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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 11:38 together. It's a really interesting and symbolic passage about Jesus’ arrival at the tomb. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is feeling sadness and pain as he’s looking at the empty tomb. He’s essentially acknowledging that something significant has happened – his death – and recognizing the loss of his followers. Let's unpack the details: "John 11:38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave." This is the key part. “Groaning” means experiencing pain, distress, or sorrow. "Cometh to the grave" means he’s coming to the place where his body lies buried. It's not a dramatic, heroic arrival; it’s a quiet, personal experience of grief. “It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.” This paints a picture: A Cave: The tomb is a dark, enclosed space – a place of secrecy and isolation. It's a physical location associated with death. A Stone: There’s a single, large rock placed on top of the grave. It symbolizes something that was buried or protected – perhaps a burial marker, a forgotten story, or even a barrier preventing resurrection. What does this all mean? This verse is rich with symbolism and it's often interpreted as: Jesus’ Anticipation of Resurrection: The most common understanding is that Jesus is expecting his resurrection to happen. He’s acknowledging the possibility that he will rise again, even though he’s already dead. Acknowledging His Own Death: It speaks to the profound reality of his sacrifice and death on the cross. It's a moment of quiet recognition of what he has done. A Moment of Grief & Reflection: The verse suggests that Jesus is experiencing a genuine human response to loss – feeling sadness, acknowledging the ending of something significant. Important Note: This is one of the most debated passages in the Gospels. There's no single definitive interpretation. Different theologians and biblical scholars have offered various explanations over the centuries. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Explore other interpretations of this verse? Discuss the symbolism behind the cave and stone?