John 1:39

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

He saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Come {G2064} and {G2532} see {G1492}. They came {G2064} and {G2532} saw {G1492} where {G4226} he dwelt {G3306}, and {G2532} abode {G3306} with {G3844} him {G846} that {G1565} day {G2250}: for {G1161} it was {G2258} about {G5613} the tenth {G1182} hour {G5610}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to them, “Come and see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and remained with him the rest of the day — it was about four o’clock in the afternoon.

Berean Standard Bible

“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.

American Standard Version

He saith unto them, Come, and ye shall see. They came therefore and saw where he abode; and they abode with him that day: it was about the tenth hour.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 1:39 records the inaugural invitation extended by Jesus to His first two disciples, Andrew and another unnamed individual, prompting their immediate and personal response. This pivotal moment beautifully illustrates the experiential nature of coming to know Christ, emphasizing that genuine discipleship begins with a direct, personal encounter and a willingness to spend time in His presence, marking the commencement of a transformative relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after [John the Baptist's second public testimony](/john/1-36 "John 1:36 - John the Baptist's Testimony") concerning Jesus, where he declares, "Behold the Lamb of God!" ([John 1:36](/john/1-36 "John 1:36 - The Lamb of God")). Upon hearing this profound declaration, two of John's own disciples, one of whom is identified as Andrew in [John 1:40](/john/1-40 "John 1:40 - Andrew Follows Jesus"), begin to follow Jesus. Jesus, perceiving their interest, turns and initiates a direct conversation by asking, "What seek ye?" Their response, "Rabbi (which is to say, being interpreted, Master), where dwellest thou?" sets the stage for Jesus' profound and personal invitation to "Come and see." This interaction highlights a crucial transition from following John the Baptist to directly engaging with Jesus, emphasizing the personal initiative and seeking heart of these early disciples.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, the relationship between a rabbi and his disciples was central to religious education and spiritual formation. Disciples would often live with their rabbi, learning by observation, instruction, and imitation. When the disciples ask "where dwellest thou?", they are not merely inquiring about a physical address but expressing a desire for a deeper, more extended engagement—an opportunity to learn from Him directly, in the manner of a traditional rabbinic student. The mention of the "tenth hour" is significant, though its precise interpretation (whether Jewish time, 4 PM, implying an overnight stay; or Roman time, 10 AM, allowing for a full day's interaction) underscores the importance and memorability of this initial encounter for the disciples, marking it as a defining moment in their lives.
* **Key Themes:** John 1:39 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of John. Foremost is the theme of **personal encounter and invitation**, where Jesus does not compel but invites individuals to experience Him directly, as seen in His "Come and see" invitation. This aligns with the broader Johannine emphasis on personal faith and relationship with Christ, rather than mere intellectual assent. Another prominent theme is **seeking and finding**, where the disciples' active pursuit of truth is met by Jesus' welcoming presence, echoing the principle found in [Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - Seek and You Will Find"). Furthermore, the phrase "abode with him that day" introduces the critical theme of **abiding in Christ**, a concept that becomes central to Jesus' teaching on discipleship and spiritual fruitfulness later in the Gospel, particularly in [John 15](/john/15 "John 15 - The Vine and the Branches"). This initial "abiding" foreshadows the intimate, continuous fellowship Jesus desires with His followers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Come (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This primary verb signifies movement, "to come or go" in a variety of applications, both literal and figurative. In this context, it is an imperative, an active command to move towards Jesus. It implies not just physical proximity but an active, intentional step of drawing near to Him, signifying the initial act of seeking and responding to His call.
* **see (Greek, _eídō'_):** A primary verb that means "to see" literally or figuratively. Crucially, in its perfect tense, it implies "to know." Here, as an aorist imperative, it suggests not merely a superficial glance but an invitation to perceive deeply, to understand experientially, and to gain knowledge through direct observation and interaction. It moves beyond mere sight to profound insight and recognition of who Jesus truly is.
* **abode (Greek, _ménō'_):** This primary verb means "to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)." It signifies remaining, continuing, or dwelling. In John's Gospel, this word takes on profound theological significance, often denoting a lasting presence, a continuous relationship, and intimate fellowship with Christ. Here, it describes the disciples' immediate, sustained presence with Jesus, laying the groundwork for the deeper concept of abiding in Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He saith unto them, 'Come and see.'":** This is Jesus' direct and personal invitation. It is not a command to believe blindly but an open-ended call to personal investigation and experience. The imperative "Come" implies an active step of drawing near, while "see" suggests an invitation to observe, perceive, and ultimately to understand and know Him experientially. This phrase encapsulates the essence of an authentic encounter with the living Christ.
* **"They came and saw where he dwelt,":** The disciples' immediate and obedient response to Jesus' invitation. Their "coming" signifies their willingness to follow, and their "seeing" implies they gained a direct, personal understanding of His immediate circumstances and, by extension, His character and mission. This clause emphasizes the direct, unmediated nature of their initial discipleship.
* **"and abode with him that day:":** This signifies a significant period of time spent in Jesus' presence, implying more than a fleeting visit. The word "abode" (Greek: _menō_) suggests a dwelling or remaining, highlighting the initiation of an intimate, personal relationship. This foundational time of fellowship was crucial for their nascent faith and understanding.
* **"for it was about the tenth hour.":** The inclusion of this specific time detail underscores the profound significance and memorability of this encounter for the disciples. Whether interpreted as 4 PM (Jewish time, implying an overnight stay) or 10 AM (Roman time, allowing for a full day of interaction), it marks this day as a turning point, a moment indelibly etched in their memory as the true beginning of their walk with Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Invitation** is central, as Jesus extends a direct, personal call to "Come and see," which is a recurring motif in the Gospels for initiating discipleship. This is immediately followed by **Narrative Progression**, as the disciples' action of "They came and saw" directly fulfills the invitation, moving the story forward and demonstrating the immediate impact of Jesus' words. The mention of "the tenth hour" serves as a form of **Specific Detail**, lending a sense of historical verisimilitude and emphasizing the profound significance and memorability of this particular moment for the disciples, making it feel tangible and real to the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 1:39 profoundly illustrates the personal and experiential nature of coming to faith in Jesus. It moves beyond intellectual assent or secondhand information, emphasizing that true knowledge of Christ comes through direct encounter and sustained presence. Jesus' invitation to "Come and see" is a timeless model for evangelism and discipleship, inviting individuals to personally investigate His claims and experience His presence. The disciples' willingness to "abide with him that day" sets the precedent for the deep, continuous relationship that is the hallmark of Christian life, foreshadowing the later teachings on abiding in Christ as the source of life and fruitfulness. This initial encounter highlights God's responsiveness to those who genuinely seek Him and His desire for intimate fellowship.

* [Psalm 34:8](/psalm/34-8 "Psalm 34:8 - Taste and See That the Lord is Good")
* [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Labor")
* [John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 1:39 offers a timeless blueprint for how individuals embark on their spiritual journey with Christ. It reminds us that faith is not merely a set of doctrines to affirm, but a Person to encounter. Jesus' simple yet profound invitation, "Come and see," continues to resonate today, calling us to move beyond passive curiosity to active engagement. To "come" implies a willingness to step out, to seek, and to draw near to Him through His Word, prayer, and community. To "see" means to experience, to perceive, and to know Him in a personal and transformative way, allowing His truth to penetrate our hearts and minds. The disciples' decision to "abode with him that day" underscores the vital importance of dedicating time to cultivate our relationship with God. It is in sustained, intentional fellowship—in "abiding" with Christ—that our understanding deepens, our faith matures, and our lives are genuinely transformed. This verse challenges us to prioritize personal time with Jesus, recognizing that such encounters are foundational to a vibrant and enduring walk of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I actively "come" to Jesus in my daily life?**
* **How am I seeking to "see" and experientially know Christ beyond intellectual understanding?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "abide" with Jesus more consistently and deeply each day?**
* **How does the example of these first disciples inspire my own pursuit of Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why is the mention of "the tenth hour" significant in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of "the tenth hour" (Greek: _hṓra_) adds a layer of historical specificity and emotional weight to the narrative. While scholars debate whether this refers to Jewish time (around 4 PM, suggesting the disciples stayed overnight with Jesus) or Roman time (around 10 AM, allowing for a full day of interaction), its inclusion emphasizes the profound impact and memorability of this initial encounter for the disciples. It marks this specific moment as a turning point, the true beginning of their personal relationship with Jesus, a detail so significant that the Gospel writer (traditionally John, one of the two disciples) recalled it precisely years later. It highlights that their first meeting was not a fleeting moment but a substantial and life-altering experience that initiated their journey of discipleship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 1:39, with Jesus' invitation to "Come and see," serves as a profound foreshadowing of His broader redemptive mission and His ultimate desire for intimate fellowship with humanity. The initial "abiding" of the disciples with Jesus that day points to the New Covenant reality where, through His sacrifice, believers can perpetually "abide" in Him and He in them ([John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in Me")). Jesus, the [Word made flesh who dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), is the ultimate dwelling place for humanity, inviting all to come and experience the fullness of God. His call to "see" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the revelation of God's glory in His person ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and His death and resurrection enable believers to truly "see" and comprehend the depth of God's love and salvation. This initial invitation to personal encounter anticipates the Holy Spirit's work, through whom Christ now dwells within believers ([Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Christ Lives in Me")), making the "abiding" a spiritual reality that transcends physical presence, leading to eternal life and an everlasting relationship with the Triune God ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing 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

Luke 24:29

But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:30

For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.

John 6:37

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

John 4:40

So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

John 1:46

And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.