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John 1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?

And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.

And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?

He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.

And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;

He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

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?

He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

Philip 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.

And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.

And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

What does John 1:39 mean?

Explanation

John 1:39 is a verse from the Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.

It depicts an early interaction between Jesus and two of John the Baptist's disciples.

These disciples were curious about Jesus after John the Baptist referred to Him as the "Lamb of God." Jesus responds to their curiosity with an invitation: "Come and see." This leads to them spending the day with Jesus, at His place of dwelling, beginning what could be viewed as a period of discipleship.

The verse specifies that it was "about the tenth hour," which, according to the Jewish method of counting hours from sunrise, would be around 4 p.m.

This detail adds to the narrative's historical atmosphere and provides a sense of the daily life during that time.

The deeper meaning revolves around seeking and finding, openly extending and accepting an invitation to discover who Jesus is.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

The Gospel of John was written in the 1st century, likely between 90-100 AD. This passage is set in the early days of Jesus' public ministry, where He is beginning to attract followers.

The cultural and historical setting involves Jewish religious practices and Roman occupation of Judea.

During this time, rabbis often had disciples who followed them and learned from them, and Jesus' invitation mirrors this practice.

The tenth hour notation reflects the use of natural daylight hours in timekeeping, which was common before mechanical clocks became prevalent.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse offers several insights.

The concept of "Come and see" can be seen as symbolic of the Christian call to experience a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through an open and inviting approach.

The action of staying with Jesus for the day suggests a willing and intimate encounter with the divine, emphasizing the importance of personal experience in spiritual matters.

Different denominations may interpret the verse in varied ways, but it generally speaks to the transformative potential when one truly spends time with Jesus.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire modern readers to be open to new experiences and to seek truth firsthand rather than relying solely on secondhand knowledge.

In a practical sense, it encourages openness to spiritual exploration and the dedication of time to understand and embody religious teachings.

Additionally, it provides an example of hospitality and fellowship, as Jesus welcomes the disciples into his home.

Cross-References

Matthew 4:19: "And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
John 1:46: "And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see."
Revelation 3:20: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

Language Study

The phrase "Come and see" (Greek: Ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, erchou kai ide) involves two imperative verbs, "come" (erchou) and "see" (ide), which illustrate direct and immediate action. The use of the imperative mood here suggests an invitation that requires a response.

"Abode" (Greek: ἔμειναν, emeinan) suggests a more extended time of staying or remaining, implying that the disciples didn't just meet Jesus briefly, they spent substantial time with Him.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this verse with other ancient cultures and religious interpretations, there is often a motif of seeking wisdom or truth from a teacher or deity.

Similar to how Jesus invites the disciples to come and learn from Him, figures in other ancient traditions serve as mentors or conduits to spiritual knowledge or enlightenment.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the reference to the "tenth hour" is interesting as an indicator of how people in the ancient world kept time based on the position of the sun.

Cultural habits such as the time of day when activities would typically take place can provide insight into the daily rhythms and lifestyle of the era.

Commentaries

Commentaries on John 1:39 typically focus on the nature of Jesus' invitation. According to most biblical scholars, this verse illustrates the approachability of Jesus and willingness to engage with those who seek Him.

Some commentators might also discuss the significance of the disciples' immediate willingness to respond to Jesus' invitation and what that signifies about their openness and readiness to be guided spiritually.

Another common theme in commentaries is the personal nature of faith and the importance of direct experience in understanding Jesus' message and mission.

John 1

John 1

What does John 1:39 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 1:39 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?