John 1:44
Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φίλιππος
Philip
G5376
Φίλιππος
Philip
Strong's:
G5376
Word #:
4 of 12
fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 12
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
7 of 12
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλεως
the city
G4172
πόλεως
the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
9 of 12
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
Cross References
John 12:21The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.Matthew 11:21Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.Mark 3:18And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,Matthew 10:3Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
Historical Context
Bethsaida ('house of fishing') was a fishing village on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was later condemned by Jesus for unbelief despite witnessing many miracles (Matthew 11:21).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the truth that Christ 'found' Philip encourage those who feel they sought God on their own initiative?
- What role do geographical and social connections play in God's sovereign plan for spreading the gospel?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Philip's origin from Bethsaida links him to Andrew and Peter, establishing a network of Galilean disciples. That Christ finds Philip (rather than Philip finding Christ) illustrates the Reformed doctrine of sovereign election and effectual calling. God initiates salvation; we respond to His seeking love.