John 1:38

John 1:38 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Jesus turned and saw them following. “What do you want?” He asked. They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are You staying?”

King James Version 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?

American Standard Version ASV

And Jesus turned, and beheld them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? And they said unto him, Rabbi (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), where abidest thou?

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Jesus, turning round, saw them coming after him and said to them, What are you looking for? They said to him, Rabbi (which is to say, Master), where are you living?

Free Bible Version FBV

Jesus turned round and saw them following him. “What are you looking for?” he asked them. “Rabbi (which means ‘Teacher’), where are you staying?” they asked in reply.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Iesus turned about, and saw them follow, and saide vnto them, What seeke ye? And they saide vnto him, Rabbi (which is to say by interpretation, Master) where dwellest thou?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jesus having turned, and having beheld them following, saith to them, 'What seek ye?' and they said to them, 'Rabbi, (which is, being interpreted, Teacher,) where remainest thou?'

World English Bible WEB

Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), “where are you staying?”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Jesus turning, and seeing them following him, saith to them: What seek you? Who said to him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

Translation for Translators T4T

Jesus turned around and saw us/them coming behind him. So he asked us/them, “What do you want?” We/They replied, “Teacher, tell us where you are staying, because we want to talk with you.”

Plain English Version PEV

Jesus turned around and saw them, and he asked them, “What are you looking for? Why are you following me?” The men said, “Rabbi, where is your camp?” (In their language, that word Rabbi means Teacher.)

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Berean Amplified Bible — John 1:38

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

John 1:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK στραφεις δε ο ιησους και θεασαμενος αυτους ακολουθουντας λεγει αυτοις τι ζητειτε οι δε ειπον αυτω ραββι ο λεγεται ερμηνευομενον διδασκαλε που μενεις

στραφεις strephō G4762 to turn Verb-2APP-NSM

δε de G1161 then Conj

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

ιησους Iēsous G2424 Joshua Noun-NSM

και kai G2532 and Conj

θεασαμενος theaomai G2300 to look at Verb-ADP-NSM

αυτους autos G846 it/s/he Pron-APM

ακολουθουντας akoloutheō G190 to follow Verb-PAP-APM

λεγει legō G3004 to say Verb-PAI-3S

αυτοις autos G846 it/s/he Pron-DPM

τι tis G5101 which? Interrog-ASN

ζητειτε zēteō G2212 to seek Verb-PAI-2P

οι ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPM

δε de G1161 then Conj

ειπον legō G3004 to say Verb-2AAI-3P

αυτω autos G846 it/s/he Pron-DSM

ραββι rhabbi G4461 Rabbi Hebrew

ο hos, hē G3739 which Rel-NSN

λεγεται legō G3004 to say Verb-PPI-3S

ερμηνευομενον hermēneuō G2059 to interpret Verb-PPP-NSN

διδασκαλε didaskalos G1320 teacher Noun-VSM

που pou G4226 where? Adv-I

μενεις menō G3306 to stay Verb-PAI-2S

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — John 1:38

στραφεις strephō G4762 "to turn" Verb-2APP-NSM

To turn means to change direction completely, like in Matthew 5:39 where Jesus teaches to turn the other cheek. It can also mean to change or reverse something. In Acts 7:42, it means to turn away from God.

Definition: στρέφω [in LXX chiefly for הָפַךְ, also for סָבַב, etc. ;] to turn: with accusative of thing(s) dative of person(s), Mat.5:39; = ἀποσ-, to bring back, Mat.27:3 (cf. Isa.38:8); reflexively (WM, § 38, 1), to turn oneself, Act.7:42; with accusative before εἰς, = μετασ-, to change, Rev.11:6. Pass., reflexive, to turn oneself: before εἰς, Jhn.20:14, Act.7:39 13:46; ptcp., στραφείς, with indic., Mat.7:6 9:22 16:23, Luk.7:9 9:55 14:25 22:61, Jhn.1:38 20:16; id. before πρός, Luk.7:44 10:22 (WH, R, om.), Luk.7:23 23:28; metaphorically, to change: absol., Mat.18:3, Jhn.12:40 (cf. ἀνα-, ἀπο-, δια-, ἐκ, ἐπι-, κατα-, μετα-, συ(ν)-, ὑπο-στρέφω).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 19 NT verses. KJV: convert, turn (again, back again, self, self about) See also: Acts 7:39; Luke 10:22; Revelation 11:6.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ιησους Iēsous G2424 "Joshua" Noun-NSM

Jesus is the Greek name for Joshua, which means God is salvation. It is used to refer to Jesus Christ, the son of God, as well as other Israelites with the same name. The name Jesus appears over 900 times in the New Testament.

Definition: Ἰωσή, see: Ἰωσῆς - -ῆ (Rec. -ή Luk.3:29; AV, Jose; see: Ἰησοῦς, 3), and -ῆτος (Mk, ll with), ὁ, Joses; __1. brother of our Lord: Mrk.6:3, Mat.13:55 (Rec., see: Ἰωσήφ). __2. Son of Mary: Mat.27:56 (-σήφ), WH, txt), Mrk.15:40, 47 __3. see: Βαρνάβας.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 932 NT verses. KJV: Jesus See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

θεασαμενος theaomai G2300 "to look at" Verb-ADP-NSM

To look closely at something or someone, like when Jesus looked at the crowds with compassion in Matthew 11:7. It means to carefully observe or perceive. This word is used to describe times when Jesus or others carefully observed a person or situation.

Definition: θεάομαι, -ῶμαι [in LXX; 2Ch.22:6 (רָאָה), Tob.2:2 13:6, 14, Jdth.15:8, 2Ma.2:4 2Mac 3:36, 3Ma.5:47 * ;] to behold, look upon, contemplate, view (in early writers with a sense of wondering), in NT apparently always in literal, physical sense of "careful and deliberate vision which interprets . . . its object": with accusative of thing(s), Mat.11:7, Luk.7:24 23:55, Jhn.1:14, 32 4:35 11:45, Act.22:9, 1Jn.1:1; with accusative of person(s), Mat.22:11, Act.21:27, Rom.15:24, 1Jn.4:12; with ptcp., Mrk.16:14, Luk.5:27, Jhn.1:38, Act.1:11; before ὅτι, Jhn.6:5, 1Jn.4:14; pass., Mat.6:1 23:5, Mrk.16:11.† SYN.: see: θεωρέω (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 24 NT verses. KJV: behold, look (upon), see See also: 1 John 1:1; John 8:10; Romans 15:24.

αυτους autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-APM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

ακολουθουντας akoloutheō G190 "to follow" Verb-PAP-APM

To follow means to accompany someone, like a disciple following Jesus, as seen in Matthew 4:25 and John 12:26.

Definition: ἀκολουθέω, -ῶ (ἀκόλουθος, following; ἀ- cop., κέλευθος, poët., away), [in LXX chiefly for הָלַךְ ;] to accompany, follow: Mat.4:25, al. Metaphorical, of discipleship: Mat.9:9, Mrk.9:38, Jhn.12:26, al. Absol.: Mat.18:10; more freq., with dative (cl.), Mat.8:1, al.; before μετά, with genitive, (cl.; Eutherford, N.Phr., 458 f.), Luk.9:49; ὀπίσω, with genitive (Heb. הָלַךְ אָהֲרֵי), Mat.10:38 (cf. ἐξ-, ἐπ-, κατ-, παρ-, συν-ἀκολουθέω). SYN.: (cl.) ἕπομαι, not in NT (see Cremer, 80; MM, VGT, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 87 NT verses. KJV: follow, reach See also: 1 Corinthians 10:4; Mark 3:7; Revelation 6:8.

λεγει legō G3004 "to say" Verb-PAI-3S

This word means to say or speak, and it is used by Jesus and others in the New Testament to share teachings and tell stories. It appears in Matthew 9:34 and John 1:29.

Definition: λέγω, [in LXX very freq., chiefly for אמר; λέγει for נְאֻם, Gen.22:16, al. ;] __1. in Hom., to pick out, gather, reckon, recount. __2. In Hdt. and Att., to say, speak, affirm, declare: absol., Act.13:15, 24:10; before orat. dir., Mat.9:34, Mrk.3:11, Jhn.1:29, al.; before ὅτι recit., Mrk.3:21, Luk.1:24, Jhn.6:14, al.; accusative and inf., Luk.11:18, Jhn.12:29, al.; after another verb of speaking, προσφωνεῖν κ. λέγειν, Mat.11:17, al.; ἀπεκρίθη (ἐλάλησεν) λέγων (καὶ λέγει; Dalman, Words, 24 ff.), Mat.25:9, Mrk.3:33, 7:28, Luk.24:6, 7, al.; of unspoken thought, λ. ἐν ἑαυτῷ, Mat.3:9, Luk.3:8, al.; of writing, 2Co.8:8, Php.4:11, al.; λέγει ἡ γραφή, Rom.4:3, Jas.2:23, al.; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.8:8, 9:33, Jhn.5:34, al.; σὺ λέγεις (a non-committal phrase; Swete, Mk., 359, 369f.), Mat.27:11, Mrk.15:2, Luk.23:3, Jhn.18:37; with dative of person(s), before orat. dir., Mat.8:20, Mrk.2:17, al. mult.; id. before ὅτι, Mat.3:9, al.; with prep., πρός, μετά, περί, etc., Mrk.4:41, Jhn.11:56, Heb.9:5, al.; to mean (cl.), Mrk.14:71, Jhn.6:71, 1Co.10:29, al.; to call, name, Mrk.10:18; pass., Mat.9:9, Mrk.15:7, al (cf. ἀντι-, δια- (-μαι), προ-, συλ-λέγω). SYN.: λαλέω, which refers to the utterance, as λέγω to the meaning of what is said, its correspondence with thought (Tr., Syn., Ixxvi; Thayer, see word λαλέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1988 NT verses. KJV: ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 6:2; Acts 19:3.

αυτοις autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-DPM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

τι tis G5101 "which?" Interrog-ASN

This interrogative pronoun is used to ask questions like who, which, or what, as seen in Matthew 3:7 and Mark 11:28. It seeks information about a person or thing. This term is essential in direct and indirect questions.

Definition: τίς, neut., τί, genitive, τίνος, interrog. pron., [in LXX for מָה ,מִי ;] in masc. and fem., who, which, what?; in neut., which, what?, used both in direct and in indirect questions. __I. I. As subst., __1. 1. masc., fem.: τίς; who, what?, Mat.3:7 26:68; Mrk.11:28, Luk.9:9, al. mult.; with genitive partit., Act.7:52, Heb.1:5, al; before ἐκ (= genitive partit.), Mat.6:27, Luk.14:28, Jhn.8:46; = ποῖος, Mrk.4:41 6:2, Luk.19:3, Act.17:19, al.; = πότερος (M, Pr., 77), Mat.21:31 27:17, Luk.22:27, al.; = ὅς or ὅστις (rare in cl.; cf. Bl., §50, 5; M, Pr., 93), Act.13:25. __2. Neut.: τί; what?, Mat.5:47 11:7, Mrk.10:3, al.; χάριν τίνος, 1Jn.3:12; διὰ τί, Mat.9:11, al.; εἰς τί, Mat.14:31, al.; elliptically, ἵνα τί (sc. γένηται), why, Mat.9:5, al.; τί οὖν, Rom.3:9 6:1, 15 1Co.14:15, al.; τί γάρ, Rom.3:3, Phi 1:18; τί ἐμοὶ (ὑμῖν) καὶ σοί, see: ἔγω. __II. As adj.: who? what? which?, Mat.5:46, Luk.14:31, Jhn.2:18, al. __III. As adv.: = διὰ τι (τί ὅτι), why, Mat.6:28, Mrk.4:40, Luk.6:46, Jhn.18:23, al.; in rhet. questions, = a negation, Mat.27:4, Jhn.21:22, 23 1Co.5:12 7:16, al. in exclamations (like Heb. מָה), how (2Ki.6:20, Psa.3:2, al.), Luk.12:49. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 514 NT verses. KJV: every man, how (much), + no(-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where (-by, -fore, -of, -unto, - with, -withal), whether, which, who(-m, -se), why See also: 1 Corinthians 2:11; Colossians 1:27; 1 Peter 1:11.

ζητειτε zēteō G2212 "to seek" Verb-PAI-2P

To seek something means to look for it or try to find it, like when Jesus teaches to seek first God's kingdom in Matthew 7:7. It can also mean to worship or plot against someone.

Definition: ζητέω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for בּקשׁ pi., also for דּרשׁ, etc. ;] __1. to seek, seek for: Mat.7:7, 8 Luk.11:9, 10; with accusative of person(s), Mrk.1:37, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:24, al.; id. before ἐν, Act.9:11; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.13:45, Luk.19:10; before ἐν, Luk.13:6, 7; ψυχήν, of plotting against one's life ( Exo.4:19, al.), Mat.2:20, Rom.11:3" (LXX) . Metaphorical, to seek by thinking, search after, inquire into: Mrk.11:18, Luk.12:28, Jhn.16:19; τ. θεόν, Act.17:27. __2. to seek or strive after, desire: Mat.12:46, Mrk.12:12, Luk.9:9, Jhn.5:18, Rom.10:3, al.; τ. θάνατον, Rev.9:6; τ. βασιλείαν τ. θεοῦ, Mat.6:33 (Dalman, Words, 121f.); τὰ ἄνω, Col.3:1; εἰρήνην, 1Pe.3:11 (LXX). __3. to require, demand: with accusative of thing(s), Mrk.8:12, Luk.11:29, 1Co.1:22, 2Co.13:3; before παρά, Mrk.8:11, al.; ἵνα, 1Co.4:2 (cf. ἀνα-, ἐκ-, ἐπι-, συν-ζητέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 115 NT verses. KJV: be (go) about, desire, endeavour, enquire (for), require, (X will) seek (after, for, means) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:22; John 18:8; 1 Peter 3:11.

οι ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

ειπον legō G3004 "to say" Verb-2AAI-3P

This word means to say or speak, and it is used by Jesus and others in the New Testament to share teachings and tell stories. It appears in Matthew 9:34 and John 1:29.

Usage: Occurs in 1988 NT verses. KJV: ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 6:2; Acts 19:3.

αυτω autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-DSM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

ραββι rhabbi G4461 "Rabbi" Hebrew

Rabbi means 'my master' and is a title of respect for Jewish teachers, including Jesus. It is used in the Gospels, such as in Matthew 23:7-8 and John 1:30. The term is a sign of respect and authority.

Definition: ῥαββεί (Rec. -βί, see WH, App., 155) (Heb. and Aram. רַב, my master; see Dalman, Words, 327, 331 ff.), a title of respectful address to Jewish teachers, Rabbi: Mat.23:7-8; of John, Jhn.3:26; of Christ, Mat.26:25, 49, Mrk.9:5 11:21 14:45, Jhn.1:30, 50 3:2 4:31 6:25 9:2 11:8; κύριε ῥ Mrk.10:51 (WH, mg., see: ῥαββουνεί).† ῥαββουνεί (Rec. -βονί, see: ῥαββεί) (Aram. רַבּוֺנִי, later, רִבּוֺנִי my master; on the Greek vocalization and the relation of the word to ῥαββεί, see Dalman, Words, 324, 340; Gr., 140; DB, iv, 190) Rabboni: Mrk.10:51 (WH, mg., κύριε ῥαββεί), Jhn.20:16.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: Master, Rabbi See also: John 1:38; John 11:8; Matthew 26:49.

ο hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-NSN

The word which is a pronoun used to ask for or identify something, as seen in John 5:11. It can also be used to describe a person or thing, such as in Mark 15:23. This word helps to clarify or specify what is being talked about.

Definition: ὅς, ἥ, ὅ, the postpositive article (ἄρθρον ὑποτακτικόν). __I. As demonstr. pron. = οὗτος, ὅδε, this, that, also for αὐτός, chiefly in nom.: ὅς δέ, but he (cf. ἦ δὲ ὅς, frequently in Plat.), Mrk.15:23, Jhn.5:11; ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, the one . . . the other, Mat.21:35, 22:5, 25:15, Luk.23:33, Act.27:14, Rom.14:5, 1Co.11:21, 2Co.2:18, Ju 22; neut., ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δέ, the one . . . the other, some . . . some, Mat.13:8, 23, Rom.9:21; ὃς (ὃ) μὲν . . . (ἄλλος (ἄλλο)) . . . ἕτερος, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, 1Co.12:8-10; οὓς μέν, absol., 1Co.12:28; ὃς μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, Rom.14:2. __II. As relat. pron., who, which, what, that; __1. agreeing in gender with its antecedent, but differently governed as to case: Mat.2:9, Luk.9:9, Act.20:18, Rom.2:29, al. mult. __2. In variation from the common construction; __(a) in gender, agreeing with a noun in apposition to the antecedent: Mrk.15:16, Gal.3:16, Eph.6:17, al.; constr. ad sensum: Jhn.6:9, Col.2:19, 1Ti.3:16, Rev.13:14, al.; __(b) in number, constr. ad sensum: Act.15:36, 2Pe.3:1; __(with) in case, by attraction to the case of the antecedent (Bl., §50, 2): Jhn.4:18, Act.3:21, Rom.15:18, 1Co.6:19, Eph.1:8, al. __3. The neut. ὅ with nouns of other gender and with phrases, which thing, which term: Mrk.3:17 12:42, Jhn.1:39, Col.3:14, al.; with a sentence, Act.2:32, Gal.2:10, 1Jn.2:8, al. __4. With ellipse of a demonstrative (οὗτος or ἐκεῖνος), before or after: before, Mat.20:23, Luk.7:43, Rom.10:14, al.; after, Mat.10:38, Mrk.9:40, Jhn.19:22, Rom.2:1 al. __5. Expressing purpose, end or cause: Mat.11:10 (who = that he may), Mrk.1:2, Heb.12:6 al. __6. C. prep, as periphrasis for conjc.: ἀνθ᾽ ὧν ( = ἀντὶ τούτων ὧν), because, Luk.1:20, al.; wherefore, Luk.12:3; ἐξ οὗ, since, for that, Rom.5:12; ἀφ᾽ οὗ, since (temporal), Luk.13:25; ἐξ οὗ, whence, Php.3:20; etc. __7. With particles: ὃς ἄν (ἐάν), see: ἄν, ἐάν; ὃς καί, Mrk.3:19, Jhn.21:20, Rom.5:2, al.; ὃς καὶ αὐτός, Mat.27:57. __8. Gen., οὗ, absol., as adv. (see: οὗ). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.

λεγεται legō G3004 "to say" Verb-PPI-3S

This word means to say or speak, and it is used by Jesus and others in the New Testament to share teachings and tell stories. It appears in Matthew 9:34 and John 1:29.

Usage: Occurs in 1988 NT verses. KJV: ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 6:2; Acts 19:3.

ερμηνευομενον hermēneuō G2059 "to interpret" Verb-PPP-NSN

To interpret or translate, as when Jesus explained scriptures in Luke 24:27 and John 1:39, 43.

Definition: ἑρμηνεύω [in LXX: Est.4:7 (תִּרְגַּם), Est.10:3 Job.42:17β* ;] __1. to explain. __2. to interpret: Luk.24:27 (WH, mg.), Jhn.1:39, 43 9:7, Heb.7:2.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: interpret See also: Hebrews 7:2; John 1:42; John 9:7.

διδασκαλε didaskalos G1320 "teacher" Noun-VSM

This word means a teacher or instructor, like Jesus in John 3:2 or Jewish teachers in Luke 2:46. It is often used as a title of respect.

Definition: διδάσκαλος, -ου, ὁ (διδάσκω), [in LXX: Est.6:1, 2Ma.1:10 * ;] given as rendering of Heb. רַבִּי ,רַבּוֺן (NT, Ῥαββεί, Ῥαββουνεί which see); a teacher: Jhn.1:39 20:16; of Jewish teachers, Luk.2:46, Jhn.3:10, cf. Rom.2:20-21; of John Baptist, Luk.3:12; of Jesus, Jhn.3:2, 10 8:4 11:28 13:13-14, and often in Syn., most frequently in voc., as title of address, as Mat.8:19, Mrk.4:38; of Jesus by himself, Mat.23:8; of an apostle, 1Ti.2:7, 2Ti.1:11; of Christians, 1Co.12:28-29, Eph.4:11, Act.13:1, Jas.3:1; of false teachers, 2Ti.4:3 (Cremer, 181; DB, i, 609, iii, 294, iv, 691) SYN.: παιδευτής, q.v (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 57 NT verses. KJV: doctor, master, teacher See also: 1 Corinthians 12:28; Luke 20:21; Hebrews 5:12.

που pou G4226 "where?" Adv-I

This Greek word means 'where' and is used to ask about a location, as seen in Matthew 2:2 and Mark 14:12. It can also indicate something is not found, like in Luke 8:25 and Romans 3:27. It's often translated as 'where' or 'whither'.

Definition: ποῦ interrog. adv., [in LXX for אַי, אַיֵּה, אָן ;] __1. prop., where?: Mat.2:2 26:17, Mrk.14:12, 14, Luk.17:17, 37 22:9, 11, Jhn.1:39 7:11 8:10, 19 9:12 11:34; ποῦ (ἐστιν), indicating that the subject in question is not to be found, Luk.8:25, Rom.3:27, 1Co.1:20 12:17 12:19 15:55, Gal.4:15, 2Pe.3:4; ποῦ φανεῖται, 1Pe.4:18. __2. = ὅπου (WM, 640; B1., § 50, 5): with indic., Mat.2:4, Mrk.15:47, Jhn.1:40 11:57 20:2, 13 20:15 Rev.2:13; with subjc., Mat.8:20, Luk.9:58 12:17. __3. In colloq. (as in Eng.) = ποῖ, whither: in direct questions, Jhn.7:35 9:12 13:36 16:5; in indir. quest., Jhn.3:8 8:14 12:35 14:5, Heb.11:8, 1Jn.2:11.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 39 NT verses. KJV: where, whither See also: 1 Corinthians 1:20; John 14:5; 1 Peter 4:18.

μενεις menō G3306 "to stay" Verb-PAI-2S

This word means 'to stay' and is used to describe remaining in a place or state. It appears in Matthew and John to describe Jesus and the Holy Spirit staying with someone. It's often translated as 'abide' or 'remain'.

Definition: μένω, [in LXX for קוּם ,עמד, etc. ;] to stay, abide, remain. __1. Intrans.; __(i) of place: before ἐν, Luk.8:27, al.; παρά, with dative of person(s), Jhn.1:40, al; σύν, Luk.1:56; καθ᾽ ἑαυτόν, Act.28:16; with adv., ἐκεῖ, Mat.10:11; ὧδε, Mat.26:38; metaphorically, 1Jn.2:18; of the Holy Spirit, Jhn.1:32, 33 14:17; of Christ, Jhn.6:56 15:4, al.; ὁ θεός, 1Jn.4:15, conversely, of Christians, Jhn.6:56 15:4, 1Jn.4:15, al.; ὁ λόγος τ. θεοῦ, 1Jn.2:14; ἡ ἀλήθεια, II Jo 2, al. __(ii) Of time; __(a) of persons: Php.1:25; before εἰς τ. αἰῶνα, Jhn.12:34, Heb.7:24, 1Jn.2:17; ὀλίγον, Rev.17:10; ἕως ἔρχομαι, Jhn.21:22, 23; __(b) of things, lasting or enduring: cities, Mat.11:23, Heb.13:14; λόγος θεοῦ, 1Pe.1:23; ἁμαρτία, Jhn.9:41. __(iii) Of condition: with pred., μόνος, Jhn.12:24; ἄγαμος, 1Co.7:11; πιστός, 2Ti.2:13; ἱερεύς, Heb.7:3; with adv., οὕτως, 1Co.7:40; ὡς κἀγώ, ib. 8; before ἐν, ib. 20, 24. __2. Trans. (Bl., §34, 1; Field, Notes, 132): with accusative of person(s), Act.20:5, 23 (cf. ἀνα-, δια-, ἐν-, ἐπι-, κατα-, παρα-, συν-παρα-, περι-, προσ-, ὑπο-μένω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 105 NT verses. KJV: abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), X thine own See also: 1 Corinthians 3:14; Hebrews 7:24; 1 Peter 1:23.

Study Notes — John 1:38

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
John 1:38 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on John 1:38
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 1:38
Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 1:38
Trapp's Commentary on John 1:38
Ellicott's Commentary on John 1:38
Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 1:38
Cambridge Bible on John 1:38
Barnes' Notes on John 1:38
Whedon's Commentary on John 1:38
Sermons on John 1:38

Context — The First Disciples

36When he saw Jesus walking by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 37And when the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.

38Jesus turned and saw them following. “What do you want?” He asked. They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are You staying?”

39“Come and see,” He replied. So they went and saw where He was staying, and spent that day with Him. It was about the tenth hour. 40Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John’s testimony and followed Jesus.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	John 18:7	So He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered.
2	John 3:2	He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.”
3	John 1:49	“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
4	Psalms 27:4	One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.
5	John 18:4	Jesus, knowing all that was coming upon Him, stepped forward and asked them, “Whom are you seeking?”
6	Proverbs 8:34	Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway.
7	John 6:25	When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they asked Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?”
8	John 12:21	They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.”
9	John 3:26	So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Look, Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, the One you testified about—He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.”
10	John 20:15–16	“Woman, why are you weeping?” Jesus asked. “Whom are you seeking?” Thinking He was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried Him off, tell me where you have put Him, and I will get Him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

John 1:38 Summary

In John 1:38, Jesus turns to the disciples and asks what they want, showing His interest in their intentions and desires. The disciples address Jesus as 'Rabbi', or 'Teacher', and ask where He is staying, demonstrating their eagerness to learn from Him. This verse teaches us that Jesus invites us to come and experience His life and teachings, just as the disciples did, and to have a personal encounter with Him (as seen in John 14:21-23). By addressing Jesus as our Teacher and seeking to learn from Him, we can deepen our relationship with Him and understand His will for our lives, just as the disciples did in John 15:15.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesus ask the disciples what they wanted?

Jesus asked the disciples what they wanted to initiate a conversation and understand their intentions, much like He does with us today, as seen in Revelation 3:20 where He stands at the door and knocks, waiting for us to respond.

What does the term 'Rabbi' mean in this context?

The term 'Rabbi' is a title of respect, meaning 'Teacher', which the disciples used to address Jesus, acknowledging His authority and wisdom, similar to how the disciples addressed Him in Matthew 26:25.

Why did the disciples ask Jesus where He was staying?

The disciples asked Jesus where He was staying to spend more time with Him and learn from Him, demonstrating their eagerness to follow and learn from the Messiah, as also seen in Luke 9:57-62 where others wanted to follow Jesus.

What can we learn from Jesus' response to the disciples' question?

Jesus' response, 'Come and see', invites us to experience and witness His life and teachings firsthand, just as the disciples did, and to have a personal encounter with Him, as promised in John 14:21-23.

Reflection Questions

What am I seeking from Jesus, and how can I express my desires to Him?
How can I, like the disciples, demonstrate my eagerness to follow and learn from Jesus?
What does it mean for me to 'come and see' Jesus, and how can I experience His presence in my life?
In what ways can I address Jesus as 'Rabbi' or 'Teacher' in my daily life, acknowledging His authority and wisdom?

Gill's Exposition on John 1:38

Then Jesus turned, and saw them following,.... That is, "him", as the Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions add: he saw by their walk, and by their countenances, that they were following him;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 1:38

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?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 1:38

Christ, as he walked, turning him, and seeing two men following him, inquires of their end, what they sought; to teach us, in all our religious motions and actions, to do the like; for the end will contribute much to specify the action, and to make it good or bad. They gave him that honourable title which was then in fashion, by and under which they were wont to speak to those upon whom they relied for instruction, whose doctrine they desired to know, and with whom they desired to converse, and to learn of him. They asked him where he abode, or where he lodged.

Trapp's Commentary on John 1:38

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? Ver. 38. What seek ye] He saith still in effect as much as all this to all his suitors; and infinitely scorns that it should be said that any one seeketh him in vain, Isaiah 45:19. He is found of them that sought him not, and saith, "Behold me" to every passenger, Isaiah 65:1. Here he offers himself to these two disciples, and speaks first. He of his own accord (without any monitor) is wont to aid us. "His eyes are upon the righteous, as well as his ears are open to their prayers," Psalms 34:15. Should he not see as well as hear, and prevent as well as follow us with his favours, we should want many things, and it would go full ill with us.

Ellicott's Commentary on John 1:38

(38) Jesus turned, and saw them following.—They follow wishing, and yet not daring, to question Him. He sees this, and seeks to draw them forth by Himself asking the first question. They are not prepared for this question, and wish for more than a passing interview. They inquire, “Where dost thou sojourn?” “Where are you staying for the night?” They will visit Him and ask the many things they seek. They address Him as “Rabbi,” placing themselves in the position of His scholars; but they have not yet learnt all that John had taught them of His office. The title is natural from them, for it was the then current title of a revered teacher, and one that John’s disciples applied to him (John 3:26); but the writer remembers it was a modern word (comp. Matthew 23:7-8), known to Jews only since the days of Hillel (president of the Sanhedrin about B.C. 30), not likely to be known to Greeks at all, and he therefore translates it, as he does Messias and Cephas in this same section.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 1:38

Verse 38. What seek ye?] These disciples might have felt some embarrassment in addressing our blessed Lord, after hearing the character which the Baptist gave of him; to remove or prevent this, he graciously accosts them, and gives them an opportunity of explaining themselves to him. Such questions, we may conceive, the blessed Jesus still puts to those who in simplicity of heart desire an acquaintance with him. A question of this nature we may profitably ask ourselves: What seek ye? In this place! In the company you frequent? In the conversation you engage in? In the affairs with which you are occupied? In the works which you perform? Do you seek the humiliation, illumination, justification, edification, or sanctification of your soul? The edification of your neighbour? The good of the Church of Christ? Or, The glory of God? Questions of this nature often put to our hearts, in the fear of God, would induce us to do many things which we now leave undone, and to leave undone many things which we now perform. Rabbi] Teacher. Behold the modesty of these disciples-we wish to be scholars, we are ignorant-we desire to be taught; we believe thou art a teacher come from God. Where dwellest thou?] That we may come and receive thy instructions.

Cambridge Bible on John 1:38

38–51. The Testimony of Disciples38. saw them] Same verb as in John 1:14; John 1:32. The context shews that He saw into their hearts as well. For ‘Then’ read But.What seek ye?] i.e. in Me. He does not ask ‘Whom seek ye?’ It was evident that they sought Him.Rabbi] A comparatively modern word when S. John wrote, and therefore all the more requiring explanation to Gentile readers. S. John often interprets between Hebrew and Greek; thrice in this section. (Comp. John 1:41-42.)where dwellest thou?] Better, where abidest Thou? (See on John 1:33.) They have more to ask than can be answered on the spot. Perhaps they think Him a travelling Rabbi staying with friends close by; and they intend to visit Him at some future time. He bids them come at once: now is the day of salvation.

Barnes' Notes on John 1:38

What seek ye? - This was not asked to obtain “information.” Compare John 1:48. It was not a harsh reproof, forbidding them to follow him. Compare Matthew 11:28-30.

Whedon's Commentary on John 1:38

38. Jesus turned—John still stands to his work; but his disciples will follow the Lamb. How far we know not; but Jesus turns, and our Evangelist arrives at the first thrilling word which the eternal Word uttered in his hearing.

Sermons on John 1:38

	Sermon	Description
	1 John - Ground of Fellowship by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that we are currently living in the last days, which are characterized by difficult times and a lack of love for God. The speaker also highli
	The King Is Coming: Faith 2: Church Life and His Return by Hoseah Wu	In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the shrinking world we live in due to mass media and instantaneous communication. He emphasizes the blessings of being able to c
	Shipwrecks by John McGregor	In this sermon, the speaker discusses various lessons that can be learned from a biblical text. The first lesson highlighted is the confidence of a spirit-filled servant, as seen i
	(John) the Sinfulness of Man by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, Peter and John are preaching to the people in the temple when they are interrupted by the priests, captain of the temple, and Sadducees. These religious leaders are
	John 18:1-37 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches about the events leading to Jesus' arrest, highlighting His willingness to go to His Passion, the disciples' response, Judas' betrayal, and Peter's denial.
	The Meaning of Life - 1. God Only by Norman Grubb	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the foundation of the universe, which is built on love. He emphasizes that God is a God of love and that the e
	Holl-05 Walking in the Spirit 2 by Art Katz	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning between good intentions and God's will. He warns that in the end times, the greatest threat will not come from