Lexical Summary Nathanaél: Nathanael Original Word: Ναθαναήλ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Nathanael. Of Hebrew origin (Nthane'l); Nathanael (i.e. Nathanel), an Israelite and Christian -- Nathanael. see HEBREW Nthane'l NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Nethanel Definition Nathanael (probably the same as Bartholomew, see NG0918) NASB Translation Nathanael (6). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3482: ΝαθαναήλΝαθαναήλ, ὁ (נְתַנְאֵל, gift of God), Nathanael, an intimate disciple of Jesus: John 1:45-49 ( Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture Strong’s Greek 3482, Ναθαναήλ, appears six times, all in the Gospel according to John (John 1:45–49; John 21:2). His introduction is tied to the initial gathering of the Twelve, and his final mention frames the resurrected Christ’s recommissioning of those same witnesses. Narrative Setting: The Call of Nathanael (John 1:43–51) Philip, freshly summoned by Jesus, seeks out Nathanael: “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, and whom the prophets foretold, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45). Nathanael’s skepticism—“Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (John 1:46)—highlights prevailing regional prejudices yet sets the stage for a decisive encounter. Jesus greets him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit” (John 1:47), and discloses miraculous knowledge of Nathanael’s private moment beneath the fig tree (John 1:48). Convinced, Nathanael confesses, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel” (John 1:49). The episode culminates with Jesus’ promise of greater revelation: “You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (John 1:51). Identity and Possible Association with Bartholomew Synoptic lists of the Twelve name Bartholomew where John records Nathanael, leading many interpreters to regard the two as the same person (Bartholomew being a patronymic, “son of Tolmai”). This harmonization preserves the uniform number of the Twelve across all four Gospels and explains why Nathanael is absent from Matthew, Mark, and Luke yet present in John. Character Portrait 1. A man of Scripture: His immediate recognition of Messianic fulfillment reveals familiarity with the Law and Prophets. Christological Significance Nathanael’s confession unites three pivotal titles—“Rabbi,” “Son of God,” “King of Israel”—anticipating the fuller unfolding of Jesus’ identity in the Gospel of John. His testimony confirms the consistency of Old Testament expectation with New Testament fulfillment and previews Israel’s ultimate recognition of her Messiah. Symbolism of the Fig Tree Rabbinic literature associates study and meditation with sitting under a fig tree; others connect the image to Israel as a nation (Micah 4:4; Zechariah 3:10). Jesus’ supernatural awareness of Nathanael beneath the tree points to His omniscience and affirms His Messiahship, while also hinting that private devotion receives divine notice. Resurrection Appearance and Apostolic Cohesion (John 21:2) “Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together” (John 21:2). Nathanael’s presence at the post-resurrection fishing scene shows continued loyalty and positions him among the eyewitnesses whom Jesus recommissions. His hometown is specified as Cana, which links him to the first sign at the wedding feast (John 2) and roots his witness in Galilee. Historical and Traditional Footprint Early church traditions (Eusebius, Jerome) pair Bartholomew with missionary work in India, Armenia, or Arabia. While details vary, the consistent theme is faithful proclamation leading to martyrdom, reflecting the trajectory of one whose first recorded words were oriented toward the revelation of the Messiah. Doctrinal and Pastoral Lessons • God honors honest inquiry; skepticism that remains open to truth becomes a doorway to deeper revelation. Ministry Implications Evangelism: Philip’s simple invitation, “Come and see” (John 1:46), models relational evangelism that trusts Jesus to vindicate Himself. Discipleship: Nathanael’s rapid movement from doubt to confession demonstrates the transformative power of a personal encounter with Christ. Mission: The probable equation with Bartholomew provides an example of cross-cultural gospel advance, underscoring the mandate to carry the message “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Summary Nathanael stands as a paradigm of sincere seeking met by sovereign revelation, his brief but strategic appearances framing the Gospel of John’s testimony to Jesus’ identity and mission. From fig-tree meditation to apostolic witness of the risen Lord, his account underscores the faithfulness of God to draw honest hearts and send them forth as heralds of the Kingdom. Forms and Transliterations Ναθαναηλ Ναθαναήλ Ναθαναὴλ Nathanael Nathanaēl Nathanaḗl NathanaḕlLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance John 1:45 NGRK: Φίλιππος τὸν Ναθαναὴλ καὶ λέγει NAS: found Nathanael and said KJV: Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith INT: Philip Nathanael and says John 1:46 N John 1:47 N John 1:48 N John 1:49 N John 21:2 N |
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