John 11:33

Jews also weeping. Mary’s weeping and that of the close friends of Lazarus was genuine, but much of the other weeping was probably the perfunctory wailing characteristic of Oriental funerals. The word here translated “weep” occurs in Mark 5:39 to describe the affected wail of the hired mourners.

Groaned. Gr. embrimaomai, which basically means “to pant” or “to snort [in anger].” This word occurs in the LXX of Dan. 11:30 in a context that suggests indignation. This idea seems to be present also in Mark 14:5. The associated phrase, “and was troubled” (John 11:33), suggests the same idea here. Hence embrimaomai describes a disturbance of mind, a strong emotional experience, here of righteous indignation, doubtless caused by the hypocritical sorrow of the Jews assembled, some of whom would soon plan the death of him for whom they now mourned, and of Him who was soon to impart life to the dead (see DA 533).