Jesus Wept
John 11.35
John 11.35
I’m sure that each of us has used this verse at some point in our lives when pressed for us to quote a verse from memory. Without a doubt this is the shortest verse in the Bible; however, it carries a deep Christological (study of Christ) truth.
A quick study into the Greek word produces a picture of our Savior that we might otherwise miss. “Dakruō” is used only once in the New Testament – here; and from a Greek root meaning to shed tears, to weep silently. This verse supports the indication that our Savior “groaned” in His Spirit rather than that He became a part of the wailing masses.
The word which translates “weep” for the crowds is “klaio” (John 11.31) and indicates a loud wailing which was typical of those who wept having no hope. The only time “klaio” is used of our Savior is in Luke 19.41 where Jesus wept over Jerusalem for having rejected the truth that would have offered them freedom from their sins. Jesus, our Savior God, was deeply touched with the spiritual infirmity exhibited by this crowd of unbelievers.
Prior to His weeping, Jesus had offered Himself as the “I AM” of resurrection power (John 11.25) and the object of faith that would lead to eternal life. (John 11.26) Martha had danced around His claim and the mourners followed her example. It seems that, after confessing Jesus as the Messiah, she didn’t quite understand what He was going to do next. (John 11.27) At least, her message gave Mary no comfort; neither did the comforting offered by the crowds – they simply followed Mary weeping loudly without offering true consolation. (John 11.31)
Pagan gods and goddesses could not offer any real comfort to a hurting humanity. By studying some of the classics, we can see a wide distinction between what they offer and what God offers. Homer’s gods and goddesses weep and bellow when wounded, but are not touched with the feeling of human infirmity (Hebrews 4.15). “The gods,” says Gladstone, “while they dispense afflictions upon earth, which are neither sweetened by love, nor elevated by a distinct disciplinary purpose, take care to keep themselves beyond all touch of grief or care.”
Our Savior God, wept, not over the death of His beloved friend; but rather, over the unbelief of the crowd. Prior to our text verse, Jesus was rebuked for being late in arriving. (John 11.32) Following our text verse, the crowds doubted His ability to raise Lazarus. (John 11.37) In the midst of this unbelieving crowd, Jesus wept – groaning in Spirit because the crowd had no faith in Him. They sought superficial answers when Jesus was the supreme, ultimate answer for their eternal souls. Sometimes our prayers are focused on the temporal rather than the eternal.
The Bible says: “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” (Luke 15.10)
Repentance involves a change of heart and mind. Joy in the presence of God’s angels is a result of turning from our superficial understanding and to a complete surrender to the Messiah – Jesus Christ.
A quick study into the Greek word produces a picture of our Savior that we might otherwise miss. “Dakruō” is used only once in the New Testament – here; and from a Greek root meaning to shed tears, to weep silently. This verse supports the indication that our Savior “groaned” in His Spirit rather than that He became a part of the wailing masses.
The word which translates “weep” for the crowds is “klaio” (John 11.31) and indicates a loud wailing which was typical of those who wept having no hope. The only time “klaio” is used of our Savior is in Luke 19.41 where Jesus wept over Jerusalem for having rejected the truth that would have offered them freedom from their sins. Jesus, our Savior God, was deeply touched with the spiritual infirmity exhibited by this crowd of unbelievers.
Prior to His weeping, Jesus had offered Himself as the “I AM” of resurrection power (John 11.25) and the object of faith that would lead to eternal life. (John 11.26) Martha had danced around His claim and the mourners followed her example. It seems that, after confessing Jesus as the Messiah, she didn’t quite understand what He was going to do next. (John 11.27) At least, her message gave Mary no comfort; neither did the comforting offered by the crowds – they simply followed Mary weeping loudly without offering true consolation. (John 11.31)
Pagan gods and goddesses could not offer any real comfort to a hurting humanity. By studying some of the classics, we can see a wide distinction between what they offer and what God offers. Homer’s gods and goddesses weep and bellow when wounded, but are not touched with the feeling of human infirmity (Hebrews 4.15). “The gods,” says Gladstone, “while they dispense afflictions upon earth, which are neither sweetened by love, nor elevated by a distinct disciplinary purpose, take care to keep themselves beyond all touch of grief or care.”
Our Savior God, wept, not over the death of His beloved friend; but rather, over the unbelief of the crowd. Prior to our text verse, Jesus was rebuked for being late in arriving. (John 11.32) Following our text verse, the crowds doubted His ability to raise Lazarus. (John 11.37) In the midst of this unbelieving crowd, Jesus wept – groaning in Spirit because the crowd had no faith in Him. They sought superficial answers when Jesus was the supreme, ultimate answer for their eternal souls. Sometimes our prayers are focused on the temporal rather than the eternal.
The Bible says: “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” (Luke 15.10)
Repentance involves a change of heart and mind. Joy in the presence of God’s angels is a result of turning from our superficial understanding and to a complete surrender to the Messiah – Jesus Christ.
Copyright © 2026 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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