John 1:38
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?
Original Language Analysis
στραφεὶς
turned
G4762
στραφεὶς
turned
Strong's:
G4762
Word #:
1 of 23
to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 23
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θεασάμενος
saw
G2300
θεασάμενος
saw
Strong's:
G2300
Word #:
6 of 23
to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit
αὐτῷ
them
G846
αὐτῷ
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀκολουθοῦντας
following
G190
ἀκολουθοῦντας
following
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
8 of 23
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
λέγεται
(which is to say
G3004
λέγεται
(which is to say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
them
G846
αὐτῷ
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
11 of 23
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ζητεῖτε
seek ye
G2212
ζητεῖτε
seek ye
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
12 of 23
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
them
G846
αὐτῷ
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὃ
G3739
ὃ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
18 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
λέγεται
(which is to say
G3004
λέγεται
(which is to say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
19 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Cross References
John 3:2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.John 18:7Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.John 1:49Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.Psalms 27:4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.Proverbs 8:34Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.John 3:26And 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.John 6:25And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?John 18:4Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?Acts 10:29Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?John 12:21The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
Historical Context
The title 'Rabbi' (teacher) indicates respect, though Jesus transcends this category. The question of dwelling place reflects first-century discipleship patterns where students lived with their teacher. 'Come and see' became a repeated invitation in John (1:46, 11:34)—Christ invites investigation and relationship.
Questions for Reflection
- If Jesus asked you 'What seek ye?' how would you honestly answer?
- What does 'come and see' teach about how we should introduce others to Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' first recorded words in John's Gospel are a question: 'What seek ye?' (Ti zeteite;). This penetrating inquiry exposes motivation—why do you follow? The disciples' response, 'Rabbi, where dwellest thou?' shows desire for relationship, not just information. They want to know where Jesus abides, indicating desire for extended fellowship rather than brief encounter. Jesus' invitation 'Come and see' opens access to Himself—the first of many such invitations throughout John's Gospel.