The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.

JOHN 11:31KJV
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John 11:31 (KJV)

What does John 11:31 mean?

John 11:31 describes how the Jewish people who were with Mary in her house, comforting her after her brother Lazarus’s death, saw her suddenly get up and leave. Thinking she was going to the tomb to mourn, they followed her.

This verse takes place just after Mary hears that Jesus has arrived. The people mentioned are friends or community members who had come to support Mary and Martha in their grief. Their decision to follow Mary shows the close-knit nature of the community and sets up the scene where Jesus will soon perform a significant miracle.

The Greek behind John 11:31

  • ἐκολούθησαν (ekolouthēsan, "followed"): This word often means more than just physically trailing someone; it can suggest attentive watching or concern. Here, it highlights the care the community had for Mary.
  • παρακαλοῦντες (parakalountes, "comforted"): This Greek word means to encourage, console, or comfort. It shows that these people were actively trying to support Mary in her sorrow, not just passively present.
  • ἔξῃλθεν (exēlthen, "went out"): The sense is of leaving a place with purpose. Mary’s quick departure catches the group’s attention, prompting their response.

Why John 11:31 matters

  • John 11:31 helps clarify that Mary was not alone in her grief; her community was deeply involved, which underscores the emotional weight of Lazarus’s death and the miracle to come.
  • The verse shows the natural human response to mourning and loss in that culture, where friends and neighbors would gather and support the bereaved.
  • This detail also sets up the public nature of what Jesus is about to do, making the coming miracle something witnessed by many, not just the immediate family.

Where else these words appear

“comforted” Greek G3888 · used in 4 verses

  • John 11:19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

“hastily” Greek G5030 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 14:21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
  • Galatians 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

“weep” Greek G2799 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Luke 8:52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
  • Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

“grave” Greek G3419 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 8:28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
  • Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
  • John 11:17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.