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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - John 1:38 - 1:38
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Turned (strapheis). Second aorist passive participle of strephō, vividly picturing the sudden act of Jesus on hearing their steps behind him.
Beheld (theasamenos). First aorist middle participle of theaomai (Joh 1:32). Both participles here express antecedent action to legei (saith).
Following (akolothountas). Present active participle of akoloutheō (Joh 1:37). It was Christ’s first experience of this kind and the two came from the Baptist to Jesus.
What seek ye? (Ti zēteite). Not “whom” (tina Joh 18:4; Joh 20:15), but “what purpose have you.” The first words of Jesus preserved in this Gospel. See Luk 2:49; Mat 3:15 for words spoken before this and Mar 1:15 for Mark’s first report in the Galilean ministry.
Rabbi (Rabbei). Aramaic title for “Teacher” which John here translates by Didaskale as he is writing late and for general readers. Luke, a Greek Christian, does not use it, but John recalls his first use of this term to Jesus and explains it. Matthew has it only in the greeting of Judas to the Master (Mat 26:25, Mat 26:49) and Mark once by Judas (Mar 14:45) and twice by Peter (Mar 9:5; Mar 11:21). John’s Gospel has the disciples at first addressing Jesus by Rabbi while others address him by Kurie (Lord or Sir) as in Joh 4:11, Joh 4:49; Joh 5:7. Peter uses Kurie in Joh 6:68. In the end the disciples usually say Kurie (Joh 13:6, Joh 13:25, etc.), but Mary Magdalene says Rabbounei (Joh 20:16).
Being interpreted (methermēmeuomenon). Present passive participle of methermēneuō, late compound of meta and hermēneuō, to explain (Joh 1:42), old word from Hermes, the god of speech (hermeneutics). John often explains Aramaic words (Joh 1:38, Joh 1:41, Joh 1:42; Joh 4:25; Joh 9:7, etc.).
Where abidest thou? (Pou meneis). They wished a place for quiet converse with Jesus.