What does John 11:36 mean?
"Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!" - John 11:36

John 11:36 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!" This verse comes from the famous story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. The context of this verse is important to understanding its significance. In this passage, Jesus arrives at the tomb of Lazarus, who has been dead for four days. His sisters, Mary and Martha, are grieving, along with other mourners who have come to console them. When Jesus sees their sorrow, he is deeply moved and weeps. The Jews who witness Jesus' grief are struck by his love for Lazarus, and this verse captures their reaction.
The themes present in this verse are love, compassion, and the power of Jesus. The Jews are amazed by the love that Jesus has for Lazarus, which is evident in his tears. This love is a central theme of the Christian faith, as Jesus is often described as the embodiment of perfect love. His ability to empathize with the pain of others, even knowing that he has the power to bring Lazarus back to life, demonstrates his deep compassion for humanity.
The context of this verse adds depth to its meaning. The fact that Jesus weeps at the tomb of Lazarus shows his humanity, as well as his divinity. He feels the pain of loss just as any human does, yet he also possesses the power to overcome death. This foreshadows his own resurrection and serves as a powerful reminder of the hope that Christians have in the face of death.
Symbolism in this verse can be seen in Jesus' tears. They represent the depth of his love for Lazarus, as well as the sorrow and suffering that he experienced during his time on earth. The tears also symbolize the empathy and compassion that Jesus has for all of humanity, as he understands the pain and grief that come with death. This symbolism reinforces the theme of love and underscores the emotional weight of the passage.
Overall, John 11:36 is a powerful and poignant verse that captures the love and compassion of Jesus, as well as the hope that he brings through his miraculous power. It is a reminder of the depth of God's love for his people and the promise of eternal life through faith in Christ. The verse also serves as a source of comfort for those who are grieving, as it shows that Jesus understands and shares in their pain. In this way, it is a testament to the enduring relevance and power of the biblical narrative.
Have questions about John 11:36?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
John 11:36 Artwork
John 11:36 - "Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!"
"Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!" - John 11:36
john 18:36
Romana 11:33-36
Nehemiah 11:36 - "And of the Levites were divisions in Judah, and in Benjamin."
1 Chronicles 11:36 - "Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite,"
John 1:36 - "And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!"
John 9:36 - "He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?"
John 19:36 - "For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken."
John 6:36 - "But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not."
John 8:36 - "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
Genesis 36:11 - "And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz."
John 5:36 - "¶ But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me."
Job 36:11 - "If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures."
Psalm 8:3-6
Hebrews 11:36 - "And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:"
Romans 11:36 - "For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."
John 3:36 - "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."
Psalms 36:11 - "Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me."
Psalms 36 verse 3-6
"Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite," - 1 Chronicles 11:36
"And of the Levites were divisions in Judah, and in Benjamin." - Nehemiah 11:36
John 4:36 - "And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together."
John (11:35) Jesus wept.
John 10:36 - "Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?"
Numbers 36:11 - "For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their father's brothers' sons:"
Leviticus 11:36 - "Nevertheless a fountain or pit, wherein there is plenty of water, shall be clean: but that which toucheth their carcase shall be unclean."
Jeremiah 36:11 - "¶ When Michaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, had heard out of the book all the words of the LORD,"
John (11:35) Jesus wept.
John (11:35) Jesus wept.