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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - John 11:33 - 11:33
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When Jesus therefore saw her weeping (Iēsous oun hōs eiden autēn klaiousan). Proleptic position of “Jesus,” “Jesus therefore when he saw.” She was weeping at the feet of Jesus, not at the tomb.
And the Jews also weeping (kai tous Ioudaious klaiontas). Mary’s weeping was genuine, that of the Jews was partly perfunctory and professional and probably actual “wailing” as the verb klaiō can mean. Klaiō is joined with alalazō in Mar 5:38, with ololuzō in Jam 5:1, with thorubeō in Mar 5:39, with pentheō in Mar 16:10. It was an incongruous combination.
He groaned in the spirit (enebrimēsato tōi pneumati). First aorist middle indicative of embrimaomai, old verb (from en, and brimē, strength) to snort with anger like a horse. It occurs in the lxx (Dan 11:30) for violent displeasure. The notion of indignation is present in the other examples of the word in the N.T. (Mar 1:43; Mar 14:5; Mat 9:30). So it seems best to see that sense here and in Joh 11:38. The presence of these Jews, the grief of Mary, Christ’s own concern, the problem of the raising of Lazarus - all greatly agitated the spirit of Jesus (locative case tōi pneumati). He struggled for self-control.
Was troubled (etaraxen heauton). First aorist active indicative of tarassō, old verb to disturb, to agitate, with the reflexive pronoun, “he agitated himself” (not passive voice, not middle). “His sympathy with the weeping sister and the wailing crowd caused this deep emotion” (Dods). Some indignation at the loud wailing would only add to the agitation of Jesus.