Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

JOHN 11:36KJV
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John 11:36 (KJV)

What does John 11:36 mean?

John 11:36 shows the people around Jesus noticing how deeply He cared for Lazarus, saying, “Behold how he loved him!” after seeing Jesus weep at Lazarus’s tomb. This verse highlights the genuine affection Jesus had for His friend, which was obvious even to those watching.

In this scene, the onlookers (called “the Jews” in John’s Gospel) are speaking to each other as they observe Jesus mourning. Their words are a response to Jesus’s visible grief over Lazarus’s death. The verse draws attention to Jesus’s real human emotions and the close relationship He had with Lazarus, setting the stage for what Jesus is about to do next.

The Greek behind John 11:36

  • The word for “loved” is ἐφίλει (phileō), which often describes deep friendship or personal affection, not just general goodwill. This shows that Jesus’s feelings for Lazarus were warm and personal, not distant or formal.
  • The exclamation “Behold” comes from ἴδε (ide), which is used to draw strong attention. The onlookers are struck by the depth of Jesus’s emotion, making it clear that His love was obvious and noteworthy.

Why John 11:36 matters

  • John 11:36 clears up any idea that Jesus was emotionally detached; it shows Him experiencing and expressing real human sorrow and love.
  • The verse emphasizes that Jesus’s miracles, like raising Lazarus, come from a place of genuine compassion, not just power or authority.
  • This moment helps connect the reader to the wider story of John 11, where Jesus’s humanity and divinity are both on display, preparing for the miracle that follows.

Where else these words appear

“loved” Greek G5368 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 22:47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
  • John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

“Behold” Greek G2396 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
  • Mark 15:4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.
  • John 11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

“how” Greek G4459 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Luke 11:18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
  • Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.