John 1:50
Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 17
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
2 of 17
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 17
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 #:
5 of 17
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
Ὅτι
Because
G3754
Ὅτι
Because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
εἶδόν
I saw
G1492
εἶδόν
I saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
9 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πιστεύεις
believest thou
G4100
πιστεύεις
believest thou
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
14 of 17
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
μείζω
greater things
G3187
μείζω
greater things
Strong's:
G3187
Word #:
15 of 17
larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)
Historical Context
Nathanael would witness water become wine, the dead raised, and ultimately the risen Lord. Each sign deepened faith. Jesus encourages believers that initial faith, while genuine, opens the door to greater revelation. The Christian life is progressive discovery of Christ's inexhaustible glory.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'greater things' has Christ revealed to you since your initial faith?
- How does Jesus' promise of greater revelation encourage you to press deeper into knowing Him?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus affirms Nathanael's faith but points to greater things: 'Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.' Initial faith based on supernatural knowledge will deepen through greater revelation. The 'greater things' include Christ's signs, teaching, death, and resurrection. Faith begins somewhere but should never stop growing. What convinced Nathanael is merely the beginning of revelation.