38 Or “many of the Judeans” (cf. Ἰουδαῖος 2.e); Grk “many of the Jews.” Here the phrase refers to the residents of Jerusalem and the surrounding area in general (those who had been friends or relatives of Lazarus or his sisters would mainly be in view) since the Jewish religious authorities (“the chief priests and the Pharisees”) are specifically mentioned as a separate group in John 11:46–47. See also the note on the phrase “the Jewish leaders” in v. .
39 Or “to comfort them” or “to offer them sympathy.”
40 Grk “to comfort them concerning their brother”; the words “loss of” are not in the Greek text but are implied. This is a parenthetical note by the author.

In other versions

and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother.

and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother.

Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother.

and many of the people had come to console Martha and Mary in their loss.

So many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary in order to console them concerning their brother.)

And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

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