John 1:37
What does John 1:37 mean?
A plain-English look at John 1:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 1:37 means
Upon hearing John's repeated declaration—"Behold, the Lamb of God!"—the two disciples understood its significance. Their immediate response was to follow Jesus. This shows the efficacy of John's witness and the compelling nature of Jesus' identity. Their act of following indicates a nascent faith and a desire to learn more about this remarkable figure John had so emphatically proclaimed, marking the beginning of their direct relationship with Christ.
John 1:37 in context
John 1 — The Word Made Flesh
John lifts the curtain higher than any other Gospel. Before there was a Bethlehem, there was the Word — with God, who was God, by whom all things were made. The same Word who was the agent of creation became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. John the Baptist points him out as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world; the first disciples follow him; Nathanael confesses him as the Son of God and King of Israel. The eternal becomes near enough to touch.
- Pre-existence of Christ
- Incarnation
- Light and life
- First disciples
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Hearing what he said, the two disciples went after Jesus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the two disciples heard him speaking, and they followed Jesus.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the two disciples heard him speak: and they followed Jesus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the two disciples heard him speaking, and followed Jesus.
Context
This verse records the immediate and profound impact of John's witness. Directly following John's pointing out Jesus (v.36), his two disciples respond by leaving John and following Jesus. This action is crucial, as it demonstrates the beginning of Jesus' own ministry of gathering disciples and confirms John's success in preparing the way. It transitions the narrative from John's testimony to Jesus' direct personal engagement with His first followers.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear.
- Zechariah 8:21
and the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to entreat the favor of Jehovah, and to seek Jehovah of hosts: I will go also.
- John 1:43
On the morrow he was minded to go forth into Galilee, and he findeth Philip: and Jesus saith unto him, Follow me.
- Proverbs 15:23
A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it!
- Revelation 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And he that heareth, let him say, Come. And he that is athirst, let him come: he that will, let him take the water of life freely.
- John 4:39
And from that city many of the Samaritans believed on him because of the word of the woman, who testified, He told me all things thateverI did.
Sermon ideas from John 1:37
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What John 1:37 teaches us about pre-existence of christ
What John 1:37 teaches us about incarnation
What John 1:37 teaches us about light and life
What John 1:37 teaches us about first disciples
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