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Jesus answered, &#8220I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/john/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> “How do you know about me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.” <a href="/esv/john/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” <a href="/bsb/john/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “How do You know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” <a href="/blb/john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Nathanael says to Him, "From where do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip calling you, you being under the fig tree, I saw you." <a href="/kjv/john/1.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/john/1.htm">New King James Version</a> Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” <a href="/nasb_/john/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” <a href="/nasb/john/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> Nathanael said to Him, &#8220How do You know me?&#8221 Jesus answered and said to him, &#8220Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” <a href="/lsb/john/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Nathanael said to Him, “From where do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” <a href="/amp/john/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Nathanael said to Jesus, “How do You know [these things about] me?” Jesus answered, “Before Philip called you, when you were still under the fig tree, I saw you.” <a href="/csb/john/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “How do you know me? ” Nathanael asked. “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you,” Jesus answered. <a href="/hcsb/john/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> How do you know me?&#8221 Nathanael asked. &#8220Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you,&#8221 Jesus answered.&#8221 <a href="/asv/john/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. <a href="/cev/john/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, "Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree." <a href="/erv/john/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. <a href="/gwt/john/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Nathanael asked Jesus, "How do you know anything about me?" Jesus answered him, "I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you." <a href="/gnt/john/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> Nathanael asked him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered, "I saw you when you were under the fig tree before Philip called you." <a href="/isv/john/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> Nathaniel asked him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, while you were under the fig tree, I saw you." <a href="/msb/john/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?How do You know me?? Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, ?Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.? <a href="/net/john/1.htm">NET Bible</a> Nathanael asked him, "How do you know me?" Jesus replied, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." <a href="/nheb/john/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." <a href="/wbt/john/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Nathanael saith to him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said to him, Before Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee. <a href="/wey/john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. "Before Philip called you," said Jesus, "when you were under the fig-tree I saw you." <a href="/web/john/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Nathanael says to Him, “From where do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip’s calling you, being under the fig tree, I saw you.” <a href="/blb/john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Nathanael says to Him, "From where do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip calling you, you being under the fig tree, I saw you." <a href="/ylt/john/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Nathanael saith to him, 'Whence me dost thou know?' Jesus answered and said to him, 'Before Philip's calling thee -- thou being under the fig-tree -- I saw thee.' <a href="/slt/john/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Nathanael says to him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said to him, Before Philip called thee, being under the fig tree, I saw thee.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Nathanael saith to him: Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered, and said to him: Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. <a href="/cpdv/john/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Nathanael said to him, “From where do you know me?” Jesus responded and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” <a href="/nabre/john/1.htm">New American Bible</a> Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” <a href="/nrsvce/john/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Nathanael said to him, Whence do you know me? Jesus said to him. Even before Philip called you, while you were under the fig tree, I saw you. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Nathaniel said to him: “From where do you know me?” Yeshua said to him: “Before Phillipus called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to him, and said of him: Be hold, an Israelite in truth, in whom there is no guile. <a href="/godbey/john/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Nathanael says to Him, Whence do you know me? Jesus responded and said to him, <FR>Before Philip called you, I saw you, being under the fig-tree.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Nathaniel saith unto him, From whence canst thou know me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee. <a href="/mace/john/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> said Nathanael to him, before Philip called you, replied Jesus, I saw you under the fig-tree. <a href="/wey/john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. "Before Philip called you," said Jesus, "when you were under the fig-tree I saw you." <a href="/worrell/john/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Nathanael says to Him, "Whence knowest Thou me?" Jesus answered, and said to him, <FR>"Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Nathaniel saith unto Him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered him, <FR>Before Philip called thee, I saw thee, when under the fig-tree.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/1-48.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=367" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/1.htm">Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael</a> …47When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.” 48<a href="/greek/4159.htm" title="4159: Pothen (Adv) -- From the base of posis with enclitic adverb of origin; from which or what place, state, source or cause.">“How</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: ginōskeis (V-PIA-2S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">do You know</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me?”</a> <a href="/greek/3482.htm" title="3482: Nathanaēl (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Nathanael, an Israelite and Christian.">Nathanael</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: Legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">asked.</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsous (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/611.htm" title="611: Apekrithē (V-AIP-3S) -- From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.">replied,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/4253.htm" title="4253: Pro (Prep) -- A primary preposition; fore, i.e. In front of, prior to.">“Before</a> <a href="/greek/5376.htm" title="5376: Philippon (N-AMS) -- From philos and hippos; fond of horses; Philippus, the name of four Israelites.">Philip</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5455.htm" title="5455: phōnēsai (V-ANA) -- From phone; to emit a sound; by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation.">called</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: se (PPro-A2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: eidon (V-AIA-1S) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">I saw</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: se (PPro-A2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: onta (V-PPA-AMS) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist."></a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).">under</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4808.htm" title="4808: sykēn (N-AFS) -- A fig-tree. From sukon; a fig-tree.">fig tree.” </a> 49“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/psalms/139-1.htm">Psalm 139:1-4</a> For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, You have searched me and known me. / You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. / You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. ... <a href="/jeremiah/1-5.htm">Jeremiah 1:5</a> “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” <a href="/genesis/28-12.htm">Genesis 28:12-13</a> And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder. / And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a> But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” <a href="/2_kings/6-12.htm">2 Kings 6:12</a> But one of his servants replied, “No one, my lord the king. For Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” <a href="/isaiah/11-3.htm">Isaiah 11:3</a> And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, <a href="/zechariah/3-8.htm">Zechariah 3:8-9</a> Hear now, O high priest Joshua, you and your companions seated before you, who are indeed a sign. For behold, I am going to bring My servant, the Branch. / See the stone I have set before Joshua; on that one stone are seven eyes. Behold, I will engrave on it an inscription, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day. <a href="/matthew/9-4.htm">Matthew 9:4</a> But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts? <a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">Matthew 12:25</a> Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. <a href="/matthew/26-34.htm">Matthew 26:34</a> “Truly I tell you,” Jesus declared, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” <a href="/luke/6-8.htm">Luke 6:8</a> But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and stand among us.” So he got up and stood there. <a href="/luke/19-5.htm">Luke 19:5</a> When Jesus came to that place, He looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down, for I must stay at your house today.” <a href="/john/2-24.htm">John 2:24-25</a> But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all. / He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man. <a href="/john/4-17.htm">John 4:17-19</a> “I have no husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said to her, “You are correct to say that you have no husband. / In fact, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. You have spoken truthfully.” / “Sir,” the woman said, “I see that You are a prophet. <a href="/john/6-64.htm">John 6:64</a> However, there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray Him.)</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Nathanael said to him, From where know you me? Jesus answered and said to him, Before that Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.when.<a href="/john/2-25.htm">John 2:25</a> And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.<a href="/genesis/32-24.htm">Genesis 32:24-30</a> And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day… <a href="/psalms/139-1.htm">Psalm 139:1,2</a> To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/21-29.htm">Fig</a> <a href="/luke/21-29.htm">Fig-Tree</a> <a href="/john/1-47.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/1-47.htm">Nathanael</a> <a href="/john/1-47.htm">Nathan'a-El</a> <a href="/john/1-46.htm">Philip</a> <a href="/john/1-44.htm">Philip's</a> <a href="/luke/24-36.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/luke/23-31.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/luke/1-4.htm">Wast</a> <a href="/luke/20-7.htm">Whence</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/1-50.htm">Fig</a> <a href="/john/1-50.htm">Fig-Tree</a> <a href="/john/1-50.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/1-49.htm">Nathanael</a> <a href="/john/1-49.htm">Nathan'a-El</a> <a href="/john/6-5.htm">Philip</a> <a href="/matthew/14-3.htm">Philip's</a> <a href="/john/4-26.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/john/1-50.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/john/9-34.htm">Wast</a> <a href="/john/2-9.htm">Whence</a><div class="vheading2">John 1</div>1. <a href="/john/1-1.htm">The divinity, humanity, office, and incarnation of Jesus Christ.</a> 15. <a href="/john/1-15.htm">The testimony of John.</a> 39. <a href="/john/1-39.htm">The calling of Simon and Andrew, Philip and Nathanael</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>“How do You know me?” Nathanael's question reflects a common theme in the Gospels where individuals are astonished by Jesus' knowledge and insight. This question highlights the omniscience of Jesus, a key attribute of His divine nature. In the cultural context, knowing someone deeply was often associated with divine insight or prophetic ability. Nathanael's surprise indicates that he did not expect Jesus to have personal knowledge of him, suggesting that their encounter was divinely orchestrated.Nathanael asked. Nathanael, also known as Bartholomew in the synoptic Gospels, is introduced here as a sincere seeker of truth. His character is further revealed in the preceding verses where Jesus describes him as "an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit." This encounter takes place in the early stages of Jesus' ministry, as He begins to gather His disciples. Nathanael's presence and his questioning attitude reflect the Jewish expectation of the Messiah and the scrutiny with which they approached claims of messianic fulfillment.Jesus replied, Jesus' response to Nathanael is immediate and direct, showcasing His authority and the personal nature of His ministry. This interaction is a demonstration of Jesus' role as the revealer of truth, a theme that runs throughout the Gospel of John. His reply is not just an answer to Nathanael's question but also a revelation of His divine insight and mission.“Before Philip called you, This phrase indicates Jesus' foreknowledge and pre-existence, key themes in the Gospel of John. It suggests that Jesus' awareness of Nathanael predates their physical meeting, emphasizing His divine nature. The mention of Philip, who had just been called by Jesus, ties into the narrative of the calling of the first disciples, showing the interconnectedness of their experiences and the divine plan at work.I saw you under the fig tree.” The fig tree is a significant symbol in Jewish culture, often associated with peace, prosperity, and the study of the Torah. Sitting under a fig tree could imply a place of meditation or prayer, suggesting Nathanael's spiritual devotion. Jesus' knowledge of Nathanael's location and activity under the fig tree is a demonstration of His supernatural insight. This revelation is pivotal for Nathanael, leading to his confession of faith in Jesus as the Son of God and the King of Israel in the following verses. The fig tree also has eschatological connotations, often used in prophetic literature to symbolize Israel and its future.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/n/nathanael.htm">Nathanael</a> A disciple of Jesus, also known as Bartholomew in the Synoptic Gospels. He is known for his initial skepticism about Jesus being the Messiah. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure of the New Testament, believed by Christians to be the Son of God and the Messiah. In this passage, He demonstrates His divine knowledge. 3. <a href="/topical/p/philip.htm">Philip</a> One of Jesus' disciples who plays a role in bringing Nathanael to Jesus. He is known for his evangelistic efforts. 4. <a href="/topical/f/fig_tree.htm">Fig Tree</a> A common tree in Israel, often symbolizing peace and prosperity. In this context, it is the place where Nathanael was seen by Jesus, indicating Jesus' omniscience. 5. <a href="/topical/c/calling_of_the_disciples.htm">Calling of the Disciples</a> This event is part of the larger account of Jesus calling His first disciples, establishing the foundation of His ministry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_omniscience.htm">Divine Omniscience</a> Jesus' knowledge of Nathanael under the fig tree demonstrates His divine attribute of omniscience. This assures believers that Jesus knows us intimately and personally. <a href="/topical/s/skepticism_to_faith.htm">Skepticism to Faith</a> Nathanael's journey from skepticism to belief is a powerful example of how encountering Jesus can transform doubt into faith. <a href="/topical/p/personal_encounter_with_jesus.htm">Personal Encounter with Jesus</a> Just as Nathanael had a personal encounter with Jesus, believers are encouraged to seek a personal relationship with Him, knowing that He sees and knows us. <a href="/topical/e/evangelism.htm">Evangelism</a> Philip's role in bringing Nathanael to Jesus highlights the importance of personal evangelism and sharing the good news with others. <a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_the_fig_tree.htm">Symbolism of the Fig Tree</a> The fig tree can symbolize a place of reflection and prayer. Believers are encouraged to find their own "fig tree" moments to connect with God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 1</a> <a href="/q/who_was_philip_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Philip in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_nathanael_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Nathanael in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/are_you_self-examining_in_faith.htm">What is the order of Jesus' disciples' calling?</a> <a href="/q/how_was_the_ark_built_without_tech.htm">In Genesis 6:14–16, how was such a massive ark built under ancient conditions without modern technology?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(48) The natural explanation of the verse seems to be that Nathanael was at his own house when Philip called him to hear the glad news of the Messiah. The words rendered "under the fig-tree" include the going there and being there. It was the fig-tree of his own garden (<a href="/1_kings/4-25.htm" title="And Judah and Israel dwelled safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.">1Kings 4:25</a>; Micah 4; <a href="/zechariah/3-10.htm" title="In that day, said the LORD of hosts, shall you call every man his neighbor under the vine and under the fig tree.">Zechariah 3:10</a>) where, and not at the corners of the streets, or to be seen of men, he was in the honesty of his heart praying to God. Unseen as he thought by any eye, he was seen by Him to whose coming every true Israelite looked, and the answer to the true thought and prayer was then as ever close at hand; but at hand, in the human form in which men find it so hard to read the Divine, and in the ordinary events in which men find it hard to realise God. A travelling Rabbi! He is the Messiah. From Nazareth the All Good cometh! This meeting, then, was not the first. There was an actual Messianic Presence in Nathanael's inmost thought. He is now startled, and asks, "Whence knowest Thou me?" We have never seen each other before. But in the deepest sense, the Messiah was there; "when thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 48. - Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Without any title of respect, or admission as yet of any claims or right in him of whom Philip had spoken. There is, in this query, an abruptness of blunt sincerity which to some extent justifies the eulogium upon his innermost life. Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee - irrespective altogether of the excitement he has stirred within thee - when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. "The fig tree" was the type of the Israelite home (<a href="/1_kings/4-25.htm">1 Kings 4:25</a>; <a href="/zechariah/3-10.htm">Zechariah 3:10</a>). There, not in the corners of the street, was he accustomed to meditate and pray. The ὄντα clause is in apposition with σε, and (though another translation is grammatical) suggests that Christ saw him under conditions which had nothing whatever to do with those under which Philip called him. Αἰδόν is used for the most part of simple sight, and need not necessarily connote miraculous penetration and recognition of all that was passing in his mind. And yet the obvious intention of the evangelist is to convey more than casual observation. As Weiss says, "What is mentioned is not one isolated glance into the depths of the soul, but past events, along with their outward circumstances, are known to Jesus." "I saw thee" - I have not been ignorant of thee; I watched and thought of thee. The astonishing effect produced by this saying of the Lord has been variously conceived. Some have surmised preternatural optical powers exercised from a distance; others a simple observation without comment at the time when our Lord watched him in one of the places of retirement sacred to solemn meditations and instructions. It seems to me that the occasion to which our Lord referred must have been one of extreme spiritual interest and memorableness to Nathanael; some hour had passed of commanding influence upon his mind - one of those periods of visitation from the living God, when lives are recommenced, when an old world passes away and a new one has been made, of which the lips have never spoken, and which are among the deepest secrets of the soul. It was the conviction that his secret meditation had been surprised, that the unknown Stranger had fathomed the depth of his consciousness, which wrought and wrung the great confession of which we have here a crisp outline. I saw thee; and by this implication I can sympathize in all thy longings, [It is interesting to remember that Rabbi Akiba is described as studying the Law under a fig tree; and Augustine heard the voice which ruled his subsequent life "under a fig tree" ('Conf.,' 8:12, 28); and Buddha's most wonderful convictions and resolves occurred under the bo tree.] <a href="/commentaries/john/1-48.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>“How Πόθεν (Pothen) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4159.htm">Strong's 4159: </a> From the base of posis with enclitic adverb of origin; from which or what place, state, source or cause. do You know γινώσκεις (ginōskeis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. me?” με (me) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. Nathanael Ναθαναήλ (Nathanaēl) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3482.htm">Strong's 3482: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Nathanael, an Israelite and Christian. asked. Λέγει (Legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. Jesus Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. replied, Ἀπεκρίθη (Apekrithē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_611.htm">Strong's 611: </a> From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak. “Before Πρὸ (Pro) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4253.htm">Strong's 4253: </a> A primary preposition; 'fore', i.e. In front of, prior to. Philip Φίλιππον (Philippon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5376.htm">Strong's 5376: </a> From philos and hippos; fond of horses; Philippus, the name of four Israelites. called φωνῆσαι (phōnēsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_5455.htm">Strong's 5455: </a> From phone; to emit a sound; by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation. you, σε (se) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. I saw εἶδόν (eidon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. you σε (se) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. under ὑπὸ (hypo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5259.htm">Strong's 5259: </a> A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when). the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. fig tree.” συκῆν (sykēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4808.htm">Strong's 4808: </a> A fig-tree. From sukon; a fig-tree. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/1-48.htm">John 1:48 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/1-48.htm">John 1:48 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/1-48.htm">John 1:48 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/1-48.htm">John 1:48 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/1-48.htm">John 1:48 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/1-48.htm">John 1:48 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/1-48.htm">John 1:48 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/1-48.htm">John 1:48 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/1-48.htm">John 1:48 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/1-48.htm">John 1:48 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/1-48.htm">NT Gospels: John 1:48 Nathanael said to him How do you (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/1-47.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 1:47"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 1:47" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/1-49.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 1:49"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 1:49" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>