King James Version

What Does John 1:40 Mean?

John 1:40 in the King James Version says “One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. — study this verse from John chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 1:40 · KJV


Context

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

42

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Andrew is identified as 'Simon Peter's brother'—John assumes his readers know Peter's prominence. Andrew immediately goes to find his brother, demonstrating the evangelistic impulse of genuine conversion—those who find Christ want others to find Him too. Family evangelism often proves most effective and challenging. Andrew's quiet, consistent ministry of bringing others to Jesus (also John 6:8-9, 12:22) models faithful witness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Andrew appears in the synoptic Gospels as one of the first four disciples called. His role as bridge-builder—bringing Peter, the boy with loaves and fish, and Greek seekers to Jesus—shows faithful behind-the-scenes ministry. Church tradition holds that Andrew later ministered in Greece and was martyred on an X-shaped cross.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who in your family or close relationships needs you to be their Andrew, bringing them to Jesus?
  2. How does Andrew's quiet faithfulness challenge more prominent ministry models?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Ἦν1 of 17

was

G2258

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

Ἀνδρέας2 of 17

Andrew

G406

manly; andreas, an israelite

τῶν3 of 17

which

G3588

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

ἀδελφὸς4 of 17

brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

Σίμωνος5 of 17

Simon

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

Πέτρου6 of 17

Peter's

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

εἷς7 of 17

One

G1520

one

ἐκ8 of 17

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν9 of 17

which

G3588

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

δύο10 of 17

the two

G1417

"two"

τῶν11 of 17

which

G3588

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

ἀκουσάντων12 of 17

heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

παρὰ13 of 17
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

Ἰωάννου14 of 17

John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

καὶ15 of 17

speak and

G2532

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

ἀκολουθησάντων16 of 17

followed

G190

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

αὐτῷ·17 of 17

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


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 1:40 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 1:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study