John 1:47
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
Original Language Analysis
Ἴδε
saw
G1492
Ἴδε
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 20
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 20
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ναθαναὴλ
Nathanael
G3482
Ναθαναὴλ
Nathanael
Strong's:
G3482
Word #:
5 of 20
nathanal (i.e., nathanel), an israelite and christian
ἐρχόμενον
coming
G2064
ἐρχόμενον
coming
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
6 of 20
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 20
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,
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 20
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
10 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 20
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
Ἴδε
saw
G1492
Ἴδε
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
13 of 20
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
Ἰσραηλίτης
an Israelite
G2475
Ἰσραηλίτης
an Israelite
Strong's:
G2475
Word #:
15 of 20
an "israelite", i.e., descendant of israel (literally or figuratively)
ᾧ
whom
G3739
ᾧ
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
17 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Revelation 14:5And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.Psalms 73:1Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.Psalms 32:2Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.Romans 9:4Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;Romans 9:6Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
Historical Context
The reference to Jacob's deceit (Genesis 27) contrasts with Nathanael's sincerity. 'Israel' means 'prince with God' or 'one who strives with God.' True Israelites are those of genuine faith, not merely ethnic descent. Paul develops this theme in Romans 9:6: 'they are not all Israel, which are of Israel.'
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to be 'an Israelite indeed' in new covenant terms?
- How does Nathanael's transparency contrast with religious hypocrisy Jesus condemned?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus sees Nathanael approaching and declares: 'Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!' This supernatural knowledge of character demonstrates Christ's deity. The word 'dolos' (guile, deceit) indicates Nathanael's sincerity—unlike Jacob who was known for deceit, Nathanael is a true Israelite of honest heart. Jesus distinguishes ethnic Israel from spiritual Israel; Nathanael belongs to the true Israel by character, not merely birth.