Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

JOHN 11:38KJV
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John 11:38 (KJV)

What does John 11:38 mean?

John 11:38 describes Jesus approaching the tomb of Lazarus, deeply moved within himself, as he comes to the place where Lazarus has been buried—a cave with a stone covering its entrance. The verse highlights Jesus’s emotional response as he stands before the grave.

In this scene, Jesus is with a group of mourners after the death of his friend Lazarus. The verse notes that Jesus is "groaning in himself," showing a strong emotional reaction, possibly grief or anger at death itself. The mention of the cave and the stone sets the stage for the miracle that follows, where Jesus will call Lazarus out of the tomb.

The Greek behind John 11:38

  • "groaning" (ἐμβριμώμενος, embrimōmenos): This Greek word often carries the sense of a deep, almost angry or troubled emotion, not just quiet sadness. It suggests Jesus is powerfully stirred, possibly expressing frustration at the pain and loss caused by death.
  • "grave" (μνημεῖον, mnēmeion): This word refers to a tomb or burial place, often a cave cut into rock, which helps clarify the burial customs of the time.
  • "cave" (σπήλαιον, spēlaion): The Greek specifies that Lazarus’s tomb was a cave, which was a common type of tomb in first-century Judea, sealed with a stone.

Why John 11:38 matters

  • John 11:38 shows Jesus’s deep emotional involvement, countering any idea that he was detached or unaffected by human suffering.
  • The verse sets up the physical details of the miracle, making it clear that Lazarus was truly dead and buried, which underscores the significance of what Jesus is about to do.
  • By describing the tomb as a cave with a stone, John 11:38 connects Lazarus’s story to Jesus’s own burial and resurrection, themes that become important later in the Gospel.

Where else these words appear

“groaning” Greek G1690 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 9:30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.
  • Mark 1:43 And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;
  • Mark 14:5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

“cave” Greek G4693 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
  • Mark 11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
  • Hebrews 11:38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

“lay” Greek G1945 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 5:1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
  • John 21:9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

“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.