1st century AD · disciple of Jesus around AD 28-30
Nathanael in the Bible
An Israelite Without Guile. Name meaning: From the Hebrew Netanel, “God has given”; John calls him “of Cana in Galilee” (John 21:2)
A native of Cana in Galilee, Nathanael is brought to Jesus by Philip. At first he is skeptical: “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). Then Jesus tells him he saw him under the fig tree, and Nathanael confesses, “Thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel” (John 1:49). John names him in only two places: at this first meeting, and again among the disciples gathered by the Sea of Tiberias after the resurrection (John 21:2).
Key moments
- Philip tells him about Jesus of Nazareth John 1:45
- “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” John 1:46
- Jesus: “an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile” John 1:47
- Seen by Jesus under the fig tree John 1:48
- “Thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel” John 1:49
- The promise of heaven opened John 1:51
- With Peter and the others by the Sea of Tiberias John 21:2
Strengths
- Integrity
- Candor
- Critical thinking
- Lively faith
Weaknesses
His first reaction is a prejudice: “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). Yet Nathanael lets Philip lead him and checks things out for himself; face to face with Jesus, doubt gives way to faith.
Lessons for today
- Prejudice falls away in a personal encounter: “Come and see” is better than a long debate (John 1:46).
- Jesus knows us before we know him: he had seen Nathanael under the fig tree before Philip ever called him (John 1:48).
- God loves an upright heart: “no guile” in Nathanael (John 1:47; Ps 32:2).
- First faith is only a beginning: Jesus promises Nathanael “greater things” (John 1:50).
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 answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
People around Nathanael
- Jesus — The Lord who saw him under the fig tree and whom he confesses as the Son of God
- Philip — The one who brings him to Jesus: “Come and see”
- Peter — Fishing companion by the Sea of Tiberias
- Thomas — Named just before him in the list in John 21:2
- The sons of Zebedee — Present with him by the Sea of Tiberias
Stories with Nathanael
Quiz: how well do you know Nathanael?
Who brought Nathanael to Jesus?
“Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him… Jesus of Nazareth.” When Nathanael doubted, Philip simply said, “Come and see.” John 1:45–46
According to John, what town was Nathanael from?
John calls him “Nathanael of Cana in Galilee.” Nazareth is the town he doubted; Bethsaida was Philip’s. John 21:2
Under what kind of tree had Jesus seen Nathanael?
Jesus said, “Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.” Those words floored Nathanael. John 1:48
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.