Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi,(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
JOHN 1:38KJVWhat does John 1:38 mean?
John 1:38 describes Jesus noticing two men following him, turning around, and asking them what they are looking for. The men respond by calling him "Rabbi" (which means "Teacher" or "Master") and ask where he is staying.
In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to two disciples of John the Baptist who have started following him after hearing John call Jesus "the Lamb of God." Jesus’ question, “What seek ye?” invites them to express their intentions, and their reply shows both respect (by calling him "Rabbi") and a desire to spend time with him and learn more.
The Greek behind John 1:38
- Ῥαββί (Rabbí): This is a Hebrew word written in Greek letters, transliterated as "Rabbi," and it means "Teacher" or "Master." The verse itself explains the meaning for readers who might not know Hebrew, showing that Jesus was recognized as a respected teacher.
- διδάσκαλε (didáskale): Translated here as "Master," this Greek word means "teacher." The verse clarifies that "Rabbi" is being interpreted for a Greek-speaking audience, highlighting the cultural bridge in the Gospel.
- μένειν (menein): Translated as "dwellest," this Greek word means "to stay" or "to remain." The disciples are not just asking for Jesus’ address—they are expressing a wish to spend time with him and learn from him.
Why John 1:38 matters
- John 1:38 shows the first recorded interaction between Jesus and his earliest followers, setting the tone for discipleship as a relationship of seeking and learning.
- The verse highlights the respectful title "Rabbi," showing that even at the start of his ministry, Jesus was seen as a teacher worth following.
- By recording the disciples’ desire to know where Jesus stays, the verse emphasizes that following Jesus involves a personal commitment and a willingness to spend time with him.