Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While tombs like this were common burial places, the specific mention of a stone "upon it" or "against it" hints that Lazarus wasn't just buried in a pit, but in a more distinguished rock-cut tomb, implying his family's standing. This detail also sets up the dramatic moment of Jesus commanding the stone to be removed, emphasizing the tangible reality of death before the miracle.
Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus arrives at the tomb, a cave sealed with a large stone, after witnessing the grief of Mary and the critical doubts of the onlookers. His deep emotional response, a groan from within, signals His readiness to confront death directly and powerfully. This scene immediately precedes His command to roll away the stone, setting the stage for the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus after four days in the tomb.
Why does the text tell us Jesus was 'deeply moved' again? What was behind that groan that echoes through time?
The phrase 'deeply moved again' (which some ancient translations suggest was a groan or even a tremor) reveals Jesus' profound emotional response. This wasn't just sympathy; it was a powerful reaction to the reality of death, decay, and the sorrow it caused, all rooted in His love for Lazarus and His friends. It also shows His holy indignation against the sin and death that had invaded His creation.
A Multifaceted Emotion
What's the significance of describing the tomb as a 'cave' with a 'stone' blocking it? How does this detail set the stage for the miracle?
The description of the tomb as a 'cave' with a 'stone' blocking the entrance isn't just scenery; it’s crucial for understanding the miracle of resurrection.
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A Solid Barrier
Understand the original words
embrimōmenos · Greek Verb (participle)
In this context, a Greek term suggesting an intense, visceral reaction—often indignation, agitation, or deep sorrow—showing Jesus’ profound engagement with the reality of death.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus Encounters Martha and Mary
Jesus arrives in Bethany, finding Lazarus has been dead for four days. He encounters Martha and Mary, who are grieving their brother's death.
c. 30 AD
Jesus at Lazarus' Tomb
Jesus goes to the tomb where Lazarus is buried, a cave sealed with a stone, and experiences deep emotion.
c. 30 AD
The Raising of Lazarus
Jesus calls Lazarus forth from the tomb, demonstrating His power over death and leading more people to believe in Him.
c. 30 AD
Plot to Kill Jesus Intensifies
The chief priests and Pharisees, witnessing the growing crowds and belief following Lazarus' resurrection, resolve to arrest and kill Jesus.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Final Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus makes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, aware of the danger and the events leading to His crucifixion.
This vision of dry bones coming to life powerfully illustrates God's power to bring life out of death, mirroring the miracle Jesus is about to perform and His ultimate authority over the grave.
Luke 7:11-17This account of Jesus raising the widow of Nain's son shows Jesus' compassion and power over death in a public setting, similar to the raising of Lazarus where He reveals His glory.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57Paul's triumphant declaration about death being swallowed up by victory points to the ultimate fulfillment of the power Jesus demonstrates here, which is victory over death through resurrection.
Romans 8:11This verse speaks of the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwelling in believers, highlighting the life-giving power that Jesus Himself is about to display from within the tomb.
bensonJohn 11:38: "Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it."
John 11:38-40 . It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it — Or, as Dr. Campbell reads, shut up with a stone. The graves of the common people probably were digged like ours, but persons of distinction were, as with us, interred in vaults. So Lazarus was; and such was the sepulchre in which Christ was buried. See note on Matthew 27:60 . Probably this custom was kept up among the Jews…
clarkeJohn 11:38: "Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it."
It was a cave, etc. - It is likely that several of the Jewish burying-places were made in the sides of rocks; some were probably dug down like a well from the upper surface, and then hollowed under into niches, and a flat stone, laid down upon the top, would serve for a door. Yet, from what the evangelist says, there seems to have been something peculiar in the formation of this…
While tombs like this were common burial places, the specific mention of a stone "upon it" or "against it" hints that Lazarus wasn't just buried in a pit, but in a more distinguished rock-cut tomb, implying his family's standing. This detail also sets up the dramatic moment of Jesus commanding the stone to be removed, emphasizing the tangible reality of death before the miracle.
Jesus arrives at the tomb, a cave sealed with a large stone, after witnessing the grief of Mary and the critical doubts of the onlookers. His deep emotional response, a groan from within, signals His readiness to confront death directly and powerfully. This scene immediately precedes His command to roll away the stone, setting the stage for the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus after four days in the tomb.
Jesus arrives at the tomb, a cave sealed with a large stone, after witnessing the grief of Mary and the critical doubts of the onlookers. His deep emotional response, a groan from within, signals His readiness to confront death directly and powerfully. This scene immediately precedes His command to roll away the stone, setting the stage for the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus after four days in the tomb.
"Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it." — While tombs like this were common burial places, the specific mention of a stone "upon it" or "against it" hints that Lazarus wasn't just buried in a pit, but in a more distinguished rock-cut tomb, i…
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Last reviewed October 2026