John 1:49
Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 18
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
Ναθαναήλ
Nathanael
G3482
Ναθαναήλ
Nathanael
Strong's:
G3482
Word #:
2 of 18
nathanal (i.e., nathanel), an israelite and christian
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 18
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 #:
4 of 18
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 #:
5 of 18
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 #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
10 of 18
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
12 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεὺς
the King
G935
βασιλεὺς
the King
Strong's:
G935
Word #:
16 of 18
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
Cross References
Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.Zephaniah 3:15The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.Matthew 2:2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.Matthew 27:42He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.John 1:34And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.Matthew 21:5Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.Matthew 27:11And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.John 1:38Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?Luke 19:38Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.Isaiah 9:7Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Historical Context
This confession anticipates later declarations—Peter's at Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:16), Martha's before Lazarus' tomb (John 11:27). Each grows from personal encounter with Christ. The combination of titles—Rabbi, Son of God, King of Israel—shows progressive revelation as Jesus reveals Himself. Full understanding would await resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
- What encounter with Christ has most dramatically transformed your understanding of who He is?
- How do the titles 'Son of God' and 'King of Israel' capture different aspects of Christ's identity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Nathanael's confession escalates remarkably: 'Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.' From skeptic to worshiper in moments—this is the transforming power of encountering Christ. 'Son of God' transcends messianic title to assert divine sonship; 'King of Israel' acknowledges royal authority. Nathanael's confession combines priestly and kingly elements, recognizing Jesus as the complete fulfillment of Israel's hopes.