John 11:36

Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

Then {G3767} said {G3004} the Jews {G2453}, Behold {G2396} how {G4459} he loved {G5368} him {G846}!

so the Judeans there said, “See how he loved him!”

Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”

The Jews therefore said, Behold how he loved him!

John 11:36 KJV is a brief yet profound observation by those witnessing Jesus' emotional response at the tomb of Lazarus. It encapsulates a powerful truth about the nature of Christ.

Context

This verse immediately follows John 11:35, the shortest verse in the Bible: "Jesus wept." Having arrived in Bethany after Lazarus' death, Jesus was deeply moved by the grief of Mary and Martha, and the sorrow of those gathered. His tears were not merely tears of sorrow for a lost friend, but a profound expression of empathy and compassion in the face of death's sting, even though He was about to demonstrate His power over it. The "Jews" here refer to some of the onlookers who had come to mourn with Mary and Martha, and they were struck by the depth of Jesus' emotion.

Key Themes

  • The Humanity of Jesus: This verse powerfully underscores Jesus' full humanity. He was not aloof or detached from human suffering, but experienced genuine emotions like grief and love. His tears confirm His perfect empathy with our human condition.
  • The Depth of Jesus' Love: The phrase "Behold how he loved him!" highlights the intense personal affection Jesus had for Lazarus. This was a profound friendship, demonstrating that Jesus' love extends beyond the divine to deeply personal relationships. This personal love foreshadows His greater love for all humanity, as seen in John 3:16.
  • Witness to Christ's Character: Even those who might have been skeptical or critical of Jesus were compelled to acknowledge the sincerity and depth of His affection. Their observation serves as an important testament to His compassionate nature.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "loved" in this verse is phileo (φιλέω), which denotes a strong affection, fondness, or brotherly love, often associated with friendship. This is distinct from agape (ἀγάπη), which typically refers to a selfless, unconditional, divine love. While Jesus certainly possessed agape love for Lazarus and all humanity, the use of phileo here emphasizes the personal, relational, and deeply human bond of friendship Jesus shared with Lazarus, making His grief all the more relatable and poignant.

Practical Application

John 11:36 offers immense comfort and insight for believers today:

  • Jesus Understands Our Pain: Knowing that Jesus wept and felt profound grief assures us that He is not distant from our sorrows. He understands and empathizes with our suffering, loss, and tears.
  • His Love is Personal: The verse reminds us that Jesus' love is not just a theological concept but a deeply personal and relational love. He cares for us individually, just as He cared for Lazarus.
  • Empathy as a Godly Attribute: Jesus' example encourages us to cultivate empathy and compassion in our own lives, sharing in the joys and sorrows of others as a reflection of Christ's character.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 11:3

    Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

  • Revelation 1:5

    And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

  • 1 John 4:9

    In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

  • 1 John 4:10

    Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.

  • 1 John 3:1

    ¶ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

  • John 14:21

    He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

  • John 14:23

    Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

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