John 11:19

KJV

And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} many {G4183} of {G1537} the Jews {G2453} came {G2064} to {G4314} Martha {G3136} and {G2532} Mary {G3137}{G4012}, to {G2443} comfort {G3888} them {G846} concerning {G4012} their {G846} brother {G80}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and many of the Judeans had come to Marta and Miryam in order to comfort them at the loss of their brother.

Berean Standard Bible

and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them in the loss of their brother.

American Standard Version

and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 11:19 presents a poignant scene of communal grief and human compassion, as numerous individuals from the Jewish community arrive in Bethany to offer solace to Martha and Mary following the death of their brother, Lazarus. This gathering of mourners not only underscores the depth of the sisters' sorrow but also sets a public stage for the extraordinary divine intervention that Jesus is about to perform, highlighting the stark contrast between human limitation and God's life-giving power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 11:19 immediately follows the narrative of Lazarus's illness, Jesus's deliberate delay in coming to Bethany, and Lazarus's subsequent death and burial. Earlier in the chapter, Jesus receives word of Lazarus's sickness ([John 11:3](/john/11-3 "John 11:3 - Sisters' Plea")), declares that the illness is "for the glory of God" ([John 11:4](/john/11-4 "John 11:4 - Purpose of Lazarus's Illness")), and then intentionally waits two days before setting out for Judea ([John 11:6](/john/11-6 "John 11:6 - Jesus Delays")). Upon arrival, Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days ([John 11:17](/john/11-17 "John 11:17 - Lazarus Four Days in Tomb")). This verse, therefore, places the reader squarely in the midst of the mourning period, establishing the emotional and social environment into which Jesus will soon step. It serves as a crucial transition, moving from the theological discourse about Jesus's timing to the raw, human experience of loss, thereby preparing the ground for the climactic miracle of resurrection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, mourning customs were deeply ingrained, highly communal, and often elaborate. Upon a death, a period of intense mourning, known as *shiva* (seven days), would commence, during which friends, family, and even acquaintances were expected to visit the bereaved to offer comfort. These visits were not merely social calls but acts of profound empathy and solidarity, reflecting the strong communal bonds of the time. The presence of "many of the Jews" at Martha and Mary's home indicates the family's standing in the community and the widespread respect for Lazarus. Professional mourners might also be present, contributing to the lamentations. Bethany, a village just two miles from Jerusalem ([John 11:18](/john/11-18 "John 11:18 - Bethany Near Jerusalem")), would have made it easily accessible for many from the city to attend, further emphasizing the public nature of this gathering and the communal validation of the sisters' grief.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **reality and depth of human grief**, even for those who possess faith in Jesus. Martha and Mary's sorrow is palpable, and the community's response affirms that mourning is a natural and necessary part of the human experience. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **communal solidarity and compassion**, demonstrating the importance of supporting one another in times of loss, as encouraged in passages like [Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Weep with those who weep"). Thirdly, the gathering of "many of the Jews" creates a public **setting for divine intervention**. Their collective grief and the perceived finality of death magnify the power of Jesus's impending miracle, serving as a backdrop against which His authority over life and death will be dramatically displayed. This public witness is crucial for John's purpose in presenting Jesus as the Son of God, whose signs reveal His glory ([John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - First Sign at Cana")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **many (Greek, _polýs'_):** From G4183, meaning "much (in any respect) or (plural) many." In this context, it emphasizes the significant number of people who came to mourn with Martha and Mary, indicating the widespread impact of Lazarus's death and the communal nature of Jewish mourning customs. It highlights the public setting for Jesus's subsequent miracle.
* **came (Greek, _érchomai'_):** From G2064, a primary verb meaning "to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)." Here, it denotes the physical act of arriving at the house, signifying an intentional movement towards the bereaved sisters. This active "coming" underscores the deliberate and customary act of offering comfort.
* **comfort (Greek, _paramythéomai'_):** From G3888, meaning "to relate near, i.e. (by implication) encourage, console." This word conveys a deep act of consolation, involving coming alongside someone in their grief to offer solace, encouragement, and emotional support. It implies a personal, empathetic engagement with the mourners' sorrow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary":** This clause establishes the immediate scene, highlighting the significant number of people from the Jewish community who traveled to Bethany. Their presence signifies the widespread grief over Lazarus's death and the customary practice of communal mourning. The mention of "the Jews" here refers to the inhabitants of the region, not necessarily the hostile religious authorities often depicted elsewhere in John's Gospel, but rather neighbors and acquaintances demonstrating solidarity.
* **"to comfort them concerning their brother":** This phrase clarifies the explicit purpose of their visit. Their intention was to provide solace and support to Martha and Mary, who were deeply grieving the loss of Lazarus. This act of "comforting" speaks to the human need for empathy and presence in times of profound sorrow, acknowledging the sisters' pain and offering a shared burden of grief.

#### Literary Devices
John 11:19 employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative impact and thematic depth. **Setting** is prominently used, as the verse meticulously establishes the scene of mourning in Bethany, complete with a crowd of sympathetic visitors. This detailed setup is crucial for the subsequent narrative, creating a public and emotionally charged backdrop against which Jesus's miraculous intervention will occur. The presence of "many of the Jews" also functions as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the significant number of eyewitnesses who will soon behold Jesus's power over death, thereby validating the miracle's authenticity. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** present: while the visitors come to offer human comfort, their efforts, however well-intentioned, are ultimately insufficient to overcome the finality of death. This highlights the profound human limitation that Jesus is about to transcend, offering a divine comfort and life that far surpasses any earthly consolation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 11:19 serves as a powerful illustration of the human experience of grief and the vital role of community in times of sorrow. Theologically, it reminds us that God does not expect us to grieve in isolation; rather, He often uses the presence and empathy of others to minister to us. The act of "comforting" reflects a divine mandate for believers to bear one another's burdens and to weep with those who weep. However, while human comfort is essential, it also points to its inherent limitations in the face of death's ultimate power. This sets the stage for the unique comfort and life that only Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life, can provide, demonstrating that true solace in the face of mortality comes from a divine source.

* [Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep")
* [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3-4 "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God of All Comfort")
* [Psalm 34:18](/psalms/34-18 "Psalm 34:18 - The Lord is near to the brokenhearted")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in John 11:19 is a timeless reminder of the profound importance of compassionate presence in times of loss. In a world often characterized by isolation and superficial connections, this verse calls us to actively engage with the suffering of others. It teaches us that true empathy involves not just offering words, but physically "coming to" those who grieve, sitting with them in their pain, and offering a tangible expression of solidarity. While we may not possess the power to reverse death, our presence, our listening ear, and our shared tears can be a powerful testament to God's love working through us. This human comfort, though limited, often prepares hearts to receive the ultimate comfort that only Christ can provide, opening avenues for us to share the hope of the resurrection even amidst the deepest sorrow. We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, extending His compassion to a hurting world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the communal response to Martha and Mary's grief challenge or affirm your understanding of how we should support those who are mourning today?**
* **What does "comforting" truly mean in a practical sense, beyond just offering platitudes?**
* **In what ways can your presence, rather than just your words, be a source of comfort to others in their times of sorrow?**

### FAQ
**Who were "many of the Jews" mentioned in this verse, and what was their role?**

Answer: In this specific context of [John 11:19](/john/11-19 "John 11:19 - Comfort for Martha and Mary"), "many of the Jews" refers to a large number of people from the Jewish community, likely neighbors, friends, and acquaintances from Bethany and nearby Jerusalem. Their role was to fulfill the customary Jewish mourning rites, which involved visiting the bereaved family to offer comfort and participate in the period of intense grief following a death. Their presence highlights the communal nature of sorrow and the societal expectation of solidarity with those who were suffering loss, setting a public stage for Jesus's interaction with Martha and Mary and the subsequent miracle.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 11:19 vividly portrays the limits of human comfort in the face of death. While "many of the Jews" came to console Martha and Mary, their presence, however well-intentioned, could not bring Lazarus back to life or truly assuage the profound grief of the sisters. This human inability to conquer death or fully alleviate its sorrow sets the stage for the Christ-centered fulfillment found in Jesus. He is the ultimate Comforter, not merely offering sympathy but embodying the very power that overcomes death itself. When Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), He steps into the scene of human despair as the divine solution. His subsequent raising of Lazarus from the dead ([John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Lazarus Raised")) demonstrates His unique authority, foreshadowing His own victory over the grave and His promise of eternal life to all who believe. Thus, the human comfort offered in [John 11:19](/john/11-19 "John 11:19 - Comfort for Martha and Mary") serves as a poignant backdrop, highlighting the unparalleled, life-giving comfort and hope that only Jesus, the Son of God, can provide to a world grappling with mortality ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ the Firstfruits")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 2:11

¶ Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.

John 11:31

The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

¶ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

2 Corinthians 1:4

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

1 Thessalonians 4:18

Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Lamentations 1:2

She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears [are] on her cheeks: among all her lovers she hath none to comfort [her]: all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies.