John 11:38

KJV

Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} therefore {G3767} again {G3825} groaning {G1690} in {G1722} himself {G1438} cometh {G2064} to {G1519} the grave {G3419}.{G1161} It was {G2258} a cave {G4693}, and {G2532} a stone {G3037} lay {G1945} upon {G1909} it {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua, again deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying in front of the entrance.

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus, once again deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.

American Standard Version

Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone lay against it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Depicts Jesus' arrival at the tomb of Lazarus, His beloved friend, just moments before He performs one of His most profound miracles. The verse captures Jesus' deep emotional state, described as "groaning in himself," as He confronts the stark reality of death embodied by the sealed cave tomb. This moment serves as a pivotal transition, setting the stage for the dramatic display of divine power that will culminate in Lazarus's resurrection, underscoring both Jesus' profound humanity and His ultimate authority over life and death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Resurrection of Lazarus") is a narrative masterpiece, strategically placed by John to highlight Jesus' identity as the "resurrection and the life" before His own death and resurrection. The chapter begins with Lazarus's illness and Jesus' deliberate delay, allowing Lazarus to die so that God's glory might be revealed ([John 11:4](/john/11-4 "John 11:4 - Sickness for God's Glory")). Upon His arrival in Bethany, Jesus encounters Martha, then Mary, both expressing sorrow and a degree of bewilderment at His delay. The preceding verses ([John 11:33-35](/john/11-33-35 "John 11:33-35 - Jesus' Emotional Response")) describe Jesus' initial emotional upheaval, as He "groaned in the spirit and was troubled" and famously "wept." [John 11:38](/john/11-38 "John 11:38 - Jesus at Lazarus's Tomb") marks the immediate physical approach to the tomb, intensifying the tension and anticipation for the miracle that is about to unfold, directly preceding Jesus' command to remove the stone and His powerful prayer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Jewish burial practices involved interring the deceased in caves or rock-hewn tombs, often sealed with a large, heavy stone to prevent desecration and the escape of decomposition odors. Bethany, located about two miles east of Jerusalem, was a small village, and its proximity to the capital meant that news and visitors, including many mourners, could easily travel there. The period of mourning typically lasted seven days, with intense grief and lamentation. The presence of "many of the Jews" ([John 11:19](/john/11-19 "John 11:19 - Jews Come to Comfort Mary and Martha")) indicates a significant gathering, highlighting the public nature of Lazarus's death and the subsequent miracle. The "cave" and "stone" are not merely descriptive details but culturally significant elements emphasizing the finality of death and the human inability to reverse it, thus magnifying the divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** [John 11:38](/john/11-38 "John 11:38 - Jesus at Lazarus's Tomb") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it profoundly illustrates **Jesus' Humanity and Divinity**. While possessing divine power over life and death, Jesus fully enters into human suffering, experiencing deep grief and indignation at the devastation wrought by sin and death. His "groaning" and weeping demonstrate His perfect empathy. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Reality and Finality of Death** from a human perspective; the sealed tomb signifies an irreversible end. This stark reality serves as the backdrop against which Jesus' life-giving power is dramatically showcased. Finally, it functions as a critical **Preparation for a Miracle**, building suspense and highlighting the magnitude of the power Jesus is about to unleash. The physical barrier of the stone and the natural decay within the tomb emphasize that only divine intervention could overcome such an absolute human predicament, reinforcing Jesus' claim to be "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Groaning (Greek, _embrimáomai'_):** This word (G1690) is much stronger than a simple sigh or moan. It signifies a deep indignation, a strong internal agitation, or even a stern rebuke. While it can convey anger, in this context, it is often interpreted as Jesus' profound grief and righteous indignation against the power of death and the sorrow it brings, or perhaps against the unbelief He encountered. It reveals His intense spiritual struggle and His powerful emotional response to the devastation caused by sin in the world.
* **Grave (Greek, _mnēmeîon'_):** This term (G3419) refers to a remembrance, specifically a cenotaph, place of interment, sepulchre, or tomb. It highlights the physical resting place of the deceased, emphasizing the reality of Lazarus's death and burial.
* **Cave (Greek, _spḗlaion'_):** This word (G4693) denotes a cavern or grotto, by implication a hiding-place or resort. In the context of burial, it describes the natural or rock-hewn chamber used for interment, reinforcing the ancient Jewish burial custom and the enclosed, sealed nature of the tomb.
* **Stone (Greek, _líthos'_):** This term (G3037) refers to a literal stone, often a large, heavy one used to seal the entrance of a tomb. Its presence signifies the physical barrier to the grave, representing the finality of death and the human inability to access or reverse what lies beyond.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus therefore again groaning in himself":** This clause reveals Jesus' profound internal emotional state. The word "again" links back to His earlier emotional response in [John 11:33](/john/11-33 "John 11:33 - Jesus' Initial Groaning"), indicating a renewed or continued deep agitation. His "groaning in himself" signifies an intense, internal spiritual and emotional struggle, likely a mixture of grief, indignation at the power of death, and perhaps even a righteous anger at the unbelief or limited understanding of those around Him. It underscores His full humanity and His empathetic sorrow for the suffering caused by sin.
* **"cometh to the grave.":** This simple phrase marks Jesus' physical arrival at the burial site. It signifies the direct confrontation with the reality of Lazarus's death. His coming to the grave is not merely a passive observation but an active engagement with the domain of death, setting the stage for His authoritative intervention.
* **"It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.":** This descriptive clause provides crucial details about the tomb. The "cave" indicates a natural or rock-hewn burial chamber, common in the region. The "stone lay upon it" emphasizes that the entrance was sealed, signifying the finality of death and the human inability to access or reverse the state of the deceased. This physical barrier highlights the insurmountable obstacle from a human perspective, making the subsequent miracle all the more powerful and undeniable.

#### Literary Devices
John employs several **literary devices** in this verse. The description of Jesus "groaning in himself" is a powerful use of **pathos**, evoking empathy for Jesus' deep emotional response to human suffering and death. This internal turmoil also serves as **foreshadowing**, hinting at the immense spiritual battle Jesus is about to wage against the power of death, which will culminate in Lazarus's resurrection. The detailed description of the tomb as "a cave, and a stone lay upon it" utilizes **realism** to ground the narrative in tangible, relatable details of ancient burial practices. This concrete imagery also functions as **symbolism**, where the sealed tomb represents the finality and inescapability of death from a human perspective, thereby intensifying the dramatic impact of Jesus' imminent display of divine power over it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 11:38 stands as a profound theological statement, revealing Jesus not only as fully human, capable of deep emotion and empathy in the face of suffering, but also as the sovereign Lord who confronts and ultimately conquers death. His "groaning" is not a sign of weakness but of righteous indignation against the enemy, death, which entered the world through sin. This scene prefigures His own victory over the grave, demonstrating that His compassion is intrinsically linked to His power. The physical reality of the sealed tomb emphasizes the absolute nature of the human predicament without divine intervention, setting the stage for the revelation of Jesus as the ultimate source of life.

* [Romans 8:22-23](/romans/8-22-23 "Romans 8:22-23 - Creation Groans with Us")
* [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")
* [1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - The Last Enemy, Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 11:38](/john/11-38 "John 11:38 - Jesus at Lazarus's Tomb") offers a deeply comforting and empowering truth for believers today. Jesus' "groaning in himself" reminds us that our Savior is not distant or unfeeling in our suffering. He fully understands and empathizes with our grief, our pain, and our indignation at the brokenness of the world. This verse validates our human emotions, assuring us that it is permissible and even righteous to lament the impact of sin and death. Furthermore, the image of Jesus confronting the sealed tomb, the ultimate symbol of human helplessness, provides immense hope. No matter how final or insurmountable our circumstances appear – be it physical death, relational brokenness, or spiritual despair – Jesus is present, ready to confront the "stone" that lies upon our seemingly hopeless situations. His presence at the grave signifies His ultimate authority to bring life, healing, and restoration where only death and despair seem to reign. We are invited to bring our deepest sorrows and most desperate situations to the One who groans with us and holds the power over life itself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' "groaning in himself" challenge or affirm your understanding of His humanity and divinity?**
* **In what areas of your life do you feel a "stone" of hopelessness or finality lies upon a situation? How does Jesus' presence at Lazarus's tomb encourage you in those areas?**
* **How can reflecting on Jesus' empathy in this passage deepen your trust in Him during times of personal grief or suffering?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jesus "groaning in himself" in this verse?**

Answer: The Greek word for "groaning" (embrimáomai) is quite strong, implying a deep indignation, agitation, or even a stern rebuke. In [John 11:38](/john/11-38 "John 11:38 - Jesus at Lazarus's Tomb"), it is often interpreted as Jesus' profound grief and righteous anger at the devastation caused by sin and death. It's not a sign of weakness, but rather a powerful expression of His perfect empathy with human suffering and His holy displeasure at the enemy, death, which has invaded God's good creation. It also highlights His internal struggle as He prepares to confront and overcome this enemy.

**Why is the detail about the "cave" and "stone" important?**

Answer: These details are crucial for several reasons. Culturally, they describe the typical Jewish burial practice of sealing a tomb with a heavy stone, signifying the finality and security of the grave. Theologically, they emphasize the absolute nature of Lazarus's death from a human perspective. The sealed tomb represents an insurmountable obstacle, highlighting that no human effort could bring Lazarus back to life. This stark reality serves to magnify the immense power and divine authority Jesus is about to demonstrate by raising Lazarus, making the miracle undeniable and glorious.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 11:38](/john/11-38 "John 11:38 - Jesus at Lazarus's Tomb") profoundly prefigures the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment found in the Gospel. Jesus' "groaning in himself" at the tomb of Lazarus is a microcosm of His greater mission: to confront and conquer the power of death, which entered the world through sin ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam")). His empathetic sorrow here foreshadows His deeper suffering on the cross, where He would fully bear the weight of sin and its consequences, including death, for all humanity ([Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant")). The sealed cave with the stone, representing the finality of human death, finds its ultimate reversal in Jesus' own resurrection from His sealed tomb ([Matthew 28:1-6](/matthew/28-1-6 "Matthew 28:1-6 - The Resurrection of Jesus")). By raising Lazarus, Jesus demonstrates His power as "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), a title He would definitively prove through His own triumph over death. Thus, Lazarus's temporary resurrection points forward to Christ's eternal victory, which guarantees resurrection and eternal life for all who believe in Him ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). He is the one who holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus Holds the Keys of Death")).

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

John 11:33

¶ When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,

Matthew 27:60

And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

Genesis 23:19

And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same [is] Hebron in the land of Canaan.

Luke 24:2

And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

John 20:1

¶ The first [day] of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

Isaiah 22:16

What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, [as] he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, [and] that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?

Mark 15:46

And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.