John 11:19

many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary Better, many from among the Jews had come, &c. The received text with some good authorities has -had come to Martha and Mary and their friends," but this is not the best-attested reading. -The Jews" here, as usual, means Christ's opponents; they would come mostly, if not entirely, from Jerusalem.

to comfort them It was part of the Jewish ceremonial of mourning 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.