King James Version

What Does John 1:38 Mean?

John 1:38 in the King James Version says “Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to sa... — study this verse from John chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? dwellest: or, abidest

John 1:38 · KJV


Context

36

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

37

And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

38

Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? dwellest: or, abidest

39

He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. about: that was two hours before night

40

One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' first recorded words in John's Gospel are a question: 'What seek ye?' (Ti zeteite;). This penetrating inquiry exposes motivation—why do you follow? The disciples' response, 'Rabbi, where dwellest thou?' shows desire for relationship, not just information. They want to know where Jesus abides, indicating desire for extended fellowship rather than brief encounter. Jesus' invitation 'Come and see' opens access to Himself—the first of many such invitations throughout John's Gospel.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The title 'Rabbi' (teacher) indicates respect, though Jesus transcends this category. The question of dwelling place reflects first-century discipleship patterns where students lived with their teacher. 'Come and see' became a repeated invitation in John (1:46, 11:34)—Christ invites investigation and relationship.

Reflection Questions

  1. If Jesus asked you 'What seek ye?' how would you honestly answer?
  2. What does 'come and see' teach about how we should introduce others to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
στραφεὶς1 of 23

turned

G4762

to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively)

δὲ2 of 23

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς4 of 23

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ5 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

θεασάμενος6 of 23

saw

G2300

to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit

αὐτῷ7 of 23

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀκολουθοῦντας8 of 23

following

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

λέγεται9 of 23

(which is to say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ10 of 23

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Τί11 of 23

What

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ζητεῖτε12 of 23

seek ye

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

οἱ13 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ14 of 23

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπον15 of 23

They said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ16 of 23

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ῥαββί17 of 23

Rabbi

G4461

my master, i.e rabbi, as an official title of honor

18 of 23
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

λέγεται19 of 23

(which is to say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἑρμηνευόμενον,20 of 23

being interpreted

G2059

to translate

Διδάσκαλε21 of 23

Master

G1320

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

ποῦ22 of 23

where

G4226

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

μένεις23 of 23

dwellest thou

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 1:38 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 1:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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