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.

JOHN 1:39KJV
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John 1:39 (KJV)

What does John 1:39 mean?

John 1:39 describes Jesus inviting two of John the Baptist’s disciples to come with him and see where he is staying, and they spend the rest of the day with him. The verse notes that this happened around the tenth hour, which would be about 4 p.m. by Jewish timekeeping.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to two men who have just started following him after John the Baptist pointed him out. When they ask where he is staying, Jesus responds, “Come and see,” welcoming them to spend time with him. The detail about the “tenth hour” gives a sense of the day’s timing and suggests they spent several hours together, marking the beginning of their relationship with Jesus.

The Greek behind John 1:39

  • “Come” (ἔρχεσθε, erchesthe) and “came” (ἦλθον, ēlthon): Both words are from the same root and carry the sense of physically moving toward someone or something. Here, it emphasizes the disciples’ active choice to follow Jesus and see for themselves.
  • “See” (ἴδετε, idete) and “saw” (εἶδον, eidon): These words mean more than just looking—they often imply understanding or experiencing something firsthand. Jesus’ invitation is not just to observe, but to experience his life up close.
  • “Abode” (ἔμειναν, emeinan): This word means to stay or remain. It highlights that the disciples didn’t just visit briefly; they spent significant time with Jesus, suggesting a deeper encounter.
  • “Tenth hour” (δεκάτη ὥρα, dekatē hōra): In Jewish timekeeping, this would be about 4 p.m. This detail shows the story’s realism and suggests the disciples spent the rest of the day with Jesus.

Why John 1:39 matters

  • John 1:39 shows that Jesus welcomes those who are curious and seeking, inviting them to come and experience life with him directly rather than just hearing about him from others.
  • The verse marks the beginning of a close relationship between Jesus and his first followers, setting the tone for how discipleship in John’s Gospel often starts with a personal encounter.
  • The specific mention of the time (“about the tenth hour”) gives the account a sense of eyewitness detail, suggesting that the writer is recalling a real event and emphasizing its importance.

Where else these words appear

“tenth” Greek G1182 · used in 3 verses

  • Revelation 11:13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
  • Revelation 21:20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

“where” Greek G4226 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
  • John 16:5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

“hour” Greek G5610 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 8:13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
  • Luke 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
  • John 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

“dwelt” Greek G3306 · used in 105 verses

  • Matthew 10:11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
  • John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.