Better, as Rev., beheld: looked steadfastly upon them as if studying them.
What seek ye?
The first words of Christ as recorded by John. Compare Mat 3:15; Mar 1:15; Luk 2:49.
Rabbi
My great one; my honorable sir. Explained by Jesus himself as διδαÌσκαλος, teacher (Mat 23:8, where the proper reading is διδαÌσκαλος, instead of καθηγητὴς, guide, master, found in Mat 23:10). Used by the Jews in addressing their teachers, and formed from a Hebrew root meaning great. It occurs commonly in John, and is found in Matthew and Mark, but not in Luke, who uses ἐπιστατηÌÏ‚. See on Luk 5:5.
Being interpreted
John frequently adds explanatory remarks. See Joh 1:42, Joh 1:43; Joh 9:7.
Dwellest thou (μεÌνεις)
Rev., abidest. Jesus had asked “What seek ye?†not whom. They reply, “Where dost thou abide?â€