sign of weakness.

Others highlight the setting at the tomb to be symbolic of the ultimate victory over death that Jesus would later accomplish through His resurrection.