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 1:38KJV
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John 1:38 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“interpreted” Greek G2059 · used in 4 verses

  • John 1:42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
  • John 9:7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam,(which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
  • Hebrews 7:2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;

“Rabbiwhich” Greek G4461 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 23:7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
  • Mark 9:5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
  • 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.

“turned” Greek G4762 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
  • Luke 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
  • John 20:14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

“saw” Greek G2300 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
  • Luke 7:24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
  • Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.