The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

JOHN 1:43KJV
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John 1:43 (KJV)

What does John 1:43 mean?

John 1:43 describes Jesus deciding to travel to Galilee, where he finds Philip and directly invites him to become his follower by saying, "Follow me." This moment marks the personal calling of Philip to join Jesus and his growing group of disciples.

In this verse, Jesus is the one taking the initiative, seeking out Philip rather than waiting for Philip to approach him. The setting is just after Jesus has begun gathering his first disciples. The invitation "Follow me" is simple but significant, showing that becoming a disciple starts with Jesus’ call and a personal response.

The Greek behind John 1:43

  • "Follow" (ἀκολούθει, akolouthei): This Greek word means to accompany or go after someone, often used for discipleship. Here, it is a direct, personal command from Jesus, highlighting that following him is an intentional, relational act.
  • "Would" (ἠθέλησεν, ēthelēsen): This verb means "wished" or "desired." The verse shows that Jesus intentionally chose to go to Galilee, emphasizing his purposefulness in seeking out people like Philip.
  • "Findeth" (εὑρίσκει, heuriskei): This word means "to find" or "to discover." It suggests Jesus actively searched for Philip, not by chance but by design.

Why John 1:43 matters

  • John 1:43 shows that Jesus takes the initiative in calling his followers, which is a pattern seen throughout the Gospels.
  • The verse highlights the personal nature of discipleship in John’s Gospel—Jesus addresses Philip directly and individually.
  • This moment connects to the larger narrative of Jesus gathering his first disciples, setting the stage for the relationships and events that follow in the Gospel.

Where else these words appear

“following” Greek G1887 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 27:62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
  • John 12:12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
  • Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

“Philip” Greek G5376 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
  • John 1:48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
  • Acts 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

“Galilee” Greek G1056 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 1:39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
  • Luke 23:49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

“Follow” Greek G190 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
  • John 1:37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.