John 1:38 kjv

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?

John 1:38 nkjv

Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, "What do you seek?" They said to Him, "Rabbi" (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), "where are You staying?"

John 1:38 niv

Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?" They said, "Rabbi" (which means "Teacher"), "where are you staying?"

John 1:38 esv

Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, "What are you seeking?" And they said to him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?"

John 1:38 nlt

Jesus looked around and saw them following. "What do you want?" he asked them. They replied, "Rabbi" (which means "Teacher"), "where are you staying?"

John 1 verses

John 1 38 Meaning

John 1:38 describes the initial encounter between Jesus and His first disciples, Andrew and another (likely John himself). Jesus, sensing their silent following, proactively turns and initiates a dialogue by asking about their purpose or motivation ("What do you seek?"). Their response, addressing Him as "Rabbi" (Teacher), indicates their respect and acknowledges His authority, while their question "where are You staying?" expresses a desire for deeper proximity and communion, not merely to observe Him from a distance. The verse marks the crucial moment when initial interest transitions into personal inquiry and the beginning of a closer relationship.

John 1 38 Context

John 1:38 is a pivotal moment in the Gospel of John, immediately following John the Baptist's second testimony declaring Jesus as "the Lamb of God" (John 1:36). Two of John the Baptist's disciples, having heard this, began to follow Jesus. This verse marks Jesus's first direct interaction with His future apostles. It introduces the initial gathering of disciples, moving the narrative from John the Baptist's preparatory ministry to Jesus's own ministry of calling and teaching. The cultural context includes the common practice of disciples seeking out revered rabbis to learn from them. These disciples were likely seeking a new teacher or master whom John had vouched for as superior. Their request "where are you staying?" is an earnest inquiry, signifying their desire for more than just a fleeting conversation; they sought continued instruction and communion with this new "Rabbi."

John 1 38 Word analysis

• Then Jesus turned (στραφείς, strepheis): This is a decisive action. Jesus did not just notice them but turned intentionally, indicating His active engagement and invitation. It implies a moment of direct attention from the Lord, shifting focus to those who are subtly seeking Him.
• and saw them following (θεασάμενος αὐτοὺς ἀκολουθοῦντας, theasamenos autous akolouthountas): "Theasamenos" (from theaomai) means to behold, gaze at, or observe with profound interest, often with admiration or a sense of awe. It's not a casual glance but an attentive gaze. "Akolouthountas" indicates continuous action – they were following. Jesus perceives not just their physical presence but their deeper intention.
• and said to them (καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς, kai legei autois): Direct and immediate communication from Jesus.
• “What do you seek?” (Τί ζητεῖτε;, Ti zēteite?): This question, central to the verse, uses the verb zēteō, which means to seek, search for, demand, or inquire. It's a deep inquiry into their motivation and purpose. Jesus probes beyond mere curiosity, asking what ultimate aim drives them, hinting that He fulfills what people are truly seeking. It implies a spiritual search beyond physical needs.
• They said to Him, “Rabbi (which is to say, when translated, Teacher)” (Ραββί (ὃ λέγεται μεθερμηνευόμενον Διδάσκαλε), Rabbí (ho legetai methermeneuomenon Didaskale)):
  • Rabbi (Ῥαββί): A transliterated Hebrew/Aramaic term meaning "my master" or "my great one," a title of respect and authority for a religious teacher. It reflects their initial understanding and honor for Jesus.
  • which is to say, when translated, Teacher (ὃ λέγεται μεθερμηνευόμενον Διδάσκαλε): John, writing for a Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) audience, clarifies the term. This demonstrates his intent to make the Jewish context comprehensible to gentiles, while firmly establishing Jesus's role as a teacher, conveying truth and instruction.
  • Teacher (Διδάσκαλε, Didaskale): The Greek equivalent, emphasizing Jesus's function as an authoritative instructor.
• “where are You staying?” (Ποῦ μένεις;, Pou meneis?):
  • where (Ποῦ, Pou): Indicates a location.
  • are You staying (μένεις, meneis from menō): While literally meaning "where do you dwell/abide/lodge?", this word holds profound theological significance in John's Gospel. Here, it likely means where Jesus lives or rests. However, John often uses menō with a double meaning, suggesting not just physical lodging but a desire for intimate communion and ongoing relationship – to "abide" with Him in a spiritual sense (cf. John 15:4-10). It expresses their desire for prolonged time and instruction, more than just a brief conversation.

Words-group Analysis:

• Jesus turned, and saw them following: This emphasizes Jesus's initiative. He doesn't wait to be explicitly addressed but reaches out to those showing even tentative interest, inviting deeper engagement. It signifies His divine awareness and purposeful call.
• “What do you seek?” / “where are You staying?”: These two questions, Jesus's direct and the disciples' indirect response, form the core interaction. Jesus's question probes their inner desire, while theirs expresses an external request that masks a deeper spiritual hunger for proximity and instruction from an acknowledged spiritual authority. The questions initiate the relationship: from vague following to seeking a dwelling place and instruction. This sequence of seeking a teacher, recognizing Him, and desiring to dwell with Him lays the foundation for all discipleship.

John 1 38 Bonus section

• The deliberate action of Jesus turning to address the disciples showcases His approachable nature and His active pursuit of those who quietly seek Him. He meets seeking hearts even before they fully articulate their desires.
• The detail of John translating "Rabbi" for his Greek-speaking audience is crucial. It underscores the universal applicability of Jesus's message and ministry, transcending Jewish cultural boundaries. It signals that Jesus's teaching authority is relevant for all peoples.
• This verse can be seen as an archetype for how many encounters with Jesus unfold: a preliminary observation or draw, Jesus's initiating and profound question, and the individual's desire for closer, more personal proximity. It is not about where Jesus lives geographically, but with whom and how He lives, inviting others into that reality.
• The fact that these disciples, former followers of John the Baptist, immediately recognize Jesus's teaching authority (calling Him "Rabbi") speaks volumes about John the Baptist's preparation and testimony. They were prepared ground for Jesus's seed.

John 1 38 Commentary

John 1:38 vividly portrays the inception of a saving relationship. Jesus does not merely allow Himself to be followed; He proactively turns to meet and engage with those drawn to Him. His question, "What do you seek?" is a timeless probe, challenging individuals to examine the motivations behind their pursuit of Him. It asks for more than just surface curiosity; it asks what deeply desired fulfillment or truth they are seeking. The disciples' reply, acknowledging Him as "Rabbi" and asking "where are You staying?" reveals their initial steps of faith. Their inquiry for His dwelling place, while literal, implicitly yearns for prolonged time and deeper understanding. This sets the stage for the Gospel's grand theme of "abiding" in Christ (John 15), a relationship of intimate and fruitful communion. The verse beautifully illustrates that discipleship begins with Jesus's welcoming inquiry and our humble response of seeking His presence and instruction, laying a foundation for an enduring spiritual home in Him.