John 1:42
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἤγαγεν
he brought
G71
ἤγαγεν
he brought
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
2 of 24
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 24
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 24
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 24
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἐμβλέψας
beheld
G1689
ἐμβλέψας
beheld
Strong's:
G1689
Word #:
7 of 24
to look on, i.e., (relatively) to observe fixedly, or (absolutely) to discern clearly
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 24
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
11 of 24
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
the son
G5207
υἱὸς
the son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
17 of 24
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
κληθήσῃ
shalt be called
G2564
κληθήσῃ
shalt be called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
20 of 24
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
ὃ
which
G3739
ὃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
22 of 24
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
1 Corinthians 15:5And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:1 Corinthians 3:22Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your's;1 Corinthians 1:12Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.1 Corinthians 9:5Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?Matthew 10:2Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;Galatians 2:9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
Historical Context
Name changes in Scripture signify new identity and calling—Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel. Peter's new name anticipates his role in the early church. Despite his failures (denials, rebukes), Peter became a rock of stability and leadership. This verse encourages believers that Christ sees their potential, not just their present condition.
Questions for Reflection
- What transformation has Christ worked in your character that you never thought possible?
- How does Christ's foreknowledge of Peter's failures and restoration encourage you in your weaknesses?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Andrew brings Simon to Jesus, who immediately renames him: 'Thou art Simon... thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.' Jesus sees not just who Simon is but who he will become. The name change from Simon (heard) to Peter/Cephas (rock/stone) prophesies transformation. The unstable fisherman will become a foundational apostle. This naming demonstrates Christ's authority and foreknowledge, and His power to transform character.