John 1:46
And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 16
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
Ναθαναήλ
Nathanael
G3482
Ναθαναήλ
Nathanael
Strong's:
G3482
Word #:
4 of 16
nathanal (i.e., nathanel), an israelite and christian
Ἐκ
out of
G1537
Ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
5 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 16
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
Φίλιππος
Philip
G5376
Φίλιππος
Philip
Strong's:
G5376
Word #:
13 of 16
fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites
Ἔρχου
Come
G2064
Ἔρχου
Come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
14 of 16
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
Nazareth was unmentioned in the Old Testament, Josephus, or the Talmud. No prophecy predicted Messiah would come from there (though 'Nazarene' may relate to 'netzer,' the Branch of Isaiah 11:1). Nathanael's question reflects common sentiment—could anything significant emerge from such insignificance? God's pattern of using the despised and weak shines through.
Questions for Reflection
- What prejudices or assumptions might blind us to recognizing Christ's work?
- How can 'Come and see' serve as an effective response to skepticism?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Nathanael's skepticism—'Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?'—reflects regional prejudice. Nazareth was an obscure Galilean village without prophetic significance. Yet Philip's response—'Come and see'—invites investigation rather than argument. Skepticism is best answered by encounter with Christ Himself. Philip doesn't debate geography but offers experience. This approach models effective apologetics: address objections by directing to Christ.