Nathanael Ναθαναήλ
Disciple of Jesus, from Cana in Galilee.
Who is Nathanael in the Bible?
Nathanael was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, also known as Bartholomew in the Synoptic Gospels, who came from Cana in Galilee. He is introduced in the Gospel of John when Philip invited him to meet Jesus, calling him "the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote" (John 1:45). Initially skeptical about Jesus coming from Nazareth, Nathanael was astonished when Jesus revealed that he had seen him under the fig tree before Philip called him (John 1:48). This supernatural knowledge prompted Nathanael to make one of the earliest confessions of Jesus' identity in the Gospels, declaring, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel" (John 1:49). Nathanael's journey from doubt to faith exemplifies the transformative power of Jesus' knowledge and authority, making him a significant witness to Christ's divinity in John's Gospel account.
Biography
Nathanael, also identified as Bartholomew in the Synoptic Gospels, was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. He is introduced in the Gospel of John when Philip, who had just begun following Jesus, found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph" (Jhn.1.45).
Initially skeptical, Nathanael questioned, "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" (Jhn.1.46). However, when Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he declared, "Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit" (Jhn.1.47). Surprised, Nathanael asked how Jesus knew him, to which Jesus replied that he had seen him under the fig tree before Philip called him (Jhn.1.48).
This revelation prompted Nathanael to confess, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel" (Jhn.1.49). Jesus commended Nathanael's faith and promised that he would see even greater things, alluding to the miracles and divine revelations that would follow.
Nathanael is mentioned again in Jhn.21.2 as one of the disciples who went fishing with Peter after Jesus' resurrection. He was present when Jesus appeared to them on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias and performed the miraculous catch of fish.
Although little is known about Nathanael's life beyond these brief mentions, his inclusion among the twelve disciples highlights his importance in Jesus' ministry. His initial skepticism and subsequent confession of faith demonstrate the transformative power of encountering Jesus and the depth of his commitment to following him.
Tradition holds that Nathanael, under the name Bartholomew, went on to preach the gospel in various regions, including India and Armenia, where he is said to have been martyred for his faith.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentJohn 5 verses
- John 1:45
"Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”"
Study John → - John 1:46
"“Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip."
Study John → - John 1:47
"When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.”"
Study John → - John 1:48
"“How do You know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”"
Study John → - John 1:49
"“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”"
Study John →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ναθαναήλ | Nathanaḗl | Nathanaël (i.e. Nathanel), an Israelite and Christian |
Nathanael (2)
" (compare Budge, Contendings of the Apostles, II, 50), Nathanael was the same as Simon, the son of Cleopas, and was one of the Twelve. He was among those who met and conversed with Jesus during the preaching of John the Baptist at Bethany beyond Jordan (compare Joh 1:28). From the manner of the invitation extended to him by Philip (Joh 1:45), it is evident that Nathanael was well versed in ancient Scripture, and that in him also the preaching of John had aroused a certain expectancy. His reply to Philip, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? (Joh 1:46), was prompted, not by any ill repute of the place, but by its petty insignificance and familiarity in Nathanael's eyes. To this question Philip made no direct answer, but replied, "Come and see." It was the answer best fitted to the man and the occasion; it appealed to Nathanael's fair-mindedness and sincerity of purpose. He responded nobly to the call, and on approaching Jesus was received with the words: "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" (Joh 1:47). It was a tribute to that singleness of heart which enabled him to overcome his initial prejudice. The same candor and openness distinguished the after-interview of Nathanael with Jesus, as is evident by his question, "Whence knowest thou me?" (Joh 1:48). The reply of Jesus was not what he expected. It concerned the time he had spent under the fig tree, kneeling, no doubt, in silent prayer and communion with God, and brought to mind all the sacred hopes and aspirations of that hour. It taught him that here was One who read on the instant the inmost secrets of his heart, and was Himself the ideal for whom he was seeking; and it drew from him the confession, "Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art King of Israel" (Joh 1:49).
Although Nathanael is mentioned by name only once again in the New Testament, where he is one of the seven who witnessed the appearance of the risen Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias (Joh 21:2), it is evident that the connection and companionship of Nathanael with Jesus must have been much closer than those two incidents would lead us to suppose. Accordingly, attempts have been made to identify him with other New Testament characters, the most commonly accepted being Bartholomew (compare BARTHOLOMEW). The principal arguments in support of this identification are:
(1) Nathanael is never mentioned by the synoptists, and Bartholomew is never mentioned by John, who further implies that Nathanael was one of the twelve disciples (compare Joh 20:24-26; 21:2);
(2) in the Synoptists, Philip is closely connected with Bartholomew (compare lists of the apostles), and in John with Nathaniel (compare Joh 1:45 ff);
(3) the fact that most of the other apostles bear two names. Arguments are also adduced to identify him wit h Simon the Cananean (compare SIMON). Nathanael has also been identified with Matthew and Mattbias (based on the similarity of name-meanings), with John the son of Zebedee, with Stephen, and even with Paul.
C. M. Kerr
nath-a-ni'-as (Nathanias): One of those who put away their foreign wives (1 Esdras 9:34) equals "Nathan" of Ezr 10:39.
na'-shunz.