John 1:41
He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
Original Language Analysis
οὗτος
He
G3778
οὗτος
He
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
2 of 19
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφὸν
brother
G80
ἀδελφὸν
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
5 of 19
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἴδιον
his own
G2398
ἴδιον
his own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
7 of 19
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
10 of 19
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
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 19
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
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅ
which
G3739
ὅ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
15 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
μεθερμηνευόμενον
being interpreted
G3177
μεθερμηνευόμενον
being interpreted
Strong's:
G3177
Word #:
17 of 19
to explain over, i.e., translate
Cross References
John 4:25The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.John 1:45Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.Psalms 89:20I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:
Historical Context
Messianic expectation was intense in first-century Palestine. Various pretenders claimed the title; political liberation from Rome was widely anticipated. Andrew's identification of Jesus as Messiah risked disappointment if Jesus didn't meet these expectations. Yet his confession was true in ways deeper than he yet understood.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the confession 'We have found the Messiah' express the end of spiritual searching?
- What expectations do people bring to Jesus that may need to be reshaped by who He truly is?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Andrew's testimony is simple yet complete: 'We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.' Both Hebrew (Messias) and Greek (Christos) terms meaning 'Anointed One' are given for John's diverse audience. This confession identifies Jesus as the long-awaited King, Priest, and Prophet anointed by God to deliver His people. Andrew's 'we have found' suggests searching that ended in discovery—the religious quest finds its answer in Jesus.