John 1:38 Meaning and Explanation
“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?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus turns to the two following him and asks what they seek; they ask where he is staying.
What Does John 1:38 Mean?
These are the first words of Jesus in this Gospel, and they form a question: What seek ye? He turns, he notices who is behind him, and he meets the seekers before they can introduce themselves. Half shy of declaring their hopes, they answer with a question of their own: Rabbi, where dwellest thou? They want more than a moment on the road; they want to be where he is.
The question still searches everyone who reads it: what are you actually seeking, and is it what Christ is? He does not rebuke their fumbling reply. Wanting his company is answer enough. Prayer often begins exactly here, without eloquence: Lord, where do you stay, and may I come?
Frequently Asked Questions About John 1:38
What does John 1:38 mean?
Jesus turns to the two following him and asks what they seek; they ask where he is staying.