Jesus wept.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights Jesus' profound humanity, not just as an observer of sorrow, but as a participant. His tears weren't a sign of weakness or confusion about the coming miracle, but a visceral empathy for the pain of loss, demonstrating that true compassion embraces, rather than transcends, human suffering.
Jesus wept.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus arrives to find Mary and Martha grieving the death of their brother Lazarus. As Jesus witnesses their profound sorrow and the weeping of others gathered there, He is deeply moved. This moment leads Him to groan inwardly and then openly shed tears, demonstrating His profound empathy and humanity.
You might think a divine being wouldn't cry. But this verse reveals something incredibly human and relatable about Jesus.
The shortest verse in the Bible, 'Jesus wept,' isn't just a fleeting emotional moment; it's a profound statement about Jesus' very nature.
A Shared Sorrow
When Jesus saw Mary and the others weeping over Lazarus' death, he didn't stand apart. He felt their pain. The Greek word used here (dakruō) suggests a silent, heartfelt shedding of tears, distinct from loud wailing. This wasn't a performance; it was a genuine expression of empathy.
More Than Just a Man?
Some might wonder if tears are fitting for someone divine. But this verse, found in the Gospel that most clearly proclaims Jesus' divinity, also highlights his deep humanity. He experienced the world, including its grief, just as we do. This shows us that true faith and deep human emotion aren't in opposition—they can, and should, coexist.
Why would Jesus weep when he knew he was about to raise Lazarus? This moment reveals a deeper truth about love.
Jesus' tears weren't an expression of ignorance or doubt about his impending miracle. He knew what he was going to do. So, why the tears?
Love in Action
His weeping was a powerful testament to his love for Lazarus and his profound empathy for Mary and Martha's grief. He felt the sting of death and the pain it caused, even as he prepared to conquer it. This shows that his divine power isn't cold or detached; it's fueled by a deep, personal love.
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A Glimpse of God's Heart
This human response, captured in just two words, reveals the heart of God. It shows that God doesn't want us to endure suffering alone. His compassion is active, reaching into our deepest sorrows.
Understand the original words
dakryō · Greek Verb
The act of shedding tears, specifically denoting a quiet or silent shedding of tears, reflecting deep personal grief, empathy, or sorrow.
This timeline highlights Jesus' profound humanity and empathy, showing that even with divine power, he chose to fully experience human grief and sorrow alongside his friends.
c. AD 33
Lazarus falls gravely ill
Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha, becomes critically ill in Bethany, prompting his sisters to send word to Jesus, hoping he would come to heal him.
c. AD 33
Jesus delays, Lazarus dies
Jesus purposefully delayed his journey for two days after hearing of Lazarus's illness, knowing he would die but also planning a greater miracle.
c. AD 33— this verse
Jesus arrives in Bethany and sees mourners
Jesus arrives in Bethany four days after Lazarus's death. He meets a grieving Mary and other mourners, witnessing their deep sorrow firsthand, which deeply moves Him.
c. AD 33
Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead
After weeping and groaning, Jesus proceeds to the tomb, commands the stone to be removed, and calls Lazarus out of the grave, bringing him back to life.
This passage describes Jesus weeping over Jerusalem, showing a consistent pattern of deep empathy and sorrow for human suffering and sin, even in His divine mission.
Romans 12:15This verse directly calls believers to share in the emotions of others, 'weep with those who weep,' which mirrors Jesus' own compassionate act at Lazarus' tomb.
Hebrews 4:15This passage highlights Jesus' perfect understanding and empathy for our weaknesses and sufferings, reassuring us that He can relate to our grief because He experienced it Himself.
Isaiah 53:3This prophecy describes the Suffering Servant as 'acquainted with grief,' which is powerfully illustrated by Jesus' tears, revealing His deep connection to human sorrow even before His own suffering.
Philippians 2:7-8These verses speak of Jesus emptying himself and taking the form of a servant, including experiencing human emotions and suffering, which is vividly demonstrated by His weeping.
barnesJohn 11:35: "Jesus wept."
Jesus wept - It has been remarked that this is the shortest verse in the Bible; but it is exceedingly important and tender. It shows the Lord Jesus as a friend, a tender friend, and evinces his character as a man. And from this we learn: 1. That the most tender personal friendship is not inconsistent with the most pure religion. Piety binds stronger the ties of friendship, makes more tender the emotions of love, and seals and sanctifies the affections of friends. 2. It…
vincentJohn 11:35: "Jesus wept."
Wept (ἐδάκρυσεν)A different verb from that in John 11:31. From δάκρυ, tear, and meaning to shed tears, to weep silently. Only here in the New Testament. Κλαίω, to weep audibly, is once used of our Lord in Luke 19:41. "The very Gospel in which the deity of Jesus is most clearly asserted, is also that which makes us best acquainted with the profoundly human side of His life" (Godet). How far such a conception of deity is removed from the pagan ideal, may be seen by e…
This verse highlights Jesus' profound humanity, not just as an observer of sorrow, but as a participant. His tears weren't a sign of weakness or confusion about the coming miracle, but a visceral empathy for the pain of loss, demonstrating that true compassion embraces, rather than transcends, human suffering.
Jesus arrives to find Mary and Martha grieving the death of their brother Lazarus. As Jesus witnesses their profound sorrow and the weeping of others gathered there, He is deeply moved. This moment leads Him to groan inwardly and then openly shed tears, demonstrating His profound empathy and humanity.
Jesus arrives to find Mary and Martha grieving the death of their brother Lazarus. As Jesus witnesses their profound sorrow and the weeping of others gathered there, He is deeply moved. This moment leads Him to groan inwardly and then openly shed tears, demonstrating His profound empathy and humanity.
"Jesus wept." — This verse highlights Jesus' profound humanity, not just as an observer of sorrow, but as a participant. His tears weren't a sign of weakness or confusion about the coming miracle, but a visceral emp…
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Last reviewed October 2026