Luke 19:41
And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Study Note
Study Note
Jesus's weeping over Jerusalem as he approaches the city on Palm Sunday — 'When he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it' — is one of two recorded instances of Jesus weeping (the other being Lazarus's tomb in John 11:35). The Greek dakryō (weep, shed tears) distinguishes this from klaiō (cry aloud) used at Lazarus's tomb, suggesting quieter grief. The oracle that follows (verses 42-44) predicts the destruction of Jerusalem in precise terms that match the Roman siege of 70 CE, and attributes the catastrophe to not recognizing 'the time of your visitation.' The weeping situates divine judgment within divine compassion: the same God who will allow the destruction grieves over it, reflecting the pathos of God evident throughout the Hebrew prophets (Hosea 11:8; Jeremiah 9:1).
Other Translations
And when he drew nigh, he saw the city and wept over it,
And when he came nigh, having seen the city, he wept over it,
And when he got near and saw the town, he was overcome with weeping for it,
Cross References
As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful …
But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye …
Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night …
Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until …
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have …
I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? …
Jesus wept.