John 1:48

Translations

Modern

“How do You know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”

Traditional

Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.

Literal

Nathanael says to Him, “From where do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip calling you, being under the fig tree, I saw you.”

Latin

Dicit ei Nathanaël: Unde me nosti? Respondit Jesus, et dixit ei: Priusquam te Philippus vocavit, cum esses sub ficu, vidi te.

Interlinear

Greek

English

“How do You know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”

Notes

John 1:48–49

Jesus gained Nathanael’s attention by showing that he knew his character (1:47). Then Jesus showed that he knew Nathanael’s earlier actions, even though they had not met before.

This supernatural knowledge (knowledge beyond normal human ability) amazed Nathanael. He saw this as a sign from God and responded with faith.

Nathanael had witnessed a miracle. As a result, he made a strong confession about who Jesus is.

John 1:35–51

This section introduces the model for discipleship in John’s Gospel. Disciples wanted to come and see Jesus, and when they met him, they stayed with him (1:39).

John 1:19–51

John’s Gospel focuses less on John the Baptist compared to the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 3:1–6; Mark 1:2–6; Luke 1:1–24, 57–80; 3:1–13). However, the apostle John wants us to understand that John the Baptist correctly identified and honored Jesus.

John the Baptist’s disciples leave him to follow Jesus. Jesus continued the work that John had begun. As the ministry of Jesus grew, John’s ministry became smaller, just as John had said (John 3:30).

Theme notes and profiles

Simon Peter Encounters with Jesus John’s Profile of Discipleship

Events

First Disciples Gatheredc. AD 27

Related verses

Isaiah 65:24
Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear.
Matthew 6:6
But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
John 2:25
He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man.
Psalm 139:1–2
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
Revelation 2:18–19
To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like a blazing fire and whose feet are like polished bronze.
1 Corinthians 14:25
…and the secrets of his heart will be made known. So he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, “God is truly among you!”
Genesis 32:24–30
So Jacob was left all alone, and there a man wrestled with him until daybreak.
1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world Nathanael: Disciple of Jesus, from Cana in Galilee Philip: One of the twelve apostles of Jesus

Glossary

Anointed One, Anointed Ones Bartholomew, the Apostle Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Jesus Christ John, Gospel of Nathanael Philip

Topics

Jesus, the Christ by Nathanael Jesus, the Christ: Disciples Adhere To Jesus, the Christ: Omniscience of Nathanael: Becomes a Disciple of Jesus Philip: One of the Twelve Apostles: Brings Nathanael to Jesus The Fig-Tree: Afforded a Thick Shade

John 1:48

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