King James Version

What Does John 1:39 Mean?

John 1:39 in the King James Version says “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 te... — study this verse from John chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 1:39 · KJV


Context

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.

41

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. the Christ: or, the Anointed


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The disciples came, saw, and 'abode with him that day.' The verb 'meno' (abide, remain) becomes a key theological term in John—believers abide in Christ, His words abide in them. These first disciples experienced what every believer is called to: dwelling with Christ. The specific time notation—'about the tenth hour' (4 PM)—suggests eyewitness memory, likely from John who never forgot this transformative encounter.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The precise time reference is a mark of authentic memoir. These hours spent with Jesus changed everything for these disciples. Jewish days began at sunset, but John likely uses Roman reckoning (from midnight), making this late afternoon. The extended time indicates substantive conversation, not mere greeting.

Reflection Questions

  1. What was your 'tenth hour'—the moment you first truly encountered Christ?
  2. How do we cultivate abiding with Christ in our daily lives?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
λέγει1 of 22

He saith

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

αὐτῷ2 of 22

him

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

ἦλθον3 of 22

Come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ4 of 22

and

G2532

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

εἶδον5 of 22

saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἦλθον6 of 22

Come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ7 of 22

and

G2532

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

εἶδον8 of 22

saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ποῦ9 of 22
G4225

as adverb of place, somewhere, i.e., nearly

ἔμειναν10 of 22

abode

G3306

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

καὶ11 of 22

and

G2532

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

παρ'12 of 22

with

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

αὐτῷ13 of 22

him

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

ἔμειναν14 of 22

abode

G3306

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

τὴν15 of 22
G3588

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

ἡμέραν16 of 22

day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἐκείνην·17 of 22

that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ὥρα18 of 22

hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

δέ19 of 22

for

G1161

but, and, etc

ἦν20 of 22

it was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ὡς21 of 22

about

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δεκάτη22 of 22

the tenth

G1182

tenth


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 1:39 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 1:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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