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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} Jesus {G2424} turned {G4762}, and {G2532} saw {G2300} them {G846} following {G190}, and saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, What {G5101} seek ye {G2212}?{G1161} They said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Rabbi {G4461},(which {G3739} is to say {G3004}, being interpreted {G2059}, Master {G1320},) where {G4226} dwellest thou {G3306}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua turned and saw them following him, and he asked them, “What are you looking for?” 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?”

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 1:38 records a foundational moment in Jesus' public ministry, capturing His first recorded words in John's Gospel and the initial interaction with His earliest disciples. This pivotal encounter highlights Jesus' initiative in engaging those who seek Him, His profound question challenging their deepest desires, and the disciples' longing for a sustained, intimate relationship with their newfound Master, setting the stage for the nature of true discipleship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic testimony of John the Baptist, who, for the second consecutive day, points out Jesus as "[the Lamb of God](/john/1-36 "John 1:36 - John the Baptist Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God")" ([John 1:36](/john/1-36 "John 1:36 - John the Baptist Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God")). Two of John's disciples, upon hearing this profound declaration, shift their allegiance and begin to follow Jesus. The narrative then seamlessly transitions to Jesus' direct engagement with these nascent followers, initiating a personal dialogue that moves beyond mere observation to an invitation for deeper commitment. This interaction serves as the inaugural scene of Jesus gathering His disciples, a theme that will unfold throughout the Gospel, beginning with Andrew and likely John, the author himself, who characteristically remains unnamed but is implicitly present.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the region near the Jordan River, where John the Baptist had been baptizing and proclaiming the coming Messiah. In first-century Judea, the relationship between a rabbi (teacher) and his disciples was central to religious and intellectual life. Disciples would often leave their homes and occupations to live with and learn from their chosen teacher, absorbing not only their teachings but also their way of life. The term "Rabbi" (Hebrew: *rabbi*, meaning "my great one" or "my teacher") was a title of profound respect and authority, indicating a recognized spiritual guide. The disciples' question, "where dwellest thou?", reflects this cultural practice, signifying a desire to not merely hear a lesson but to enter into the teacher's sphere of life and sustained presence, a common expectation for those committing to a rabbinic master.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is rich with themes central to John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores **Jesus' Divine Initiative**, as He is not passively followed but actively turns and engages those who are drawn to Him, demonstrating His intentionality in calling disciples. The question "[What seek ye?](/john/1-38 "John 1:38 - Jesus' Question to His Disciples")" highlights the theme of **Seeking and Encounter**, challenging individuals to introspect about their deepest desires and motivations for approaching Christ. Furthermore, the disciples' response, "where dwellest thou?", introduces the theme of **Abiding and Fellowship**, a concept that will be profoundly developed in Jesus' later discourse on the vine and branches in [John 15](/john/15 "John 15 - Jesus, the True Vine"). This longing for sustained presence with Jesus is foundational to **The Nature of Discipleship**, which begins with a personal invitation and a desire for intimate communion rather than mere intellectual assent or fleeting curiosity. The entire [first chapter of John](/john/1 "John 1 - The Word Became Flesh") establishes Jesus' identity and the call to follow Him, with this verse serving as a crucial turning point from John the Baptist's testimony to the direct formation of Jesus' community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **turned (Greek, _stréphō'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate physical reorientation, implying Jesus' conscious awareness of the two men following Him and His intentional decision to engage them. It's not a casual glance but a purposeful turning, indicating His initiative in the encounter. This action immediately shifts the dynamic from passive following to active interaction, inviting dialogue.
* **seek (Greek, _zētéō'_):** Jesus' question, "What seek ye?", employs this verb, which means to search for, endeavor to obtain, or even to worship. It's a profound inquiry that probes beyond superficial curiosity to the core motivations and ultimate desires of the disciples. Jesus is not merely asking *what* they want, but *why* they are following, challenging them to articulate their deepest longing.
* **dwellest (Greek, _ménō'_):** The disciples' response, "where dwellest thou?", uses this verb, which means to stay, abide, continue, or remain. It conveys a desire for more than a temporary meeting or a brief lesson. It expresses a longing for sustained presence, intimacy, and a deeper, abiding relationship with Jesus, reflecting the cultural practice of disciples living with their master.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Jesus turned, and saw them following":** This opening clause establishes Jesus' awareness and intentionality. He is not oblivious to their presence but actively acknowledges their pursuit. His "turning" signifies His readiness to engage and initiate the conversation, demonstrating His proactive role in calling disciples.
* **"and saith unto them, ‹What seek ye?›":** These are Jesus' first recorded words in John's Gospel, a profound and searching question. It's not a simple inquiry for information but a challenge to introspection. Jesus probes the motives of their hearts, inviting them to articulate their deepest desires and the true purpose behind their following. This question sets the tone for understanding genuine discipleship as a matter of the heart's ultimate pursuit.
* **"They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,)":** The disciples' immediate response is one of respect and recognition of authority. "Rabbi" is a title of honor for a revered teacher, indicating that even at this early stage, they perceive Jesus as a spiritual guide worthy of instruction. The parenthetical interpretation provided by the Gospel writer (likely for a Hellenistic audience unfamiliar with Hebrew terms) ensures the reader understands the significance of this address.
* **"where dwellest thou?":** This question reveals the disciples' core longing. It's not merely a request for an address but a desire for sustained fellowship and intimate proximity. In the context of rabbinic discipleship, knowing where a teacher "dwelt" meant having access to his daily life, his teachings, and his very being. It speaks to a yearning for a deeper, abiding relationship, moving beyond a casual encounter to a commitment to live in the presence of their chosen Master.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Dialogue** as its primary literary device, immediately immersing the reader in the direct interaction between Jesus and His first followers. This direct exchange makes the encounter personal and immediate. Jesus' question, "What seek ye?", functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, not merely seeking information but prompting deep introspection and revealing the underlying motivations of the disciples. It challenges not only the characters within the narrative but also the reader to consider their own reasons for seeking Christ. Furthermore, the Gospel writer utilizes a **Parenthetical Gloss or Interpretation** ("which is to say, being interpreted, Master,") to explain the Hebrew term "Rabbi" for a broader, likely Gentile audience. This interpretive note ensures clarity and highlights the significance of the title the disciples bestow upon Jesus, emphasizing His recognized authority and teaching role.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 1:38](/john/1-38 "John 1:38 - Jesus' First Words to His Disciples") establishes a fundamental pattern for spiritual seeking and divine encounter. Jesus' proactive turning and questioning underscore His role as the initiator of salvation and discipleship, always ready to engage those who are drawn to Him. The disciples' desire to "dwell" with Jesus foreshadows the profound New Testament theme of abiding in Christ, emphasizing that true spiritual life is not merely about intellectual assent or following rules, but about a deep, continuous, and personal relationship with the living Lord. This longing for presence is a universal human desire, met supremely in Christ.

* [Psalm 27:4](/psalm/27-4 "Psalm 27:4 - David's Desire to Dwell in the House of the Lord")
* [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary")
* [John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This foundational interaction in [John 1:38](/john/1-38 "John 1:38 - Jesus' First Words to His Disciples") offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Jesus' question, "What seek ye?", remains as relevant today as it was for His first disciples. It compels us to examine the true motivations behind our faith and our pursuit of God. Are we seeking superficial blessings, fleeting comfort, or a genuine, transformative relationship with the Lord? The disciples' response, "where dwellest thou?", reveals a desire for intimacy and sustained presence, reminding us that true discipleship is not merely about attending services or acquiring knowledge, but about a longing to "abide" with Christ, to share in His life, and to learn from His very being. This verse challenges us to move beyond casual interest to a deep, abiding commitment, echoing Jesus' subsequent invitation to "Come and see" ([John 1:39](/john/1-39 "John 1:39 - Jesus' Invitation to 'Come and See'")). Our spiritual journey is an ongoing invitation to seek His presence and to dwell in His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What truly am I seeking in my walk with Jesus?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a desire to "dwell" with Christ?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper, more abiding relationship with my Master?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus ask "What seek ye?" instead of just inviting them to follow Him?**

Answer: Jesus' question, "[What seek ye?](/john/1-38 "John 1:38 - Jesus' Question to His Disciples")" is not a casual inquiry but a profound, probing question designed to elicit the disciples' deepest motivations. It forces them to articulate their desires, moving beyond mere curiosity to a conscious decision. This question establishes from the outset that following Jesus is not a passive act but requires intentionality and a clear understanding of one's purpose. It sets the tone for a discipleship rooted in genuine seeking and a clear understanding of what they hope to gain from their association with Him, rather than just a superficial following. It's an invitation to introspection and commitment.

**What is the significance of the disciples calling Jesus "Rabbi"?**

Answer: The term "Rabbi" (interpreted as "Master" in the KJV) was a title of profound respect and honor given to esteemed Jewish teachers and spiritual guides in the first century. By addressing Jesus as "Rabbi," the disciples immediately acknowledge His authority, wisdom, and the expectation that He is someone from whom they can learn and receive instruction. This indicates their initial recognition of Him as a significant spiritual figure, even before they fully comprehend His divine identity as the Messiah. It signifies their readiness to become His students and to commit to His teachings and way of life, much like disciples would commit to any respected teacher of that era.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 1:38](/john/1-38 "John 1:38 - Jesus' First Words to His Disciples") powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of humanity's deepest longings. Jesus' question, "[What seek ye?](/john/1-38 "John 1:38 - Jesus' Question to His Disciples")", points to the truth that all human seeking, whether for meaning, purpose, or peace, ultimately finds its answer in Him. He is the **fulfillment of all seeking**, the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge in Christ")). The disciples' desire to know "where dwellest thou?" finds its profound answer in Christ as the very **dwelling place of God** among humanity. Just as the Tabernacle and Temple were the Old Testament dwelling places of God's presence, Jesus is the ultimate "tent" or "tabernacle" where God dwells with us, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." Furthermore, Jesus' invitation to "come and see" ([John 1:39](/john/1-39 "John 1:39 - Jesus' Invitation to 'Come and See'")) and His later promise to send the Holy Spirit ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")) reveal that through Him, we are invited not only to dwell *with* God but for God to dwell *within* us, making believers temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, this initial encounter sets the stage for the New Covenant reality where Christ is both the object of our seeking and the very means by which we find eternal abiding with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 18:7

Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

John 3:2

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

John 1:49

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

Psalms 27:4

One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

Proverbs 8:34

Blessed [is] the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

John 18:4

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

John 3:26

And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all [men] come to him.