Lazarus
and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them in the loss of their brother. John 11:19 · Berean Standard Bible
Many people from Jerusalem had come to comfort Martha and Mary over the loss of their brother.
A large crowd of mourners has gathered for the traditional period of grief. Many of these people will soon witness something they never expected.
The narrator describes the mourning community around the bereaved sisters.
The house is full of mourners, tears, and grief. No one in that room has any idea that everything is about to change.
Many Jews from Jerusalem had come to console (paramythēsōntai) Martha and Mary, reflecting the Jewish mourning practice of 'shiva'—a seven-day period of communal grief.
The 'many Jews' (polloi ek tōn Ioudaiōn) serve a narrative function as witnesses. In John, 'the Jews' often represents the hostile establishment, but here many will come to faith (11:45).
The narrator describes the mourning community that has gathered around Martha and Mary.
The mourning community provides the audience for the miracle: Jerusalem's religious community is present, ensuring the resurrection of Lazarus will have maximum impact—and maximum consequences.
17When Jesus arrived, He found that Lazarus had already spent four days in the tomb.
18Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, a little less than two miles away,
19and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them in the loss of their brother.
20So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him, but Mary stayed at home.
21Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.
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