Significance of Jesus' Emotions in John 11:35
The Significance of Jesus' Emotions in John 11:35
Jesus wept, as recorded in John 11:35, is one of the shortest verses in the Bible, yet it conveys a profound aspect of Jesus' humanity [1]. This verse is part of the narrative of Lazarus' death and resurrection, where Jesus demonstrates his emotional response to the sorrow of Mary and Martha, Lazarus' sisters.
The literary context of John 11:35 is Jesus' journey to Lazarus' tomb. Upon seeing Mary weeping and the Jews who accompanied her in tears, Jesus is deeply moved. The verse preceding John 11:35 describes Jesus' emotional state as "groaning in the spirit" and being "troubled" (John 11:33) [6, 7]. The Greek word used for "wept" (ἐδάκρυσεν, edakrysen) in John 11:35 signifies silent tears, distinguishing it from the loud wailing (Ἐκλαίετο, eklaieto) mentioned in John 11:33 [4].
The historical setting of this event is crucial. Jesus' emotional response is a testament to his humanity and his capacity for empathy. The fact that Jesus wept is highlighted by commentators as evidence of his "real humanity" and his oneness with humanity in experiencing sorrow [4, 5]. This emotional display occurs in the context of a close friendship with Lazarus and his sisters, underscoring the depth of Jesus' relationships.
The key term here is "wept" (ἐδάκρυσεν), which is significant because it highlights Jesus' emotional response. The use of this specific verb indicates that Jesus' tears were not just a superficial display but a genuine expression of his feelings [4].
The major exegetical decision revolves around understanding Jesus' emotions in this context. Some interpretations view Jesus' tears as a manifestation of his sorrow for Lazarus' death and the pain it caused his sisters. Others see it as an expression of Jesus' frustration or sorrow over the unbelief of those around him, including the Jews who witnessed the event [5].
The range of interpretations on Jesus' emotions in John 11:35 includes:
- Viewing Jesus' tears as a demonstration of his humanity and empathy towards those grieving.
- Interpreting his emotional response as a reaction to the unbelief of those present.
- Seeing it as a moment that highlights Jesus' deep emotional connection with his friends, Lazarus, Mary, and Martha [4, 5, 6].
This passage has functioned significantly in Christian tradition, often being cited to affirm the humanity of Jesus Christ. It is used to comfort those who are grieving, emphasizing Jesus' ability to empathize with human sorrow. The verse is also referenced in discussions about the emotional and psychological aspects of Jesus' experience, underscoring his capacity to feel and express emotions like humans [2, 3].
The significance of Jesus' emotions in John 11:35 lies in its portrayal of Jesus as fully human, capable of experiencing and expressing deep emotions. This understanding is crucial for Christian theology, as it underscores Jesus' ability to empathize with humanity and his role as a comforter in times of sorrow. The emotional authenticity of Jesus, as demonstrated by his tears, serves as a powerful testament to his humanity and his connection with those around him.
In the broader context of Jesus' ministry, this event precedes his raising of Lazarus, a miracle that not only demonstrates Jesus' power over death but also serves as a poignant moment of emotional connection with those he loves. The emotional authenticity displayed by Jesus in John 11:35 remains a profound aspect of his character, highlighting his capacity for empathy and compassion [1, 4].
Sources
- John “Jesus wept. -- John 11:35”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions Made Beneficial — In promoting the glory of God -- Joh 9:1-3; 11:3,4; 21:18,19. In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God -- Ps 34:19,20; 2Co 4:8-11. In teaching us the will of God -- Ps 119:71; Isa 26:9; Mic 6:9. In turning us to God -- De 4:30,31; Ne 1:8,9; Ps 78:34; Isa 10:20,21; Ho 2:6,7. In keeping us from again departing from God -- Job 34:31,32; Isa 10:20; Eze 14:10,11. In leading us to seek God in prayer -- Jdj 4:3; Jer 31:18; La 2:17-19; Ho 5:14,15; Jon 2:1. In convincing us of sin -- Job 36:8,9; Ps 119:67; Lu 15:16-18. In leading us to con”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Human Nature of Christ, The — Was necessary to his mediatorial office -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 2:17; Ga 4:4,5; 1Co 15:21; Ro 6:15,19. Is proved by his Conception in the Virgin's womb. -- Mt 1:18; Lu 1:31. Birth. -- Mt 1:16,25; 2:2; Lu 2:7,11. Partaking of flesh and blood. -- Joh 1:14; Heb 2:14. Having a human soul. -- Mt 26:38; Lu 23:46; Ac 2:31. Circumcision. -- Lu 2:21. Increase in wisdom and stature. -- Lu 2:52. Weeping. -- Lu 19:41; Joh 11:35. Hungering. -- Mt 4:2; 21:18. Thirsting. -- Joh 4:7; 19:28. Sleeping. -- Mt 8:24; Mr 4:38. Being subject to weariness. -- Joh 4:6. ”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 11:35: Jesus wept--This beautifully conveys the sublime brevity of the two original words; else "shed tears" might have better conveyed the difference between the word here used and that twice employed in Joh 11:33, and there properly rendered "weeping," denoting the loud wail for the dead, while that of Jesus consisted of silent tears. Is it for nothing that the Evangelist, some sixty years after it occurred, holds up to all ages with such touching brevity the sublime spectacle of the Son of God in tears? What a seal of His perfect oneness with us in the most”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 11:34: Jesus wept. As he was going along to the grave, see Joh 11:28; as he was meditating upon the state of his friend Lazarus, the distress his two sisters were in, and the greater damnation that would befall the Jews then present, who, notwithstanding the miracle, would not believe in him. This shows him to be truly and really man, subject to like passions, only without sin. John 11:36”
- John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on John 11:33: Here we have, I. Christ's tender sympathy with his afflicted friends, and the share he took to himself in their sorrows, which appeared three ways: - 1. By the inward groans and troubles of his spirit (Joh 11:33): Jesus saw Mary weeping for the loss of a loving brother, and the Jews that came with her weeping for the loss of a good neighbour and friend; when he saw what a place of weepers, a bochim, this was, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled. See here, (1.) The griefs of the sons of men represented in the tears of Mary and her friends. What an emblem was”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 11:33: When Jesus . . . saw her weeping, and the Jews . . . weeping . . . he groaned in the spirit--the tears of Mary and her friends acting sympathetically upon Jesus, and drawing forth His emotions. What a vivid and beautiful outcoming of His "real" humanity! The word here rendered "groaned" does not mean "sighed" or "grieved," but rather "powerfully checked his emotion"--made a visible effort to restrain those tears which were ready to gush from His eyes. and was troubled--rather, "troubled himself" (Margin); referring probably to this visible difficulty ”