Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” New Living Translation Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them. They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” English Standard Version 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?” Berean Standard Bible Jesus turned and saw them following. “What do you want?” He asked. They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are You staying?” Berean Literal Bible Then Jesus having turned and having beheld them following, says to them, "What do you seek?" And they said to Him, "Rabbi" (which being translated is to say Teacher), "where are You staying?" King James Bible 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? New King James Version 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?” New American Standard Bible And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What are you seeking?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” NASB 1995 And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” NASB 1977 And Jesus turned, and beheld them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” And they said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” Legacy Standard Bible And when Jesus turned and noticed them following, He said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” Amplified Bible And Jesus turned and saw them following Him, and asked them, “What do you want?” They answered Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” Christian Standard Bible When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for? ” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible When Jesus turned and noticed them following Him, He asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are You staying?” American Standard Version 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? Contemporary English Version When Jesus turned and saw them, he asked, "What do you want?" They answered, "Rabbi, where do you live?" The Hebrew word "Rabbi" means "Teacher." English Revised Version 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, Master), where abidest thou? GOD'S WORD® Translation Jesus turned around and saw them following him. He asked them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which means "teacher"), "where are you staying?" Good News Translation Jesus turned, saw them following him, and asked, "What are you looking for?" They answered, "Where do you live, Rabbi?" (This word means "Teacher.") International Standard Version But when Jesus turned around and saw them following, he asked them, "What are you looking for?" They asked him, "Rabbi," (which is translated "Teacher"), "where are you staying?" Majority Standard Bible Jesus turned and saw them following. ?What do you want?? He asked. They said to Him, ?Rabbi? (which means Teacher), ?where are You staying?? NET Bible Jesus turned around and saw them following and said to them, "What do you want?" So they said to him, "Rabbi" (which is translated Teacher), "where are you staying?" New Heart English Bible And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" Webster's Bible Translation 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? Weymouth New Testament Then Jesus turned round, and seeing them following He asked them, "What is your wish?" "Rabbi," they replied--'Rabbi' means 'Teacher' --"where are you staying?" World English Bible 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?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Jesus having turned, and having beheld them following, says to them, “What do you seek?” And they said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is, being interpreted, Teacher), “where do You remain?” Berean Literal Bible Then Jesus having turned and having beheld them following, says to them, "What do you seek?" And they said to Him, "Rabbi" (which being translated is to say Teacher), "where are You staying?" Young's Literal Translation 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?' Smith's Literal Translation And Jesus having turned, and seen them following, says to them, What seek ye? They said to him, Rabbi, (It says, being interpreted, Teacher,) where remainest thou. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd 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? Catholic Public Domain Version Then Jesus, turning around and seeing them following him, said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi (which means in translation, Teacher), where do you live?” New American Bible Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” New Revised Standard Version When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Jesus turned around and saw them following him, and he said to them, What do you want? They said to him, Rabbi (Teacher), where do you live? Aramaic Bible in Plain English And Yeshua turned and he saw them coming after him and he said: “What are you seeking?”, and they said, “Our Master, where are you staying?” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them: Godbey New Testament Jesus turning and seeing them following, says to them, Haweis New Testament Then Jesus turned about, and seeing them following, saith to them, What are ye seeking? They said unto him, Rabbi (which signifies, when translated, Master), where is thy abode? Mace New Testament then Jesus turned about, and seeing them following, said, what do you seek? they answered him, rabbi, that is to say master, where do you dwell? Weymouth New Testament Then Jesus turned round, and seeing them following He asked them, "What is your wish?" "Rabbi," they replied--'Rabbi' means 'Teacher' --"where are you staying?" Worrell New Testament And Jesus, turning and beholding them following, saith to them, Worsley New Testament And Jesus turning, and seeing them following Him, saith unto them, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The First Disciples…37And when the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus 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.… Cross References John 1:35-37 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. / When he saw Jesus walking by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” / And when the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 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.” John 6:25 When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they asked Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?” John 20:15 “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.” Matthew 8:19 And one of the scribes came to Him and said, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” Matthew 9:27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” Matthew 20:32 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want Me to do for you?” He asked. Mark 10:51 “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “Rabboni,” said the blind man, “let me see again.” Luke 18:41 “What do you want Me to do for you?” “Lord,” he said, “let me see again.” Luke 24:19 “What things?” He asked. “The events involving Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. “This man was a prophet, powerful in speech and action before God and all the people. Isaiah 55:4 Behold, I have made him a witness to the nations, a leader and commander of the peoples. Isaiah 42:1 “Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations. Isaiah 53:11 After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities. Jeremiah 23:5 Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land. Zechariah 6:12-13 And you are to tell him that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Here is a man whose name is the Branch, and He will branch out from His place and build the temple of the LORD. / Yes, He will build the temple of the LORD; He will be clothed in splendor and will sit on His throne and rule. And He will be a priest on His throne, and there will be peaceful counsel between the two.’ Treasury of Scripture Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, What seek you? They said to him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwell you? turned. Luke 14:25 Luke 15:20 Luke 19:5 What. John 18:4,7 John 20:15,16 Luke 7:24-27 Rabbi. John 1:49 John 3:2,26 John 6:25 where. John 12:21 Ruth 1:16 1 Kings 10:8 dwellest. Jump to Previous Abidest Abideth Beheld Dwellest Following Interpreted Jesus Looking Master Means Rabbi Remainest Round Seek Staying Teacher Translated Turned Turning WishJump to Next Abidest Abideth Beheld Dwellest Following Interpreted Jesus Looking Master Means Rabbi Remainest Round Seek Staying Teacher Translated Turned Turning WishJohn 1 1. The divinity, humanity, office, and incarnation of Jesus Christ.15. The testimony of John. 39. The calling of Simon and Andrew, Philip and Nathanael Jesus turned and saw them following The act of Jesus turning signifies His awareness and intentionality. In the Greek, the word for "turned" is "στραφείς" (strapheis), indicating a deliberate action. This moment highlights Jesus' readiness to engage with those who seek Him. Historically, this reflects the rabbinic tradition where a teacher would be approachable and attentive to potential disciples. Jesus' turning is symbolic of His openness to those who pursue Him, emphasizing His role as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep. What do you want? He asked They said to Him, 'Rabbi' (which means Teacher) where are You staying? Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is beginning His public ministry. 2. The Disciples Specifically, two of John the Baptist's disciples who begin to follow Jesus, seeking to learn from Him. 3. Rabbi A term of respect meaning "Teacher," indicating the disciples' recognition of Jesus' authority and wisdom. 4. The Encounter This event marks the beginning of the disciples' journey with Jesus, highlighting their desire to know Him more deeply. 5. The Setting This takes place shortly after John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the "Lamb of God," prompting his disciples to follow Jesus. Teaching Points Seeking JesusThe disciples' question, "Where are You staying?" reflects a deeper spiritual longing to be in the presence of Jesus. As believers, we should continually seek to dwell in His presence through prayer and study of the Word. Recognizing Authority By calling Jesus "Rabbi," the disciples acknowledge His authority and wisdom. We, too, must recognize Jesus as our ultimate Teacher and guide in life. Intentional Following The act of following Jesus requires intentionality and commitment. We are called to actively pursue a relationship with Him, just as the disciples did. Invitation to Relationship Jesus' response to the disciples' inquiry is an invitation to relationship. He desires for us to come to Him with our questions and seek His guidance in all areas of life. The Beginning of Discipleship This encounter marks the beginning of the disciples' journey with Jesus. It reminds us that every journey of faith begins with a step towards Christ, and we must be willing to take that step.(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.Verse 38. - Then Jesus turned - hearing their footfall, he welcomed their sincere approach, attentive as he ever was to the faintest indication of genuine faith and desire for his best gifts - and beheld them following (θεαόμαι is used of intense gaze at that which is august and wonderful, vers. 14, 32; 1 John 1:1; but used also of special and interested contemplation, Matthew 6:1; John 6:5), and he saith to them, What seek ye? The first words of Jesus, as recorded in this Gospel, reveal the incarnate Logos, anointed of the Holy Spirit, beginning to search the heart and anticipate the unuttered questions of humanity. He assumes their desire for that which he alone can supply. They, on seeing their Christ, the Son of God, all humanly before them, do not fall at his feet, but approach him as a human teacher, and give him the ordinary honorific title of a wise, competent instructor. They said unto him, Rabbi (which is, being interpreted, Teacher). The parenthetic clause reveals the fact that the Gospel was written for Gentile readers. The title "Rabbi" was a modern one, only dating from the days of Hillel, about B.C. 30, and therefore needing interpretation. Where abidest thou? Renan founds on this phrase "Rabbi" the supposition that, when John and Jesus meet, they are both surrounded by groups of followers. The narrative is written to convey a precisely opposite conception. Christ did not refuse this "courtesy title" (Matthew 23:8; John 13:13), and we can gather nothing else from the narrative. The question itself reveals the mind of the evangelist. In the opinion of all writers (favourable and hostile), the writer, according to a deliberate method adopted by him, wished to imply that he was one of the two disciples who first left the Baptist to attach themselves to Jesus. The very form of the question adds to the probability. It is a characteristic longing of the disciple, whom Jesus loved so well, to be near and with his Master. He craved no laconic phrase, no solitary word, but some more prolonged fellowship, some undisturbed communion and instruction. The varied emotions of that day, moreover, were conspicuously reproduced in the solemn title which the son of Zebedee most persistently applied to his glorified Lord in the Apocalypse. More than thirty times he refers to him as "the Lamb." Parallel Commentaries ... Greek JesusἸησοῦς (Iēsous) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. turned Στραφεὶς (Strapheis) Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4762: Strengthened from the base of trope; to twist, i.e. Turn quite around or reverse. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. saw θεασάμενος (theasamenos) Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2300: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to look closely at, i.e. perceive; by extension to visit. them αὐτοὺς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. following. ἀκολουθοῦντας (akolouthountas) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 190: To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany. “What Τί (Ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. do you want?” ζητεῖτε (zēteite) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 2212: To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot. He asked. λέγει (legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. They said εἶπαν (eipan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. to Him, αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. “Rabbi” Ῥαββί (Rhabbi) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular Strong's 4461: Of Hebrew origin; my master, i.e Rabbi, as an official title of honor. (which ὃ (ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that. means μεθερμηνευόμενον (methermēneuomenon) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 3177: To translate (from one language into another), interpret. From meta and hermeneuo; to explain over, i.e. Translate. Teacher), Διδάσκαλε (Didaskale) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular Strong's 1320: A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor. “where Ποῦ (Pou) Adverb Strong's 4226: Genitive case of an interrogative pronoun pos otherwise obsolete; as adverb of place; at what locality. are You staying?” μένεις (meneis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 3306: To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay. Links John 1:38 NIVJohn 1:38 NLT John 1:38 ESV John 1:38 NASB John 1:38 KJV John 1:38 BibleApps.com John 1:38 Biblia Paralela John 1:38 Chinese Bible John 1:38 French Bible John 1:38 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: John 1:38 Jesus turned and saw them following (Jhn Jo Jn) |