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John 1:38

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 1:38 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Jesus turned, and beheld them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? And they said unto him, Rabbi (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), where abideth thou?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Jesus turned, and beheld them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? And they said unto him, Rabbi (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), where abideth thou?
John 1:38 — American Standard Version

Context — John 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
35Again on the morrow John was standing, and two of his disciples;
36and he looked upon Jesus as he walked, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God!
37And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
38And Jesus turned, and beheld them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? And they said unto him, Rabbi (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), where abideth thou?
39He saith unto them, Come, and ye shall see. They came therefore and saw where he abode; and they abode with him that day: it was about the tenth hour.
40One of the two that heard John [speak], and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter`s brother.
41He findeth first his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messiah (which is, being interpreted, Christ).
← John 1:37John 1:39 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, etc.] That is, “him”, as the Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions add: he saw by their walk, and by their countenances, that they were following him; and which he knew before he turned himself: he knew what John had said, and what an effect it had upon these disciples, and what was working in their hearts, and how desirous they were of coming up to him, and conversing with him; and therefore he turned himself, that they might have an opportunity of speaking to him; or rather, in order to speak to them first, as he did: and saith unto them, what seek ye? This he said, not as ignorant of whom, and what they were seeking, and desirous; but to…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“FIRST GATHERING OF DISCIPLES--JOHN ANDREW, SIMON, PHILIP, NATHANAEL. (Joh 1:37-51) What seek ye--gentle, winning question, remarkable as the Redeemer's first public utterance. (See on Mat 12:18-20.) where dwellest thou--that is, "That is a question we cannot answer in a moment; but had we Thy company for a calm hour in private, gladly should we open our burden."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“What seek ye? - This was not asked to obtain “information.” Compare John 1:48. It was not a harsh reproof, forbidding them to follow him. Compare Matthew 11:28-30. It was a kind inquiry respecting their desires; an invitation to lay open their minds, to state their wishes, and to express all their feelings respecting the Messiah and their own salvation. We may learn: That Jesus regards the first inclinations of the soul to follow him. He “turned” toward these disciples, and he will incline his ear to all who begin to approach him for salvation. Jesus is ready to hear their requests and to answer them. Ministers of the gospel, and all other Christians, should be accessible, kind, and tender…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“turned: Luk 14:25, Luk 15:20, Luk 19:5, Luk 22:61 What: Joh 18:4, Joh 18:7, Joh 20:15, Joh 20:16; Luk 7:24-27, Luk 18:40, Luk 18:41; Act 10:21, Act 10:29 where: Joh 12:21; Rut 1:16; Kg1 10:8; Psa 27:4; Pro 3:18, Pro 8:34 Rabbi: Joh 1:49, Joh 3:2, Joh 3:26, Joh 6:25; Mat 23:7, Mat 23:8 Mat 13:20; Sol 1:7, Sol 1:8; Luk 8:38, Luk 10:39 dwellest: or, abidest John 1:39”
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Sources and verification