Definition: Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 11:32. It's a really powerful and poignant passage about grief and faith. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core of the Verse: Mary, Jesus’s mother, is traveling to see him. She arrives at his presence, and she sees him – and she falls down at his feet. She then says, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother… would he not have lived?” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “When Mary was come where Jesus was…” : This tells us that Mary is traveling to meet Jesus. It’s a moment of profound anticipation and hope. “…and saw him…” : She witnesses Jesus, but not in a way that suggests a normal, earthly encounter. It's a special, transcendent experience. “She fell down at his feet…” : This is the key image. Mary’s grief and sorrow are so intense that she collapses before Jesus. “saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” : This is the core of the verse's meaning. She’s expressing a deep sense of loss and asking why Jesus didn’t stay to help her brother. What does it mean? This verse speaks about unfulfilled hope and the power of faith. It highlights: The pain of loss: Mary is grieving the death of her beloved brother, Joseph. Her heart aches with sorrow. Faith in a future promise: She's asking why Jesus didn’t come to help her brother before he died. This suggests that Jesus's presence and power are greater than even our own efforts. It speaks to the idea that Jesus is eternally present and will always intervene when we need him most. The importance of continuing faith: It emphasizes that our belief in a future event – Jesus’s return – can be incredibly powerful, even if it doesn't immediately happen. In essence, this verse is a beautiful expression of love, sorrow, and unwavering hope. It reminds us that even when things seem hopeless, faith in Jesus can bring about a miraculous and comforting outcome. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss its symbolism or meaning in more detail?