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class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/john/1.htm">New International Version</a> When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, &#8220Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/john/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.” <a href="/esv/john/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” <a href="/bsb/john/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.” <a href="/blb/john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and He says concerning him, "Behold, truly an Israelite, in whom there is no deceit." <a href="/kjv/john/1.htm">King James Bible</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! <a href="/nkjv/john/1.htm">New King James Version</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” <a href="/nasb_/john/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite, in whom there is no deceit!” <a href="/nasb/john/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, &#8220Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” <a href="/lsb/john/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said about him, “Behold, truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” <a href="/amp/john/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Here is an Israelite indeed [a true descendant of Jacob], in whom there is no guile nor deceit nor duplicity!” <a href="/csb/john/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” <a href="/hcsb/john/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him and said about him, &#8220Here is a true Israelite; no deceit is in him."&#8221 <a href="/asv/john/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! <a href="/cev/john/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said, "Here is a true descendant of our ancestor Israel. And he isn't deceitful." <a href="/erv/john/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! <a href="/gwt/john/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and remarked, "Here is a true Israelite who is sincere." <a href="/gnt/john/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> When Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, he said about him, "Here is a real Israelite; there is nothing false in him!" <a href="/isv/john/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> Jesus saw Nathaniel coming toward him and said about him, "Look, a genuine Israeli, in whom there is no deceit!" <a href="/msb/john/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, ?Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.? <a href="/net/john/1.htm">NET Bible</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and exclaimed, "Look, a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" <a href="/nheb/john/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said about him, "Look, a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit." <a href="/wbt/john/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! <a href="/wey/john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, and said of him, "Look! here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceitfulness!" <a href="/web/john/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said about him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and He says concerning him, “Behold, truly an Israelite, in whom is no guile”; <a href="/blb/john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and He says concerning him, "Behold, truly an Israelite, in whom there is no deceit." <a href="/ylt/john/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming unto him, and he saith concerning him, 'Lo, truly an Israelite, in whom guile is not;' <a href="/slt/john/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and he says of him, Behold truly an Israelite, in whom is no deceit!<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him: and he saith of him: Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile. <a href="/cpdv/john/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, and he said about him, “Behold, an Israelite in whom truly there is no deceit.” <a href="/nabre/john/1.htm">New American Bible</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him.” <a href="/nrsvce/john/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him and he said of him, Behold truly an Israelite, in whom there is no guile! <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Yeshua saw Nathaniel when he came to him and said about him: “Behold, truly a son of Israel in whom is no deceit.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And Nathaniel said to him: Can any thing good come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him: Come and see.<CM> <a href="/godbey/john/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and says concerning him, <FR>Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite in reality, in whom there is no guile! <a href="/mace/john/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Jesus seeing Nathanael coming, said of him, there's a true Israelite, in whom is no guile, how do you know me? <a href="/wey/john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, and said of him, "Look! here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceitfulness!" <a href="/worrell/john/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and He saith to him, <FR>"Behold, an Israelite, indeed, in whom there is no guile!"<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And when Jesus saw Nathaniel coming towards Him, He saith concerning him, <FR>"Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile."<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/1-47.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=359" 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> …46“Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. 47<a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsous (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">When Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: Eiden (V-AIA-3S) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">saw</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3482.htm" title="3482: Nathanaēl (N-AMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Nathanael, an Israelite and Christian.">Nathanael</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: erchomenon (V-PPM/P-AMS) -- To come, go. ">approaching,</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- 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/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></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. ">He said</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">of</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him,</a> <a href="/greek/2400.htm" title="2400: Ide (V-AMA-2S) -- See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!">“Here</a> <a href="/greek/230.htm" title="230: alēthōs (Adv) -- Truly, really, certainly, surely. Adverb from alethes; truly.">is a true</a> <a href="/greek/2475.htm" title="2475: Israēlitēs (N-NMS) -- An Israelite, one of the chosen people of Israel, a Jew. From Israel; an Israelite, i.e. Descendant of Israel.">Israelite,</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hō (RelPro-DMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">whom</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">there is</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">no</a> <a href="/greek/1388.htm" title="1388: dolos (N-NMS) -- Deceit, guile, treachery. From an obsolete primary verb, dello; a trick, i.e. wile.">deceit.” </a> 48“How do You know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”…<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/32-2.htm">Psalm 32:2</a> Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him, in whose spirit there is no deceit. <a href="/zephaniah/3-13.htm">Zephaniah 3:13</a> The remnant of Israel will no longer do wrong or speak lies, nor will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths. But they will feed and lie down, with no one to make them tremble.” <a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Romans 2:28-29</a> A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. / No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God. <a href="/revelation/14-5.htm">Revelation 14:5</a> And no lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless. <a href="/psalms/73-1.htm">Psalm 73:1</a> A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. <a href="/isaiah/53-9.htm">Isaiah 53:9</a> He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. <a href="/1_peter/2-22.htm">1 Peter 2:22</a> “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” <a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Philippians 2:15</a> so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world <a href="/matthew/5-8.htm">Matthew 5:8</a> Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. <a href="/1_john/3-3.htm">1 John 3:3</a> And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure. <a href="/genesis/6-9.htm">Genesis 6:9</a> This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God. <a href="/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19</a> God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? <a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">2 Corinthians 1:12</a> For this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God. <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-10.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:10</a> You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous, and blameless our conduct was among you who believed. <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">1 Timothy 1:5</a> The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!Behold.<a href="/john/8-31.htm">John 8:31,39</a> Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; … <a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Romans 2:28,29</a> For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: … <a href="/romans/9-6.htm">Romans 9:6</a> Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:in.<a href="/psalms/32-2.htm">Psalm 32:2</a> Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.<a href="/psalms/73-1.htm">Psalm 73:1</a> A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.<a href="/1_peter/2-1.htm">1 Peter 2:1,22</a> Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/23-54.htm">Approaching</a> <a href="/luke/20-23.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/mark/4-19.htm">Deceitfulness</a> <a href="/luke/19-8.htm">False.</a> <a href="/matthew/26-4.htm">Guile</a> <a href="/luke/24-34.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/john/1-31.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/matthew/8-10.htm">Israelite</a> <a href="/john/1-45.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/1-46.htm">Nathanael</a> <a href="/john/1-46.htm">Nathan'a-El</a> <a href="/john/1-17.htm">True.</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/2-13.htm">Approaching</a> <a href="/acts/13-10.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-10.htm">Deceitfulness</a> <a href="/john/6-64.htm">False.</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-16.htm">Guile</a> <a href="/john/4-2.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/john/1-49.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/romans/11-1.htm">Israelite</a> <a href="/john/1-48.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/1-48.htm">Nathanael</a> <a href="/john/1-48.htm">Nathan'a-El</a> <a href="/john/3-21.htm">True.</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>When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching This phrase highlights Jesus' divine omniscience, as He perceives Nathanael even before any interaction. Nathanael, also known as Bartholomew, is from Cana in Galilee, a region known for its Jewish population. This encounter occurs shortly after Philip finds Nathanael and tells him about Jesus, indicating the early spread of Jesus' ministry. The act of approaching signifies Nathanael's willingness to investigate the claims about Jesus, reflecting a theme of seeking truth.He said of him Jesus' statement about Nathanael is made publicly, indicating the importance of Nathanael's character. This public acknowledgment by Jesus serves as a testament to Nathanael's integrity and sets the stage for the revelation of Jesus' insight into human hearts. It also demonstrates Jesus' role as a teacher who discerns and affirms the qualities of His followers.Here is a true Israelite The term "true Israelite" connects Nathanael to the patriarch Jacob, later named Israel, who was known for his struggles with God and men. This phrase suggests that Nathanael embodies the ideal characteristics of an Israelite, faithful and sincere in his devotion. It also implies a contrast with those Israelites who were not living up to their covenantal identity. This statement can be seen as a fulfillment of the promise to Abraham about his descendants being a blessing to the nations.in whom there is no deceit This phrase emphasizes Nathanael's honesty and integrity, qualities highly valued in Jewish culture. The reference to "no deceit" recalls Jacob's early life, where deceit was a significant theme, particularly in his interactions with Esau and Laban. By highlighting Nathanael's lack of deceit, Jesus is drawing a parallel to the transformation of Jacob into Israel, suggesting that Nathanael represents the renewed Israel. This also foreshadows the transformation Jesus brings to those who follow Him, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of redemption and sanctification.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who recognizes Nathanael's character. 2. <a href="/topical/n/nathanael.htm">Nathanael</a> A man from Cana in Galilee, known for his honesty and integrity, who becomes one of Jesus' disciples. 3. <a href="/topical/i/israelite.htm">Israelite</a> Refers to a descendant of Jacob (Israel), highlighting Nathanael's heritage and faithfulness. 4. <a href="/topical/d/deceit.htm">Deceit</a> The absence of deceit in Nathanael is significant, as it contrasts with the deceitfulness often found in human nature.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_character.htm">Integrity in Character</a> Nathanael is praised for his lack of deceit. As Christians, we are called to live lives of integrity, reflecting honesty in our words and actions. <a href="/topical/t/true_identity.htm">True Identity</a> Jesus identifies Nathanael as a true Israelite, reminding us that our true identity is found in our relationship with God, not just our heritage or background. <a href="/topical/d/divine_recognition.htm">Divine Recognition</a> Jesus' recognition of Nathanael's character shows that God sees and values our inner qualities. We should strive to cultivate a heart that pleases God. <a href="/topical/o/openness_to_jesus.htm">Openness to Jesus</a> Nathanael's initial skepticism about Jesus ("Can anything good come out of Nazareth?") turns into faith when he encounters Jesus. We should remain open to God's work in unexpected ways and places.<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_nathanael_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Nathanael in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_godly_wisdom_and_how_to_get_it.htm">What does 'guile' mean in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_stay_hopeful_amid_challenges.htm">Is anything good from Nazareth?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'guile'_mean_in_the_bible.htm">What does "guile" mean in the Bible?</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>(47) Jesus saw Nathanael coming.--Nathanael is at once willing that his prejudice should give way before the force of truth. He is coming, when the look directed towards others rests also upon him. It finds the character which it tests earnest and honest. What gave rise to the form in which this is expressed is not stated. There is clearly some unexpressed link with the history of Jacob. The word for "guile" is the same word as the LXX. word for "subtlety" in <a href="/genesis/27-35.htm" title="And he said, Your brother came with subtlety, and has taken away your blessing.">Genesis 27:35</a>. The thought then is, "Behold one who is true to the name of Israel, and in whom there is nothing of the Jacob (<a href="/genesis/27-36.htm" title="And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he has supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he has taken away my blessing. And he said, Have you not reserved a blessing for me?">Genesis 27:36</a>). There is something in the words which comes as a revelation to Nathanael. Were they a proof that the Presence before whom he stood read to the very depths of his own thought? Under the shade of a tree, where Jews were accustomed to retire for meditation and prayer, had the Old Testament history of Jacob been present to his mind? Was he too "left alone," and did he "prevail with God?" And does he now hear the inmost thought expressed in words, carrying certainty to his soul, and giving him too the victory of seeing God "face to face with life preserved?" (<a href="/genesis/32-24.htm" title="And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.">Genesis 32:24</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 47. - Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him - for Nathanael at once obeyed the summons of Philip - and saith of him; not, to him - saith in the hearing of the unnamed disciple, who could not leave his Master's side. There are numerous indications in ch. 1 and 2 of a qualification of Jesus which, in <a href="/john/2-25.htm">John 2:25</a>, is described as knowing what was in man. He read the thought and character of Simon and Philip, of Nathanael, and of his mother; and here he makes use of his Divine prerogative and, as on a multitude of other occasions, penetrated the surface to the inner motive and heart. Behold, an Israelite indeed; one who fulfils the true idea of Israel, a prince with God, a conqueror of God by prayer, and conqueror of man by submission, penitence, and restitution; one who has renounced the spirit of supplanter and taken that of penitent. "Confident in self-despair," he has relinquished his own strength, and lays hold of the strength of God, and is at peace. In whom is no guile; i.e. no self-deception, and no disposition to deceive others. The (<a href="/psalms/32-1.htm">Psalm 32:1, 2</a>) description of the blessedness of "the man whose transgressions are forgiven,... and in whose spirit [LXX., 'mouth'] there is no guile (δόλος)," is the finest key to the significance of this passage. Christ does not say that this man is sinless, but guileless - free and full in his confession, knowing himself, and sheltering himself under no devices or seeming shows. The publican (it has been well said) was without guile when he cried, "God be merciful to me a sinner!" The Pharisee was steeped in self-deception and guile when he said, "God, I thank thee that I am not as other men." Sincerity, openness of eye, simplicity of speech, no wish to appear other than what he is before God and man, affirms his guilelessness. Alas! the so called Israelite has widely departed from the fundamental idea of such a character, though not more so than Christians have become unlike the ideal disciples of Jesus. <a href="/commentaries/john/1-47.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[When] 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. saw Εἶδεν (Eiden) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd 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. Nathanael Ναθαναὴλ (Nathanaēl) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3482.htm">Strong's 3482: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Nathanael, an Israelite and Christian. approaching, ἐρχόμενον (erchomenon) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. He said 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. of περὶ (peri) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. him, αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. “Here Ἴδε (Ide) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2400.htm">Strong's 2400: </a> See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo! [is] a true ἀληθῶς (alēthōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_230.htm">Strong's 230: </a> Truly, really, certainly, surely. Adverb from alethes; truly. Israelite, Ἰσραηλίτης (Israēlitēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2475.htm">Strong's 2475: </a> An Israelite, one of the chosen people of Israel, a Jew. From Israel; an 'Israelite', i.e. Descendant of Israel. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. whom ᾧ (hō) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. there is ἔστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. no οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. deceit.” δόλος (dolos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1388.htm">Strong's 1388: </a> Deceit, guile, treachery. From an obsolete primary verb, dello; a trick, i.e. wile. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/1-47.htm">John 1:47 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/1-47.htm">John 1:47 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/1-47.htm">John 1:47 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/1-47.htm">John 1:47 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/1-47.htm">John 1:47 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/1-47.htm">John 1:47 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/1-47.htm">John 1:47 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/1-47.htm">John 1:47 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/1-47.htm">John 1:47 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/1-47.htm">John 1:47 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/1-47.htm">NT Gospels: John 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/1-46.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 1:46"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 1:46" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/1-48.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 1:48"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 1:48" /></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>