Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

John 11:19

πολλοὶ δέ for καὶ πολλοί (A), and τὴν for τὰς περί (Acts 3); both on overwhelming evidence.

19. ἐκ τῶν Ἰ. From among the Jews. ‘The Jews,’ as usual, are the hostile party: among the numerous acquaintances of the sisters were many of the opponents of Jesus. This visit was yet another opportunity for them to believe.

ἐλ. πρὸς τὴν Μ. κ. Μ. Had come to M. and M. Some good authorities support T. R. in reading πρὸς τὰς περὶ Μ. κ. Μ., ‘to M. and M. and their friends.’ Comp. οἱ περὶ τὸν Παῦλον, Paul and his companions, Acts 13:13.

παραμυθήσωνται. ‘The empty chaff’ of conventional consolation which so moved the spirit of Jesus (John 11:33). It formed a barrier between Him and the sorrow which He alone could console. Jewish ceremonial required that many (ten at least) should come and condole. Genesis 27:35; comp. 2 Samuel 12:17; Job 2:11. It is said that the usual period of mourning was thirty days; three of weeping, seven of lamentation, twenty of sorrow. But the instances in Scripture vary: Jacob, seventy days with an additional seven (Genesis 50:3; Genesis 50:10); Aaron and Moses, thirty days (Numbers 20:29; Deuteronomy 34:8); Saul and Judith, seven days (1 Samuel 28:13; Judges 16:24; comp. Sir 22:12; 2Es 5:20). Josephus tells us that Archelaus mourned for his father seven days, and the Jews for himself, thirty days (B. J. II. i. 1; III. ix. 5). The Mishna prescribes seven days for near relations.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

John 11:19

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