Charles Ellicott Commentary John 11:31

"The Jews then who were with her in the house, and were consoling her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up quickly and went out, followed her, supposing that she was going unto the tomb to weep there." — John 11:31 (ASV)

And comforted her.—Better, were comforting her—that is, they were engaged in the prescribed ceremonial of those who were called comforters.

Saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.—The better reading is, thinking, She goeth... The practice was and is common among Eastern peoples, as well as among other nations.

Their following her, defeats the object Martha had in view in calling her secretly. We may also say that it defeated our Lord’s object in remaining outside the village; but this is not inconsistent with His knowing that it would be so.